Amazon now sells prescription pet meds
Amazon is stepping further into the healthcare space — this time, with a focus on pets. The retail giant announced a new partnership with Vetsource, an online pet pharmacy, to offer prescription medications for cats and dogs directly through its U.S. storefront. The move marks a significant expansion of Amazon’s health services, following its launch of an online pharmacy for humans in 2020.
Under this new initiative, U.S. customers can now purchase a wide range of prescription medications for their pets, including treatments for fleas, ticks, worms, and chronic conditions such as arthritis or thyroid disorders. The medications are all FDA-approved and will be dispensed and delivered by Vetsource, with expected delivery times ranging from two to six days.
The ordering process is designed for ease and efficiency. Pet owners can search for the medication they need on Amazon, add it to their cart, and input their veterinarian’s information during checkout. Vetsource will then reach out to the prescribing vet to verify and approve the prescription. Once the initial order is approved, future refills can usually be processed without additional vet contact, provided the prescription on file remains valid.
This service is aimed at offering greater convenience, particularly for customers with limited mobility or those living in rural areas who may find regular trips to a veterinarian or pet pharmacy difficult. It also places Amazon in more direct competition with other major retailers in the pet care space, such as Walmart, which has offered prescription pet medications through its own platform since 2019.
Amazon’s expansion into pet prescriptions not only reinforces its ambitions in the health and wellness market but also underscores its strategy of making everyday essentials — including healthcare — as accessible as possible. As the company continues to grow its offerings, pet owners can expect even more options and ease in managing their furry companions’ medical needs.
