What information must be included when prescribing a medication for an animal?

When prescribing medication for an animal, it is essential to include the name of the owner and the species of the animal. This requirement is crucial because it directly links the prescription to the appropriate patient. The owner’s name ensures that the medication is dispensed to the correct individual responsible for the animal's care, while the species information helps to verify that the medication prescribed is suitable for that specific type of animal, as different species can have varying tolerances and reactions to medications.

Understanding the animal's species is important not just for legality, but for the safety and efficacy of the treatment being provided. For example, a medication that is safe for a dog may not be safe for a cat, and vice versa. Therefore, including both the owner's name and the species in the prescription safeguards against potential errors that could result from misidentification of the patient.

Including the veterinarian’s name, medical history, or license number may be relevant for other administrative purposes but is less critical than identifying the correct owner and patient species when it comes to the immediate needs of the prescription.