Championing animal health and product integrity

As veterinarians no doubt understand, the animal health industry in the United Kingdom is highly regulated to protect animal health and welfare. However, navigating these complex rules can be challenging for practices, especially as regulations change.

This article discusses the challenges veterinary practices in the UK face, how MWI Animal Health addresses customer issues, and the steps we’re taking to build trust while preparing for the future.

Understanding the regulatory environment

The UK veterinary industry operates under complex regulations to safeguard animal health. As these rules evolve, practices often find it hard to keep up. MWI is dedicated to simplifying compliance for our partners.

Compliance falls under several governing bodies, notably the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). The VMD regulates veterinary medicines, while the RCVS governs veterinary professionals and practices. While both aim to uphold safety, their overlapping responsibilities can lead to confusion as practices must comply with regulations and guidance from both organisations.

Chris McMenaman, MWI’s Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Manager, notes, “The VMD creates regulations for the veterinary industry and additional GDP guidance for wholesalers, while the RCVS sets expectations and guidance for veterinary practices. Whilst we have no clear measure of the entire industry, feedback we have received from practices is it appears the RCVS and VMD are not always aligned on approach and interpretation of regulations.” These gaps can lead to misunderstandings, adding stress to busy veterinary teams.

How regulatory changes affect veterinary practices

Overlapping responsibilities not only create confusion but also directly impact how practices access and manage essential medications, such as controlled drugs. Controlled drugs are vital in veterinary medicine but come with strict regulations, and practices need timely access to these medications, though compliance can delay delivery. For distributors like MWI, balancing these needs is a constant challenge.

Veterinary wholesalers such as MWI who supply both veterinary and human medicines to veterinary practices previously only used to comply with EU Good Distribution Practice of medicinal products for human use, which had soft command words of ‘should’ throughout the guidance allowing wholesalers to make their own interpretations to many points. The VMD's updated Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidance, effective June 2025, is much more directive using the command word ‘must’ and closely follows the EU Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines for veterinary medicines.

To ensure compliance, MWI reviewed all regulations and set unified operational standards. McMenaman explains, “We’ve analysed every regulation and created a single set of rules for our business. By December, we’ll be fully aligned with the new GDP requirements, ensuring practices can trust our processes.”

MWI’s commitment to thorough checks ensures our customers receive safe, compliant products.

Addressing veterinarians’ frustrations

Beyond delivery logistics, another critical area where compliance intersects with practice operations is the handling of temperature-sensitive products. Veterinary practices often voice frustration over delays in accessing controlled drugs. Such delays can impact patient care, especially during emergencies. McMenaman acknowledges this issue. “Controlled drugs are critical, but they’re hard to distribute due to strict regulations set by the Home Office. We’re working on solutions to shorten delivery times while staying compliant.”

Some competitors claim faster delivery, but their methods may not align with regulations.

McMenaman adds, “We’ve proposed similar solutions to the MHRA (human health) and Home Office, but they were deemed non-compliant. While it’s frustrating to see inconsistencies within the industry, we won’t compromise on safety or compliance.”

MWI is actively exploring ways to streamline distribution. By using technology and ongoing improvements, we aim to reduce delivery times without sacrificing compliance. One idea, inspired by feedback from a recent community day, is under evaluation and could change the process.

Protecting product integrity

Cold chain products, like vaccines, need strict temperature control to stay effective. Once a practice accepts delivery, MWI cannot guarantee product integrity if returned. This policy is in place to ensure product safety.

MWI helps practices understand the importance of return restrictions. “It’s not about being difficult,” McMenaman says. “It’s about ensuring that our products are safe. If we can’t verify how a product was stored, we can’t risk reintroducing it.”

For over-orders, MWI seeks alternative solutions, such as transferring stock within corporate networks who hold a relevant Wholesale Dealers Authorisation (WDA). We also offer guidance on inventory management to prevent future issues.

Creating transparency and trust

MWI’s careful supplier vetting, including annual licence checks, ensures every product meets safety standards. By maintaining open communication and strict adherence to regulations, MWI builds trust throughout the supply chain. Our goal is to give practices confidence in the products they use.

A lack of transparency can lead to serious issues, such as distributing counterfeit or substandard products. These risks can harm animal health and damage the reputation of practices. Without clear communication, practices may struggle to comply, risking operational disruptions and penalties.

Preparing for the future

Building trust through transparency also means anticipating future regulatory shifts and helping practices stay ahead. The VMD’s new GDP guidance details that veterinary medicinal products must only be returned to saleable stock if “there is documented evidence that the product has been handled, stored and transported in compliance with the authorised storage conditions”. While these changes aren't mandatory until the end of December 2025, MWI helps customers prepare by discussing at community days and partnering with temperature monitoring providers.

Through our Buying Group, MWI offers tools and services to enhance compliance, like real-time temperature monitoring systems. These solutions help practices stay ahead of future requirements.

Customer feedback shapes MWI’s compliance approach. Insights from community events and regular interactions help us identify issues and develop solutions. Technology also plays a vital role in compliance. From automated inventory tracking to integrated pharmacy solutions, MWI uses innovative tools to simplify processes for practices.

Additionally, MWI runs the only GPhC-registered pharmacy in the UK veterinary channel, providing a fully compliant solution for prescription fulfilment. This service frees practices from managing stock and regulatory complexities.

As regulations continue to evolve, collaboration becomes essential. That’s why MWI is committed to working closely with practices to navigate these changes together.