Transferring Medication
We all agree that medication must be transferred with the appropriate instructions - dosage, frequency, length, with/without food, what side effects to watch for, follow up, and any special information such as: “needs to be refrigerated” or “do not give with dairy”, etc. “Furthermore, the new owner would need to recognize if the animal was not responding to treatment and when and where to seek veterinary assistance.” This is usually done directly with verbal instructions from the vet to the owner as well as written instructions on the medication.
However, in our situation, medications sometimes have to transfer to an adopter or a foster. In the foster case, medication can transfer to a foster since they are an extension of the rescue organization (provided the steps above are followed.) In the adoption case (for instance with an animal on maintenance meds), the prescribing vet must have a discussion with the adopter to ensure complete understanding as well as to maintain the Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCRP) that is required under the Board of Pharmacy.
Note: This includes dispensing heartworm prevention.