Since October 1st, 2024, Cascais has gained a veterinary pharmacy. It’s called Júlia and is located in the Torre area, in a space that once housed a florist. After a complete renovation, it now sells animal medications – primarily for dogs, cats, and horses. And it’s been attracting plenty of curious visitors, considering it’s still a rare concept in Portugal.
That’s set to change in the coming years. A european regulation, still in its transitional phase, has stated that veterinary clinics will no longer be allowed to sell animal medications but must instead prescribe them, with these products being sold in specialised veterinary pharmacies, much like in human medicine.
“To buy animal medications, many people turn to human pharmacies, where there’s no specialised advice,” explains veterinary surgeon Júlia Sereno, 36, the brand’s founder, highlighting the market gap for pharmacies dedicated to animals.
“There is a lack of technical information in human pharmacies. Often, they don’t have the medications in stock, so people have to order and wait, or they don’t provide the proper advice because they don’t know how to indicate the doses, therapeutic instructions, safety intervals, or the specific needs of each species or breed,” she explains.
At Júlia Veterinary Pharmacy in Cascais, the team consists of the veterinary surgeon, a veterinary nurse, and a specialist assistant focused on wound care. They sell medications, supplements, food products, and some items typically found in pet stores. From specialised shampoos, creams, and ointments to diapers and surgical bodysuits – you’ll find a bit of everything.
They also offer a grooming service, including baths and haircuts, but with a more "technical" approach. “Typically, grooming services are like a hairdresser, more aesthetic. Here, we take a more clinical approach, with a technical follow-up. We also advise when we think the animal needs to go to the clinic, which is very important because it ensures people take action at the right time and don't let symptoms worsen. One thing I noticed when working in a clinic is that people often don’t recognise the urgency in treating an animal. They often arrive at the clinic with severe symptoms because they haven't been able to identify them or haven't paid close attention... Here, we also look after animals coming from clinics with dermatological issues. Many animals have allergies, wounds requiring bandage changes, and we offer this type of service.”
Júlia Sereno also points out that, in the horse market, it was difficult to find the right medications and supplements for the species. “Horses need more ambulatory care, and often people didn’t have a nearby place to get their medications, so we’ve filled that gap as well.”
Júlia Veterinary Pharmacy in Cascais has been a success, largely driven by word of mouth, with clients recommending it to friends and acquaintances. “Many clients come referred by others; many veterinarians already send their clients here to buy prescription medications. But then we also get the curious ones who come in; there are people who ask for nutritional advice, which is something we offer because we provide a different kind of advice compared to a pet shop. Here, we can read labels, understand the composition, and give advice in cases of food allergies.”
Originally from Coimbra and living in Cascais for three years, Júlia — who has worked as a veterinary surgeon as well as in the pharmaceutical industry, where she deepened her knowledge of various medications and the related market — believes the town has the ideal characteristics for starting such a project, given the number of pet owners and the community involved in equestrianism and horseback riding.
As for the future, she doesn't rule out the possibility of expanding the brand with more veterinary pharmacies. “The brand was created with that in mind, so it could happen. It’s a matter of growing and exploring the possibilities. Other business ventures could also arise,” she adds.
Rua Joaquim Ereira, 1662, Cascais. Mon-Fri 09.30–19.30; Sat 10.00–18.00. 964 094 513