Examples include:
- needles or sharp objects used during treatments
- bandages or gloves contaminated from treating an animal
- materials containing blood
- certain biological tissues from medical procedures
- materials and/or treatments involving microbiological cultures or live vaccines
These types of waste must be handled and disposed of according to strict regulations established by the Government of Quebec.
Proper biomedical waste management helps to:
- protect the health of our team
- ensure the safety of clients and animals
- prevent injuries or infections
- avoid environmental contamination
It is an essential step in providing safe and responsible veterinary care.
Our team follows strict procedures recommended in the veterinary field:
- biomedical waste is identified as soon as it is generated
- sharps (such as needles) are placed in secure, rigid containers
- contaminated materials are disposed of in specially designed bags
- containers are clearly labeled and safely stored before collection
Yes. Our team is trained in the safe management of biomedical waste, including associated risks and proper procedures. This helps protect everyone: staff, clients, and animals.
No. Biomedical waste is always handled, stored, and disposed of according to very strict protocols. Clients do not have access to it, and all necessary measures are taken to ensure a safe clinic environment.
Improper management can lead to:
- infectious risks for workers and the public
- injuries or cuts to staff
- environmental contamination (water, soil, air)
- legal penalties in cases of non-compliance
This means we transfer your pet’s prescription to another provider, such as:
- a human pharmacy
- another veterinary facility
- an online pharmacy
Before transferring the prescription, it is important to verify two things:
With your pharmacist:
- Make sure the exact medication is available (same molecule and dosage—mg or mg/mL)
- Confirm that the pharmacist is comfortable preparing the medication for your pet and can answer your questions
With your insurance provider:
- If your pet is insured, confirm that coverage applies to medications obtained outside a veterinary clinic
Once the prescription is sent elsewhere:
- we will no longer be able to fill, renew, or modify it at our clinic
- any future adjustments or renewals may require a new veterinary consultation, depending on how much time has passed since the original prescription
Not always, which is why it is important to ensure it is exactly the same medication. Human medications:
- may have different side effects in animals
- may contain additives that are toxic to certain species
Recommendation: Speak with the pharmacist to understand the risks and ensure the medication is appropriate for your pet.
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- For questions about your pet’s health: contact the prescribing veterinarian
- For questions about the medication itself: contact the pharmacy or clinic that prepared it
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- Verify that your prescription is valid where you plan to fill it
- Prescriptions from Quebec are not always valid outside Canada or in certain provinces
- Make sure the pharmacy is legitimate by consulting the Order of Pharmacists or the Veterinary Association of the relevant province
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- No guarantee of product authenticity (counterfeits may look identical to real medications)
- Unknown origin and storage conditions, which may affect effectiveness (e.g., heat during transport affecting refrigerated medications)
- No support or guarantees from veterinarians or suppliers (no promotions, loyalty programs, or assistance)
- If not listed, there is no way to verify the product’s expiration date (especially for long-term prescriptions)
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- Known origin and proper storage conditions
- Veterinary supervision during prescription preparation to reduce errors and monitor drug interactions
- Support and guarantees from veterinarians or suppliers (including assistance and financial support)
- Clear guidance on administration and safe use
- Promotions offered by suppliers (loyalty programs or discounts)
When requesting a prescription to be filled externally, prescription fees are normal. These fees reflect the work involved in selecting the medication, calculating the dosage, and the veterinarian’s medical responsibility.
Prescription fees always apply, whether the medication is filled externally or within the veterinary clinic.
It is also important to know that each medication (molecule and concentration) includes preparation costs, whether obtained from a human pharmacy or an online pharmacy. When you purchase medication directly from our clinic, these preparation fees are already included in the total price.