Walmart forays into telehealth for pets with Pawp tie-up
2023.05.22 15:07
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: The logo of Down Jones Industrial Average stock market index listed company Walmart is shown on one of its stores in Encinitas, California April 13, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Blake
(Reuters) – Walmart (NYSE:) Inc said on Monday it has signed a deal with pet telehealth provider Pawp to offer the retailer’s subscribed members access to veterinary professionals via video or text without an appointment.
Walmart+ customers can use Pawp’s services for a year from Tuesday, the top U.S. retailer said, as it looks to tap growing demand for pet telehealth from inflation-hit customers looking for cheaper alternatives.
The deal also lines up with Walmart’s push to compete better with Amazon (NASDAQ:) on the e-commerce turf by rolling out more services and value deals.
Pet retailer Chewy (NYSE:) and rival Petco Health and Wellness Company have also been expanding their telehealth offerings. Last year, Petco pegged the value of the pet industry at $119 billion in 2021.
CNBC first reported the news of the Walmart-Pawp deal earlier in the day.
