Frequently Asked Questions
Like with all veterinary services that you are provided you should ask questions. That applies to the Parasite Prevention Program as well. In fact we encourage you to ask questions! We want you to fully understand exactly what it is that is required to keep your pet healthy and to appreciate what we can do to help you achieve this.
Owning a pet is a great responsibility. It's also not without its fair share of confusion either! That is why we've tried to make it as easy as possible for you to provide your pet with their necessary parasite prevention.
Below is an extensive list of questions we frequently get asked about our Parasite Prevention Program.
If you have a question that is not answered here please do not hesitate to contact us and we will provide you with the answer.
What is the Parasite Prevention Program?
The Parasite Prevention Program has been developed by veterinarians to provide clients with a simple, convenient and affordable way to give their pets the parasite prevention products they need.
Unfortunately as veterinarians we see many pets that are overdue for flea, heartworm and gastrointestinal worming treatments and are suffering the effects of these parasites. The Parasite Prevention Program is aimed at addressing this problem be ensuring products are delivered when they are required. No more having to remember when treatments are due. They arrive in the mail and you use them!
In addition the Parasite Prevention Program allows clients to pay for their pet's products on a monthly basis. Instead of having to purchase an entire packet of product such as a six month supply, clients can purchase products each month. This spreads out the cost of the pet's treatment making it more affordable.
Why would I use the Parasite Prevention Program?
If you have ever lost track of what parasite preventatives you should be giving to your pet; if you have ever forgotten to give your pet their regular parasite prevention on time; or if you have ever wished there was a more affordable way to pay for your pet's parasite prevention then the Parasite Prevention Program is the answer. There are custom-designed packages for dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets that utilise the best veterinary recommended products on the market. These are mailed to you when your pet needs them for you to use. In addition you get to pay for them monthly.
The question is not "why would you use the Program" but "why would you NOT use the Parasite Prevention Program?
Who owns and operates the Parasite Prevention Program?
The Parasite Prevention Program was designed and implemented by veterinarians who saw a need to provide clients with an alternative as to how they purchased their pet's parasite preventatives. As veterinarians in practice we see clients on a daily basis and appreciate how difficult it can be for them to keep up-to-date with their pet's parasite control. There are many reasons for this and this is why we developed the Parasite Prevention Program.
In addition, because the Parasite Prevention Program is owned and operated by veterinarians, you can rest easy knowing that you have the technical backup if you have any questions regarding the products. Our training and product knowledge is extensive - something that you will not find in a pet shop, online shop or supermarket.
What products does the Parasite Prevention Program utilise?
The Parasite Prevention Program offers clients the selection of the very best flea, heartworm and gastrointestinal worming products on the market. We have over 750 tailored packages to meet your preference of products. We only use products recommended by veterinarians and will not supply unsafe and ineffective products such as those available in supermarkets and other retail outlets.
- Products used in dogs are Activyl, Advantage, Advocate, Advantix, Bravecto, Comfortis, Comfortis Plus, Drontal Chewables and Drontal Tablets, Frontline Plus, Heartgard, Interceptor Spectrum, Milbemax, Nexgard, Nexgard Spectra, Paragard, Revolution, Sentinel Spectrum and Simparica.
- The products for cats are Activyl, Advantage, Advocate, Comfortis, Drontal, Frontline Plus, Milbemax, Paragard, Profender and Revolution.
- For rabbits we recommend using Advantage or Revolution.
- We also can provide protection for ferrets by using Advantage and Advocate.
See our Products section for more information about any of the listed products.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the Parasite Prevention Program is dependent on a number of factors. These include:
- The species (i.e. dog, cat, rabbit or ferret);
- The weight of your pet; and
- The products that you select.
We appreciate that you have a number of options available to you when purchasing your pet's parasite prevention products. With this in mind we believe our extensive range of packages is competitively priced as well as providing a simple and convenient way of obtaining the products. The Parasite Prevention Program is unique in the range of products we offer, the fact that you have it delivered and that you pay for it on a monthly basis. That's a service you will get nowhere else!
