Amazon Now Sells Prescription Pet Medication
Pet owners can now add their pets' medications to Amazon shopping carts.
In partnership with Vetsource, Amazon has launched a pet medication pharmacy. Using the convenience of the retailer’s online platform, pet parents can find various prescription treatments, such as flea and tick prevention, as well as drugs for chronic conditions.
To order a pet prescription through Amazon, customers will need to use the storefront’s search bar to find the prescribed medication. The prescribing veterinarian’s information will need to be added at checkout. Pet pharmacy Vetsource will then complete the order and send the medication out, with delivery time between two and six days.
Vetsource will contact the veterinarian for first-time prescription requests. However, refill orders will likely be filled without reaching out to the vet as long as there is an active prescription on file.
“We know animals are not just pets; they’re family. That’s why we’re so excited about being able to expand our pet offerings to include prescriptions,” stated Wendy Franks, director of Amazon Pets, in a blog post. “It’s about giving pet parents one less thing to worry about, so they can focus on what really matters — spending quality time with their pets.”
Amazon’s Entry Into Human and Pet Healthcare
By entering the pet pharmacy business, Amazon is taking aim at competitors like Chewy and Walmart, both of which also offer medication delivery to pet owners’ doors. Last month, rural lifestyle retailer Tractor Supply also jumped into the pet pharmacy niche with its Tractor Supply Rx.
Almost five years ago, the world’s top online retailer launched Amazon Pharmacy. Instead of going to the pharmacy and waiting in line, patients could get prescribed medications filled and delivered from the retail giant.
In late 2024, the company announced plans to expand its pharmacy service by adding same-day delivery. Sometime in 2025, the same-day service will be available to consumers in a select number of U.S. cities.
Offering prescription pet medications is likely a lucrative move for Amazon. According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans will spend about $41.4 billion on vet care, which includes pharmaceuticals, by the end of this year. With Amazon’s reach and solid customer base, it’s not a huge stretch to imagine a customer ordering toys, dog treats, and medication all in one Amazon shopping trip.
