Amazon has significantly expanded its healthcare footprint by launching prescription pet medications through its online platform, marking a pivotal moment in the pet care industry. In May 2025, the e-commerce giant announced a strategic partnership with Vetsource, a leading pet pharmacy, to offer hundreds of FDA-approved prescription medications for dogs and cats across the United States.
This expansion represents Amazon’s continued push into the healthcare sector, building upon its successful Amazon Pharmacy service launched in 2020 for human medications. The new pet prescription service addresses the growing demand for convenient pet healthcare solutions, as Americans are projected to spend approximately $41.4 billion on veterinary care, including pharmaceuticals, by the end of 2025.
The service offers remarkable convenience for pet owners, allowing them to order flea and tick preventatives, chronic condition treatments, and other commonly prescribed medications alongside their regular Amazon purchases. Pet parents can simply search for their pet’s prescribed medication on Amazon.com or through the mobile app, add their veterinarian’s information at checkout, and receive FDA-approved medications delivered within 2-6 days.
For first-time prescriptions, Vetsource contacts the prescribing veterinarian for approval, while refills can typically be processed automatically if an active prescription remains on file. This streamlined process eliminates the need for multiple trips to veterinary clinics or pharmacies, particularly benefiting pet owners with mobility challenges or those in rural areas who previously faced accessibility barriers.
The timing of this launch coincides with Amazon’s broader healthcare initiatives, including its acquisition of One Medical for approximately $3.9 billion in 2022 and plans to expand same-day prescription delivery to nearly half of the United States by 2025. This strategic move positions Amazon as a formidable competitor against established players like Chewy, Petco, and Walmart in the rapidly growing online pet pharmacy market.
Streamlined Ordering Process and Veterinary Integration
The pet prescription ordering process through Amazon maintains the platform’s signature user-friendly experience while ensuring proper veterinary oversight. Customers begin by searching for their pet’s prescribed medication using Amazon’s familiar search functionality, then proceed through the standard checkout process with one additional step: inputting their prescribing veterinarian’s contact information.
Vetsource manages all prescription dispensing and delivery logistics from its U.S. pharmacy locations, ensuring compliance with pharmaceutical regulations while leveraging Amazon’s robust delivery infrastructure. The integration allows pet owners to combine prescription orders with other pet supplies, creating a comprehensive one-stop shopping experience.
Market Impact
Amazon’s entry into pet prescriptions intensifies competition in the online pet pharmacy sector, directly challenging established players like Chewy and Walmart. Industry analysts predict that Amazon, already the second-largest source for online pet medication purchases, could capture the top position given that over 90% of Americans actively use the platform.
The expansion also reflects broader market trends, with a 2024 study published in JAVMA highlighting convenience as the primary driver for online pharmacy usage among veterinary clients. Pet owners increasingly prioritize time-saving solutions, making Amazon’s integrated approach particularly appealing.
Future Implications for Pet Healthcare
This development signals a significant shift in how pet healthcare services are delivered and accessed. As Wendy Franks, Director of Amazon Pets, emphasized, the service recognizes that “animals are not just pets; they’re family,” reflecting the growing humanization of pet care and the demand for premium, convenient services.
The expansion of Amazon’s pet prescription service represents more than just another product category addition—it’s a strategic move that could reshape the entire pet healthcare by making essential medications more accessible and affordable for millions of pet owners nationwide.