How to take part in this year’s Animal Medicines Amnesty

31 October 2025

The Animal Medicines Amnesty has evolved from a sole focus on antibiotics to encourage vet practices to work with their clients to encourage the return of all types of out-of-date and unused veterinary medicines for appropriate disposal.

Run throughout November by the Responsible use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animal and Equine Alliance (RUMA CA&E) and sponsored by Zoetis UK Ltd, the Animal Medicines Amnesty is led by a collaboration of UK veterinary organisations, practices and charities to educate owners about the importance of the appropriate use and disposal of all pet medicines in order to address issues such as AMR (antimicrobial resistance), protect pet safety and prevent environmental pollution.

During the Animal Medicines Amnesty campaign, veterinary practices across the UK are encouraged to share messages with their clients about the potential harms of storing unused/unwanted veterinary medicines in their homes, the risks of sharing or using them at a later date on their pets, and the harmful environmental impacts of disposing of them via domestic waste or into sewage. It is hoped that the campaign will drive participation, not only across the veterinary profession but also in support of the education of pet owners about their crucial role in medicines stewardship.

Last year, in its previous format as the Antibiotic Amnesty, the campaign secured the return of 2,148 antibiotic tablets, 136 topical preparations, 47 injections and 82 bottles of oral liquid preparations. 2024 also saw the return of other medications such as parasiticides and hormones in addition to antibiotics. In the category of ‘other’, practices reported the return of medications such as NSAIDs, pain relief, steroids, heart medication and ear drops.

Steve continued: “We would encourage practices right across the UK to get involved – a toolkit is available on the RUMA CA&E website which has everything practices need to take part. We will be doing all we can to share the campaign far and wide to raise as much awareness, engagement and participation as possible.”

How can practices get involved?

Talk about the Animal Medicines Amnesty and share resources with your practice team to get everyone onboard.
Include details of the amnesty in client newsletters, vaccination booster reminders, on social media and your website, and display posters in your waiting room.
Add stickers to packets of tablets or prescription bags.
Have conversations with clients about the risks of not using or disposing of veterinary medicines responsibly, and encourage them to return any unused medicines to the practice for appropriate disposal.
Contact clients who have had medications such as antibiotics dispensed in recent months to tell them about the Amnesty and prompt them to return any leftovers.
Order a spare pharmaceutical bin for use during the campaign to collect returned medicines. At the end all returns will need to be counted and details fed back to RUMA CA&E (details of how to do this will follow in early December).

A campaign toolkit has been developed for practices, including waiting room posters, pre-written social media posts and graphics, newsletter content, a client information sheet, and practice guidance documents. These are available to download from the RUMA CA&E website here or by scanning the QR code: https://bit.ly/4nvEO3r