Use for left over pet medications

By Vicki Michels

Recently I had to put down an elderly cat, who had some medical problems. I realized there were several kitty meds that I still had, with remaining unused pills, liquids, supplements.

How to dispose of them? Liquids down the drain? Solids in garbage? Neither of those solutions sounded very earth-friendly. So I phoned my local veterinarian.

I discovered that every veterinarian I phoned had the same information.  

When one has any kind of surplus medication for a pet, TAKE IT TO A VETERINARY CLINIC.  

They will look carefully at the item. If it is still useful, they will donate it to a pet shelter. One even mentioned that they can sometimes give it to another client who is too poor to pay for what their animal needs.

When any medicine or chemical is expired or not useful, they will dispose of it in the safest way. There is no charge for this. They are most happy to have them! Fluffy and Spike will thank you.

And please also bring them any "sharps" (e.g., hypodermic needles used for insulin) or other things like splints and braces. Many also will gratefully accept old blankets and towels, because sick animals can be pretty messy. 

The clinics I talked to are:

    Cats Exclusive

    19203 Aurora Ave. N. (98133)

    206-546-2287

    Cat Hospital

    14810 - 15th Ave. N.E. (98155)

    206-204-3366

    Lake Forest Park Animal Hospital

    6815 Bothell Way N.E. (98155)

    206-363-5656