Veterinary Compounding Pharmacy in Australia: Custom Medicines for Animals

This guide covers when veterinary compounding is appropriate, what species are commonly catered for, and how to find a vet-compounder.

When veterinary compounding is appropriate

Most animal medicines a vet prescribes are commercial veterinary products approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for the relevant species. Compounding is used when those products do not cover the situation.

Common reasons a vet writes a compounded prescription:

• No commercial veterinary equivalent. The active ingredient the vet wants is registered for humans but not for the species being treated, or no product exists at any strength.
• Species-specific doses. A guinea pig, a ferret, or a bird needs a dose far below the lowest commercial strength. The compounder prepares a dilute liquid at a measurable concentration.
• Palatability. Many cats spit out tablets. Many dogs refuse pills hidden in food. A flavoured liquid, a transdermal gel, or a flavoured chew can support adherence.
• Combination preparations. Two active ingredients in a single preparation when the manufacturer does not produce a combination.
• Discontinued products. A commercial veterinary product that has been withdrawn from supply but is still clinically appropriate.

The vet decides whether compounding is the right route. The compounder prepares what the vet writes.

What species are typically catered for

Australian veterinary compounders prepare medicines for a wide range of species. The most common categories:

• Cats. Transdermal gels applied to the inner ear are popular for cats that refuse oral medicines. Flavoured liquids in fish, chicken, or tuna are also common.
• Dogs. Flavoured chews, liquids, and capsules at custom doses. Chicken, beef, and liver flavours support adherence.
• Exotic pets. Reptiles, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets often need micro-doses that no commercial product supplies. Compounders prepare suspensions at species-appropriate concentrations.
• Horses. Equine compounding includes oral pastes, powders for feed, and topical preparations. Compounders work with the prescribing vet on volumes and concentrations suitable for a 500-kilogram patient.
• Livestock. Less common, but compounders occasionally prepare preparations for cattle, sheep, and goats where commercial veterinary products do not cover the need.

Not every compounder handles every species. A compounder who regularly prepares cat medicines may not have the equipment or experience for equine work. Ask the compounder which species they regularly prepare for before placing an order.

The prescribing-vet requirement

Veterinary compounded medicines require a prescription from a registered veterinarian. The vet is the prescriber. The compounder cannot dispense without a valid script.

The prescription must specify:

• The species, age, and weight of the animal
• The active ingredient and strength
• The form (liquid, capsule, transdermal gel, paste)
• The dose and frequency
• The total quantity required
• The owner's name and contact details

If you have a valid veterinary prescription, you can present it to any registered compounding pharmacy that prepares veterinary medicines. Some compounders accept prescriptions from interstate vets if the vet is registered with the Veterinary Practitioners Board of the relevant state.

For general information on the veterinary profession and finding a vet, see the Australian Veterinary Association at ava.com.au.

Flavoured compounds

Flavour is one of the most common reasons a vet prescribes a compounded medicine. A medicine the animal refuses is not effective in practice.

Common flavour profiles by species:

Species	Common flavours	Notes
Cats	Tuna, fish, chicken, beef	Cats are obligate carnivores; sweet flavours are not effective
Dogs	Chicken, beef, liver, peanut butter, bacon	Most dogs accept savoury flavours
Horses	Apple, molasses, peppermint	Equine flavours are usually paste-based
Rabbits and guinea pigs	Banana, vegetable-based flavours	Hay-friendly bases preferred
Birds	Fruit-based flavours	Often as a liquid
Reptiles	Neutral suspension	Flavour matters less

The compounder will discuss flavour options when you present the prescription. If the animal has previously rejected a particular flavour, mention it.

Common formats

Veterinary compounders prepare medicines in formats suited to the species and the animal's tolerance.

• Transdermal gels. Applied to the hairless inner ear of cats. Useful for animals that refuse oral medicines. Not appropriate for every active ingredient.
• Flavoured liquids and suspensions. Common for cats and dogs. The owner draws up a measured volume with a syringe.
• Flavoured chews and treats. Common for dogs. The active ingredient is incorporated into a treat the dog accepts as food.
• Capsules. For animals that swallow capsules reliably, often hidden in food.
• Oral pastes. Common for horses, supplied in a syringe-style applicator graduated by weight.
• Topical creams and gels. For skin conditions or wound care.
• Suppositories. Used occasionally for animals that cannot tolerate oral medicines.

The format is chosen by the prescribing vet in consultation with the compounder.

The legal split between human and veterinary compounding

Veterinary compounding sits under a different regulatory framework to human-medicine compounding. The compounder is still required to be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia and to follow the Board's Guidelines on Compounding of Medicines (revised October 2024), but the veterinary side also involves the APVMA.

The APVMA regulates veterinary chemical products in Australia. Compounded veterinary medicines are prepared on the authority of a veterinary prescription rather than through APVMA registration of the finished product, because each preparation is patient-specific.

The vet is responsible for the clinical decision. The compounder is responsible for the preparation. The owner is responsible for storing the medicine as labelled and administering it as the vet directs.

For general information on veterinary medicines regulation, see apvma.gov.au.

How to find a vet-compounder

Approaches:

1. Ask your vet. Most practices have working relationships with one or two compounders they trust.
2. Search the Pharmacy Finder directory at pharmacies offering compounding and ask the compounder whether they prepare veterinary medicines.
3. Check the Australasian Society of Compounding Pharmacists at ascp.net.au.

When you contact a compounder, ask:

• Do you regularly prepare veterinary medicines?
• Which species do you cover?
• Can you prepare a transdermal gel or flavoured liquid for this active ingredient?
• What is the turnaround time?
• Can you post the preparation, or do I need to collect it?

For broader context on locating compounders in your state, see our guide on finding a compounding pharmacy by city.