What package do you recommend?
Every pet is different. The same can be said about the parasite prevention they require. For this reason there is no one single product or package that we recommend. We prefer to tailor your pet's products to best match them. Factors that need to be considered include:
- What species are they (i.e. dog, cat, rabbit or ferret)?
- Are they easy to give oral chews/tablets to or would a spot-on preparation be easier?
- Does the pet live in an area where ticks are found?
- Does the pet live in an area where heartworm is seen?
- Does the pet spend a lot of time in the water or get washed very frequently?
- Exactly what parasites you wish to prevent or control?
If you have never used any of the our products on your pets or are not sure what they require then please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the appropriate package for your pet. Alternatively you can check out of Packages & Prices section for an easy step-by-step process of selecting the best products and packages for your pet.
I can't see a Parasite Prevention package that suits my pet. What should I do?
While we aim to have as many veterinary recommended products in our range as possible we appreciate that there are some products that we do not cover.
If you are using a veterinary recommended product on your pet and it is not listed in one of our packages then please contact us.
We can assess the product, develop a package and include it in our range for you to use.
My dog is only a puppy and will be growing. How do I cater for this?
Puppies certainly grow up quickly and this can cause confusion when it comes to parasite prevention. Most products used for preventing and treating parasites are dosed on a body weight basis. Because puppies grow it can be difficult to ensure they receive the correct dose of the product. The Parasite Prevention Program takes care of this. When you enrol a new puppy we note its age, breed and sex. We compare this data to growth charts that have been scientifically developed. From this we can predict how much your new puppy is likely to weigh at any given age. As they grow we simply alter the products they require based on their increasing weight. The best thing is that you do not have to remember a thing. We do all the calculations, alter the products automatically and debit your credit card or bank account the correct amount.
In addition we will periodically contact all our clients to ensure their details are correct. This will include checking to see that we are sending your pet the correct products based on their correct weight.
How do I pay for the Parasite Prevention Program?
There are two different ways of paying for the Parasite Prevention Program.
- The first method is a monthly debit from your credit card. Each month the cost of the package you have selected is charged to your card. We accept Visa and Mastercard.
- The second method of payment is via a monthly direct debit from your bank account. Each month we debit the cost of the package you have selected from your bank account.
The Parasite Prevention Program cannot be paid for in person at veterinary clinics. It is only available to clients who set up a direct debit from either a credit card or their bank account.
Are my bank and credit card details secure?
We appreciate that you are providing us with personal information such as your address and banking details. We take the security of this information very seriously. For this reason all your details are kept secure in a password encrypted database. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further information.
Does my vet offer the Parasite Prevention Program?
The Parasite Prevention Program is being implemented in an increasing number of veterinary practices across Australia. As we are a separate company providing this service each veterinary practice needs to decide if they would like to offer the Parasite Prevention Program to their clients. If you take your pets to a veterinary practice that does not offer the Program and you think they should then tell them! Let us know and we will contact them to discuss how they too can provide their clients with a simple, convenient and affordable way for them to purchase their pet's parasite prevention.
When does my credit card or bank account get debited?
Your credit card or bank account will get debited on or as close to the 20th of each month for the NEXT month's products. This means that you pay for July's products on the 20th June, September's products on the 20th August and so on.
This allows us enough time to contact you should something go amiss with your banking details (e.g. expired credit card) and still be able to send the products on time so as you receive them as close to the start of the month as possible.
How will my pet's products arrive?
Each month your pet's products will arrive in the mail. They will come in an envelope and will easily be recognisable with the Parasite Prevention Program logo on it. Each product will be packed individually.
If you have enrolled 2 or more pets in the program you will receive a separate package containing each of your pet's products within a larger envelope. Each package will be addressed to each individual pet so that it will be clear which products are for which pet.
