Steve Howard – RUMA CA&E Secretary General
Veterinary practices across the UK are joining forces once again during November in an important initiative to tackle a growing concern: the safe disposal of unused and out-of-date animal medicines. What began as a campaign focused solely on antibiotics has now evolved into the Animal Medicines Amnesty, a broader movement encouraging the return of all types of veterinary medicines that may be sitting in people’s homes either leftover or out of date.
Why it matters
Led by a coalition of UK veterinary organisations, practices, and charities, the campaign, which is sponsored by Zoetis, aims to educate pet owners about the responsible use and disposal of veterinary medicines. This effort is crucial in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), protecting animal health, and preventing environmental pollution. Medicines that are improperly stored or disposed of—whether put in the bin or flushed down the drain or toilet—can pose serious risks to pets, people, and the planet. This campaign, run thanks to the support of vet practices right across the UK, helps reach owners with important educational messages about the responsible use of medicines and provides a platform for vet practice teams to start conversations with clients about the role we all have in the safe use and disposal of veterinary medicines.
Support from industry
We’re very pleased to have the support of so many organisations from right across the industry representing all roles and business types from independent vets through to the corporates, plus charities as well as the membership bodies and government. We also have Zoetis as the lead sponsor of the campaign. All of this backing helps us raise the profile of the amnesty and reach more of the profession encouraging even greater participation and ultimately, more vet practice participation, means more owners will see and hear about the campaign and hopefully take part by returning unused pet medicines to their vet practice for safe disposal. Every single medicine returned is a positive step forward—it ensures appropriate disposal, protects the environment, and reduces the risk of any misuse.
Broadening the message
While antibiotics remain a core focus of the campaign, the messaging and evolution of the title to Animal Medicines Amnesty, widens the remit to include any other medicines owners might have stored away that they no longer need such as parasiticides, NSAIDs, steroids, and heart medications. On parasiticides specifically, recent research indicates the presence of parasiticides in UK waterways, highlighting the potential environmental impact of improper disposal which is something owners need better awareness of.
What practices can do
Veterinary practices are encouraged to actively participate by:
- Sharing campaign messages with clients via newsletters, social media, and posters.
- Adding stickers to prescription bags and discussing medicine disposal during consultations.
- Contacting clients who recently received medications to encourage returns.
- Ordering a pharmaceutical bin to collect returned medicines during the campaign.
A comprehensive campaign toolkit is available, featuring posters, social media content, client information sheets, and practice guidance. You can download it from the RUMA CA&E website here.
Impact so far
Last year’s campaign, then known as the Antibiotic Amnesty, saw the return of thousands of medicines, including:
- 2,148 antibiotic tablets
- 136 topical preparations
- 47 injections
- 82 bottles of oral liquids
Dr Gwen Rees, Junior Vice President, British Veterinary Association
Why we should get involved!
As veterinary professionals, we are in a unique position to influence not just the health of the animals we care for, but also the behaviours of their owners. The Animal Medicines Amnesty offers a practical way to make a real difference in medicine stewardship, client engagement, animal welfare, and environmental protection. The British Veterinary Association has been proud to support the campaign since its inception two years ago.
Supporting the Amnesty reinforces the veterinary profession’s leadership in responsible medicine use. Stewardship extends beyond prescribing, it includes ensuring medicines are stored, used, and ultimately disposed of safely. By encouraging clients to return unused or out-of-date medicines, we reduce the risk of accidental ingestion, environmental contamination, or inappropriate use. This is particularly important for antibiotics, where leftover supplies could contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
The campaign also strengthens relationships with clients. Many owners may not realise the risks of keeping old medications or that their practice offers safe disposal options. The Amnesty provides a structured opportunity to remind clients of the services your practice offers and demonstrates a proactive, caring approach that goes beyond consultations and prescriptions.
Another key benefit is supporting animal welfare. Nudging clients to check expiry or “broached” dates ensures pets only receive treatments that are fully effective. Expired medicines may lose potency or degrade into harmful substances. Encouraging returns safeguards the health of animals under your care, giving owners peace of mind.
Participation also contributes to environmental protection. Medicines like parasiticides or NSAIDs can harm wildlife if they enter waterways. Proper collection prevents contamination and demonstrates the profession’s commitment to sustainability.
Finally, involvement is simple but impactful. Even small actions like adding a sticker to prescription bags or discussing disposal during consultations can increase returns and awareness. Every returned medicine protects pets, supports clients, and shows the profession’s responsibility and leadership.