Amazon adds pet prescriptions to its online pharmacy

Core Viewpoint - Amazon is expanding its online pharmacy to include prescription pet medications, enhancing its healthcare offerings and increasing competition in the pet medication market [1][4]. Group 1: Expansion of Services - Amazon has added "hundreds of commonly prescribed pet medications" to its U.S. online pharmacy, including treatments for chronic conditions and flea and tick solutions [1]. - The online pet pharmacy will be managed by Vetsource, ensuring that prescriptions are approved by veterinarians and typically delivered within two to six days [2]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The introduction of pet medications positions Amazon in direct competition with Chewy and Walmart, both of which also provide pet prescription delivery services [4]. - Amazon's online pharmacy, launched in 2020, is part of a broader strategy to enhance its healthcare services, which includes the acquisition of One Medical for approximately $3.9 billion in July 2022 [4]. Group 3: Delivery and Logistics - Amazon has been working to improve the speed of prescription shipments, with same-day delivery available in select U.S. cities, and aims to expand this service to nearly half of the U.S. by 2025 [3].