With new initiatives, Walmart’s going to the dogs (and cats)

Looking to expand its foothold in the booming pet-care segment, Walmart announced several initiatives today, including the launch of WalmartPetRx.com, its first online pet pharmacy for prescription medications.

The retail giant also said that it will be  expanding its in-store veterinary clinics, starting with nine new clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in late May and June and plans to reach 100 clinics over the next 12 months. Walmart currently has 21 veterinary clinics in stores across six states.

“These clinics offer affordable, high-quality and convenient services to save customers as much as 40 to 60% on vaccines and minor illness packages and exams,” said Kieran Shanahan, SVP Retail-Food, Consumables, Health & Wellness, Walmart U.S. eCommerce, in a blog post announcing the move.

Regarding the new online pharmacy, Shanahan said, “Walmart Pet Rx offers low-cost pet prescriptions for dogs, cats, horses and livestock from over 300 trusted brands to treat conditions like flea and tick, heartworm, allergy, arthritis and more.”

Walmart’s new online pet pharmacy offers low-cost prescriptions for dogs, cats, horses and livestock from over 300 brands.

By working directly with veterinarians to receive and fill prescriptions, Walmart is able to save busy pet parents time, said Shanahan. “And with Walmart’s low prices and free two-day shipping on orders over $35, we’re able to save them money, too,” he added.

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In addition, later this month Walmart will begin stocking its 4,500-plus pharmacies with the top 30 most-requested pet medications, ensuring customers can get same-day pet prescriptions.

Walmart has also been expanding its pet assortment online over the past year to include more than 100 health-conscious and premium brands like Blue Buffalo, Greenies and Hill’s Science Diet. The retailer has also been developing more premium and “free-from” pet food options through its private label brands Pure Balance, Golden Rewards and Vibrant Life, Shanahan said.