Walmart+ has added a new membership benefit designed to appeal to the more than 75% of its members who are pet owners: 24/7 veterinary telehealth services offered in partnership with Pawp. The retailer piloted the offering last year and it became the loyalty program’s most successful limited-time offer of 2023.
Key features of Pawp for Walmart+ members include:
- Free pet telehealth service, saving members $99 annually on the cost of a standalone Pawp membership;
- Expert support from a team including veterinarians and licensed veterinary techs hired and trained in-house, each with at least five years’ clinical experience;
- 24/7 access to professionals via text and video, with unlimited on-demand virtual visits; and
- Personalized, actionable post-visit care plans with product recommendations.
“Seeing how well-received Pawp was as a limited-time offer, we knew it was a valuable addition that would enhance the Walmart+ experience,” said Venessa Yates, SVP and General Manager of Walmart+ in a statement. “This new benefit illustrates our continued evolution as we strive to provide seamless, time-saving and affordable solutions tailored to our members’ needs.”
Retailers, including Walmart, have been steadily moving further into “medtail” for pets over the past few years:
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- In October 2022, Petco Health and Wellness began a multi-year partnership with insurance company Nationwide with the goal of expanding access to pet health care;
- In September 2023 Walmart opened its first pet services center in a Dallas, Ga. store; and
- In December 2023 Chewy announced plans to open Chewy Vet Care practices this year.
And if the telehealth provider prescribes a change of scenery for your pet, Bark debuted an airline designed specifically for dogs in April 2024.
