In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Adam Silvertown, CEO and Founder of Pace Pharmacy, shares how personal experience and professional expertise inspired the launch of VetMeds Canada’s specialized compounding pharmacy division for pets. With over 25 years in pharmacy and advanced training in compounding, Adam is leading the way in personalized, affordable, and safe veterinary medications, forging trusted partnerships with veterinarians and championing innovative care for pet parents nationwide.
Adam Silvertown is a licensed pharmacist and the CEO and Founder of Pace Pharmacy, a Toronto-based specialty compounding pharmacy recognized for personalized care and industry-leading innovation. With 25 years in the pharmaceutical world and as a longtime dog owner, Adam founded VetMeds after his own pet was prescribed a human medication and he saw a clear gap in care. His goal was simple: give pet parents an option that is accessible and affordable.
What inspired you to launch VetMeds, and how did your personal experience as a pet owner influence the creation of this division?
Launching VetMeds was many years in the making. My motivation for VetMeds came from a very personal moment. When my own dog was prescribed a medication commonly used in humans, I quickly realized how confusing, inconvenient, and expensive that experience could be for pet owners. As a pharmacist, the gap was obvious. Pet parents had limited options, little transparency, and almost no practical support while trying to do the right thing for their animals.
I knew this was a solvable problem. Compounding already plays a major role in human medicine, and the same principles apply to pets: dose accuracy, safe formulations, and tailoring a medication to the individual. Offering pet prescriptions was a natural evolution of our pharmacy services, and I wanted to bring that same level of personalized care into the veterinary space. My goal was to give pet parents like me an option they didn’t even know existed, one they could trust, while making treatment accessible and more affordable.
That moment with my dog was the push I needed, my light bulb moment. VetMeds is really an extension of what we’ve done at Pace Pharmacy for years: solve real problems for patients. In this case, the patients just happen to have four legs most of the time.
In what key ways does VetMeds support Canadian pet parents, especially when it comes to safe, customized, and affordable treatments for their animals?
VetMeds was created to make pet medications simpler, safer, and more accessible for Canadian pet owners. We focus on three key areas.
First, we compound medications in the strength, flavour, and dosage form that pets actually need. That means easier dosing, better compliance, and fewer stressful medication battles at home.
Second, we help pet parents avoid unnecessary costs. Many prescriptions can be dispensed at Pace Pharmacy for a fraction of what the same medication might cost at a veterinary clinic. Our highly trained pharmacists explain the options clearly so pet owners can make informed decisions.
Third, we prioritize safety at every step. Our team follows rigorous quality standards, completes multiple checks, and uses the exact same high-quality products veterinarians rely on. Our pharmacists, who have specialized veterinary training, also make sure pet parents understand how to use the medication properly and what to watch for.
By combining Pace Pharmacy’s established expertise with the ability to ship prescriptions across Canada, our VetMeds division gives pet owners an option they often can’t access anywhere else.
How does VetMeds collaborate with veterinarians to ensure both pets and their owners receive competent and specialized care?
VetMeds works closely with veterinarians because we see ourselves as part of the same care team. When a clinic sends us a prescription, whether it is for a commercially available medication or something that needs to be compounded, our pharmacists review it carefully, just as if it were a human. We confirm the dose, check for species considerations, and reach out to the veterinarian if anything needs clarification.
Clinics also lean on us for support when a pet needs a different format or flavour, or when cost becomes a barrier. We can dispense commercial veterinary drugs, compound alternatives when appropriate, and help veterinarians and pet owners choose the best option for each case. That flexibility makes treatment easier for both the clinic and the family.
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We also share information about stability, safe handling, and administration tips so owners feel confident at home. Veterinarians tell us that having a competent pharmacy partner, like VetMeds, who understands both veterinary pharmacology and compounding, improves outcomes and reduces their workload.
The goal is simple. Open communication, clinical collaboration, and a shared commitment to prioritizing pet health, giving pets and their owners the best possible care.
As compounding pharmacies gain prominence in Canada, what industry trends and challenges should small business owners and healthcare professionals be watching closely?
Compounding is gaining more awareness in Canada, and the industry continues to evolve. In fact, the compounding pharmacies market in Canada is expected to grow 5.3% annually from 2024 to 2030.
One of the biggest trends I see is the growing demand for personalized care. Patients want treatment options tailored to their individual needs, and prescribers are looking for pharmacy partners who can deliver reliability, accuracy, and strong clinical support.
Regulatory expectations are also rising. Pharmacies that want to stay relevant will need to invest in training, quality assurance, and process improvement to stay aligned with provincial and national standards. For small businesses, this can be a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for those willing to lead with stronger systems and higher standards. At Pace Pharmacy, we have spent years building those systems so clinicians can trust that their patients will receive consistent, high-quality preparations every time.
Technology is another major factor. Digital workflows, automation, and better communication tools between clinics, pharmacies, and patients are reshaping how care is delivered.
Affordability remains a key concern. In both human and veterinary medicine, families are looking for solutions that balance quality, safety, and cost. Pharmacies that remain innovative, transparent, and patient-focused will be the ones that succeed. This mindset has guided Pace Pharmacy from the beginning.
Finally, what advice would you offer to small business owners in the healthcare field who want to innovate, expand, or better serve their communities?
My biggest advice for small business owners is to stay grounded in the real problems your community is facing. Innovation doesn’t have to be flashy. The best ideas usually come from listening closely to patients or clients, employees, and other professionals around you.
Investing in your team is just as important. In particular, healthcare is a people-driven field, and the quality of your service depends on the skills and mindset of the individuals behind it. Give them training, give them clarity, and give them room to grow.
I also encourage owners to stay curious. Healthcare is changing quickly, and small businesses have the advantage of being nimble and able to adapt faster than large organizations. Keep learning, keep testing, and don’t be afraid to rethink old processes.
Finally, build strong systems early. When your operations run smoothly, you free up more time to focus on other areas that are important to growth. That might just be what allows a business to scale without losing its personal touch.
