Guidance

Contact VMD

How to contact the VMD for specific services or enquiries.

From:
Veterinary Medicines Directorate
Published
22 October 2021

About contacting the VMD

Below are links to guidance about common questions, but if you cannot find the information you need please email the contact listed here, on the subject page or postmaster@vmd.gov.uk.

Emailing is the best way to ensure you get a full response which can be used for future reference.

We aim to:

  • respond to enquiries and complaints within 15 working days, or sooner where possible
  • reply to Freedom of Information requests within 20 working days

Sometimes we may need longer to respond, for example if you are asking for complex information or we need to involve a third party. If we are unable to respond within these timescales, we will let you know.

Complain about a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse

The VMD does not deal with complaints about how your animal has been treated, including what products were used and costs. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the registration body for veterinary surgeons and nurses. See further information on their Code of Conduct and about how to raise a concern

Dog vaccination

Information on vaccination schedules and licensed vaccines for dogs can be found on our Vaccination of dogs page

You should speak to your vet who will be able to advise specifically on required vaccines and intervals.

Importing and Exporting

Only authorised persons can import or export veterinary medicines. The special import, export, and batch release schemes are all digital services and we only deal with queries by email. Please do not call us about matters in relation to any of these schemes:

Online services:

Managing your Marketing Authorisations and submitting applications

Application management is a digital service and we only deal with queries by email to ensure the security and confidentiality of commercial information. s.response@vmd.gov.uk.

If you are a Marketing Authorisation holder, you can report a current or foreseen UK supply problem with one of your medicines.

Medicines record keeping

  • Guidance on Record keeping when supplying or using a veterinary medicine, including horses

Paying an invoice, including residues surveillance

Pet travel

The VMD does not deal with Pet travel. Information is available from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

Premises registered or certified by VMD

  • How to register Veterinary Practices and common issues we find during inspections

  • How to legally run a Wholesale Dealer business and find a full list of registered wholesale dealers

  • How to apply for approval of Retailer premises for a Suitably Qualified Person and find a full list of registered SQP Retailer Premises

Prescriptions and dispensing

Record keeping, storage and disposal of Controlled Drugs

  • Information on prescribing, supplying, storage and disposal of Controlled drugs and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations as they relate to veterinary medicines

Report an adverse reaction to veterinary medicine or microchip

Anyone can report an unexpected reaction to an animal medicine or microchip, even if it is a possible side effect. You can also report it if you suspect it hasn’t worked. Do this online via our online reporting system.

Something else

Speak to someone at the VMD

When calling unannounced, it is not always possible to speak to someone who will be able to help with your query. The best way to contact us is by email. If it is critical to speak to someone you could ask for a call back in your email.

The call-back service is not available for enquiries about special import certificates, export certificates, batch release schemes or authorisation applications. As these are digital services all enquiries are dealt with via email.

Please only call the VMD in exceptional circumstances on 01932 336911. The switchboard hours are 9:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Call back request form

Published 22 October 2021
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