Amazon expands online pharmacy to include pet prescriptions

In a strategic move to enhance its healthcare offerings, Amazon announced on Thursday, May 08, 2025, that it is filling prescription pet medications through its online pharmacy. This expansion aligns with Amazon's ongoing efforts to diversify its services and tap into the growing pet industry. Pet prescriptions will be processed through Amazon's storefront and require approval from a veterinarian, ensuring that pet owners can obtain necessary medications for their animals conveniently. Notably, the online pharmacy Vetsource will handle the dispensing and delivery of these prescriptions, offering typical delivery times of two to six days. This expansion also comes on the heels of Amazon's plans to accelerate medication shipments, having previously aimed to provide same-day delivery in select U.S. cities, with a target to reach nearly half of the U.S. by 2025. The introduction of pet medications positions Amazon in direct competition with established online pet pharmacies like Chewy and Walmart, both of which already offer similar services. Amazon's pharmacy initiative emerged from the company's acquisition of online pharmacy PillPack in 2018, and more recently, its purchase of the primary care provider One Medical for about $3.9 billion. By focusing on this growth in the healthcare sector, Amazon continues to solidify its business model across various markets, demonstrating its intent to remain a significant player in the healthcare landscape, including the veterinary segment.