Medication Disposal Information
We understand that sometimes pet owners may end up with leftover or expired medications at home and want to make sure they’re disposed of safely.
While we would love to help more directly, we are not able to take medications back for disposal or donation.
Why can’t we take them back?
There are a couple important reasons:
- Safety and legal regulations: Once medications leave the pharmacy or hospital, they cannot be returned, reused, or given to another patient. Both Minnesota and federal laws are very strict about this to ensure medications are safe and properly handled.
- Controlled substance rules: Some medications are regulated at a federal level, and only approved programs (like pharmacy take-back sites) are allowed to collect and dispose of them.
- Donation limitations: While Minnesota does have a medication donation program, it must go through a specific state-run system with strict guidelines. Veterinary clinics are not allowed to collect medications from clients for redistribution.
- Disposal costs: Proper medication disposal requires specialized handling and compliance, which is extremely costly for small practices like ours.
The safest and most responsible option is to use an authorized medication disposal site.
Local Medication Disposal Options
We recommend calling ahead to confirm hours and what types of medications they accept.
Walgreens
9800 Lyndale Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55420
(952) 884-8246
Fairview Pharmacy (Oxboro Medical Building)
600 W 98th St. #110
Bloomington, MN 55420
(952) 885-6166
CVS
8936 Lyndale Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55420
(952) 881-0163
Helpful Tips
- Keep medications in their original containers when bringing them in
- Scratch out or remove personal information on labels
- Ask ahead if you have liquids, injectables, or controlled substances, as rules can vary
If you’re ever unsure what to do with a medication, feel free to call us—we’re always happy to point you in the right direction.