Can't I just go to my Vet and buy my products monthly?
Yes and no. There are a very small number of veterinary practices that break up larger packets of products and sell them as individual products. There are two problems with this:
1. The monthly cost of purchasing products like this is generally quite high as the veterinary clinics tend to put a higher mark-up on the products to compensate for the fact they are breaking open a packet.
2. It is not a very good way of providing your pet it's parasite preventatives because it relies on you going to the veterinary clinic EVERY month and purchasing the products. If you miss a month here or there your pet is potentially being exposed to harmful parasites. In the veterinary industry we simply call that "bad medicine"!
Several of the manufacturers are now producing and marketing their products as monthly doses. Many pet owners feel this is a great way to purchase their pet's products but consider these following points:
1. These monthly products are always more expensive per month than when you buy a larger pack e.g. it will be cheaper per month to a 6 pack than to buy 6 separate monthly packets. This difference may be in the range of $2 to $5 per month! All our product packages are based on the price of the largest pack size available so if a 6 pack is available then you pay 1/6 of that per month. It's just another benefit of using the Parasite Prevention Program... the benefit of buying in bulk but with the costs spread out!
2. If you are purchasing these monthly doses then you need to go to your vet EVERY month. If you work out the cost in time, petrol and effort to do this you will quickly realise that it simply doesn't make sense. Wouldn't it be easier to just have your pet's products delivered to your door every month without you even lifting a finger?
What is "Refer and Save"?
We believe that you will think that the Parasite Prevention Program is an excellent service. As such we know you will want to tell all your family and friends about it.
The Refer and Save program is our way of thanking those clients who refer people to the Program and what better way of thanking you than by helping you save money off the cost of your pet's parasite prevention!
For more information about Refer & Save click here.
My pet is going to be in kennels or a cattery when their products are due to arrive. What should I do?
We all deserve a holiday and sometimes we have to put our pets into boarding kennels and catteries. If your pet is going to be in a kennel or cattery when their products are due to arrive then we can help. Just let us know the name and address of the boarding facility and the dates that your pet will be there. We will send the product to the kennels or cattery instead of your regular mailing address. We'll even put a note in the envelope to let the boarding staff know that your pet is enrolled in the Parasite Prevention Program and what they need to do with the products. After your trip you can expect the products to be sent to your regular mailing address again. You can go on holidays safe in the knowledge that your pet's are continuing to receive their parasite prevention uninterrupted.
How do I cancel my pet's enrolment in the Parasite Prevention Program?
If you would like to cancel your pet's enrolment in the Parasite Prevention Program then please contact us as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made by the 28th of each month (i.e. prior to the next month's products being mailed out). Any amounts debited from your credit card or bank account can be reversed (minus any associated banking fees) IF the products have not yet been sent. If they have been sent then we will require that they be returned prior to you credit card or bank account being refunded (minus any associated banking and postage fees).
My pet passed away or I no longer have them but their products arrived. What should I do?
As we are an independent company providing this service through veterinary clinics and online we understand that on the very rare occasion we will send products to a patient that is either deceased or is no longer owned. We ask all affiliated veterinary practices to inform us if any pet that they know that was enrolled in the Parasite Prevention Program has passed away or has changed owners. We would also be very appreciative if you would let us know as soon as possible if you no longer have your pet.
Should you receive products for a pet that you no longer have then please contact us and we will gladly refund you upon return of the products.
I don't have my pet on flea or heartworm prevention but I would just like to receive a gastrointestinal wormer. Can I do that?
While we recommend that all pets receive products that prevent all parasites we appreciate that some pet owners don't want to do this. As a minimum we strongly recommend that all dogs and cats should receive a gastrointestinal wormer every 3 months. The Parasite Prevention Program can cater for such a request. Just enrol your pet and indicate that you only wish to to be mailed out a gastrointestinal wormer every 3 months. Simple!