Prescription service provider Express Scripts will work with retail giant Petco to fulfill veterinary medication orders.
The arrangement, announced Nov. 19, will see Petco continue to sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs on its website but hand off orders to Express Scripts for processing and home delivery.
“By leveraging the industry-leading technology and fulfillment processes Express Scripts already has in place, we’re able to offer pet parents an easier, more affordable, faster and more convenient way to get the medicines their pets need,” said Brock Weatherup, Petco’s chief innovation and digital experience officer.
As in the past, pet owners ordering prescription medications on the Petco website will need their veterinarian’s approval before an order is shipped.
Express Scripts, a prescription benefit plan provider in human medicine for more than 30 years, is venturing into animal health. The company fills more than 100 million human prescriptions annually.
“Working with Petco is another step forward for Express Scripts in providing better care, cost and convenience to millions of Americans, many of whom are also pet parents,” said Wendy Barnes, vice president and general manager or consumer solutions. “By combining Petco’s history, expertise and extensive reach in pet retail with our innovative home-delivery capabilities, we’re transforming the pet medicine industry and making access to critical pet medicines convenient and affordable for more pet parents than ever before.”
Petco broadened its reach into veterinary medicine in 2018 when it announced plans to renovate some stores and rebrand them PetCoach. In addition to selling pet supplies, the locations will house a veterinary hospital and provide services such as grooming, training and day care.
The San Diego-based retailer also purchased the website PetInsuranceQuotes.com.