Why it’s time to certify your online pet pharmacy through NABP
Back in 1999, a coalition of professional groups, government regulatory associations, and consumer advocacy organizations got together and developed criteria for accredited Internet pharmacies. This criteria was adopted by the National Association Boards of Pharmacy, and the Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (Vet-VIPPS) program is an extension of that original criteria.
Today, the Vet-VIPPS seal helps consumers to know if an online veterinary pharmacy complies with standard criteria and gives them peace of mind as they make online purchases for their pets. This standard criteria includes:
- The customer’s right to privacy. Customers who purchase products from Vet-VIPPS certified pharmacies know their information will not be sold to outside vendors or made known to anyone else.
- Authentication and security of prescription orders. Some customers worry that online pharmacies may be prone to mistakes or mishaps when filling prescription orders, but Vet-VIPPS-certified pharmacies must pass an accreditation process that ensures authentication and security.
- Adherence to a sanctioned quality service policy. Quality of products is assured by Vet-VIPPS-certified pharmacies because of the standards they must meet in certification.
- Availability of consultation between pharmacists and customers. A brick-and-mortar veterinary pharmacy always has a pharmacist on call during business hours for answering questions and resolving concerns. Vet-VIPPS online pharmacies also offer consultations, giving customers the best of both worlds.
When you become certified, you can add the Vet-VIPPS hyperlink seal to your website. This seal demonstrates to everyone who visits your site that your company operates with the high standards associated with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Why is now a good time to become certified? Here are 4 reasons:
1. You could be one of the first. The certification program was developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy in 2009 to curb the practice of illegitimate pharmacies selling pharmaceuticals online. Although the numbers of Vet-VIPPS-certified pharmacies is growing, you could still be one of the first, establishing your company as one of the few legitimate, safe online pet pharmacies in the country.
2. Certification will garner publicity for your website. Becoming Vet-VIPPS certified is news fit for press releases, which could be picked up by news agencies, especially in your local area. Not only will certification benefit your company over its entire life, but it will give you an immediate marketing boost.
3. Your company’s reputation will be established. The Vet-VIPPS seal of approval sets your online pharmacy apart. It tells your customers that you are serious about their animals’ welfare and have already gone to lengths to look after their best interests. Your website will be listed on the NABP site as a recommended pharmacy because you will adhere to their business practice and safety standards.
4. You’ll avoid looking like a rogue pharmacy. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has reviewed over 9,600 online pharmacy websites. According to their review, only 3% of those thousands of sites appear to comply with standard pharmaceutical practices and laws. Patients put their health at risk when they patronize these rogue sites, but they’ll know you’re legitimate if you have the Vet-VIPPS seal on your site.
If you’d like to enhance your company’s trustworthy reputation and gain the confidence of every customer who visits your website, begin the process of becoming Vet-VIPPS certified. The support and backing of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy will both increase traffic to your site and help your customers to feel more comfortable putting their pets’ health in your hands.
