Dive Brief:
- Joining other retailers in the pet healthcare space, PetSmart has launched The Pharmacy at PetSmart, an online pharmacy for pet medications, the company announced on Monday.
- Customers can order pet medications prescribed by their veterinarian through the platform and PetSmart will handle the prescription verification, according to the press release. Medications are processed through the company's online pharmacy and shipped directly to the customer.
- To fulfill prescription medications through PetSmart's website, the retailer teamed up with Allivet, a licensed pharmaceutical company that has provided vet supplies and animal medications for more than 25 years. Customers' orders are available for delivery, per the announcement.
Dive Insight:
The competition for animal services is getting hotter as PetSmart enters the pet medication space. In 2019, Walmart announced plans to open more in-store veterinary clinics and provide prescriptions for dogs, cats, horses and other animals across more than 300 brands at WalmartPetRx.com. Earlier this year, Tractor Supply unveiled an on-demand veterinary advice service and online pet prescription services. Rather than target pet owners directly, Chewy introduced its veterinarian-only marketplace last week to facilitate pet medication orders.
"The Pharmacy at PetSmart is an exciting new way to help our customers access medications for pets quickly and conveniently," Kristin Shane, senior vice president of merchandising of PetSmart, said in a statement. "Whether you're ordering your prescriptions for your dog or cat, on petsmart.com or our mobile app we'll make sure you get exactly what your pet needs to thrive delivered right to your door."
As PetSmart enters an increasingly competitive market, the retailer is offering customers extra perks to purchase pet prescriptions through their platform. The company is offering free shipping for customers who place orders of $49 or more between now and Jan. 30, 2022. Current Treat members can save 35% (up to $20) on most prescriptions within their first pharmacy autoship and 5% on recurring orders, the company said.
