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Walmart Pet Care expands offerings for pets and owners

Pet insurance, pet sitting and dog walking among full suite of services

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

November 12, 2020

2 Min Read
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Walmart Pet Care will include new pet sitting and dog walking services through Rover, an easy-to-use website and app that provides access to trusted neighborhood care.Walmart

Walmart announced on Thursday the continued expansion of its full suite of pet offerings with the launch of Walmart Pet Care — a full-service, omnichannel pet care offering that makes holistic care easy, simple and affordable for the 90 million pet owners who shop at Walmart, according to the company.

The retailer is leveraging industry-leading providers to bring customers trusted pet care programs in one place, including Walmart Pet Insurance and convenient pet care services like dog-walking and pet sitting.

“We’re on a mission to help families live better — and that goes for pets, too,” said Melody Richard, merchandising vice president, pets. “Especially as adoption rates soar as a result of the pandemic, and more people become pet owners, this was the perfect time to launch expanded services in Walmart Pet Care for our customers. As the most shopped omnichannel retailer for pet products, our new pet care services and support offer our customers trusted, convenient services that provide the exceptional care their pets deserve.”

Walmart Pet Insurance, an accessible insurance solution now available in Walmart stores and online, is being offered in collaboration with Petplan, North America's most comprehensive injury and illness pet insurance provider for cats and dogs. Walmart customers can save up to 10% on their policies and can sign up for an insurance plan that provides coverage for veterinary fees due to accident, injury or illness, including chronic and hereditary conditions. Walmart Pet Insurance also makes it easy for customers to file claims and schedule appointments through Petplan’s digital service. Each policy also includes access to $1,000 worth of online virtual vet appointments at no additional charge.

Related:With new initiatives, Walmart’s going to the dogs (and cats)

Walmart Pet Care will also include new pet sitting and dog walking services through Rover, an easy-to-use website and app that provides access to trusted neighborhood care. Through Rover, pet parents can quickly and easily book pet sitters and dog walkers from over 300,000 providers in their communities across the country. Walmart is working with Rover to provide customers with convenient pet sitters and dog walkers that match each pet, lifestyle and budget. As a perk for pet owners who book services through Rover, Walmart customers will receive a $20 Walmart gift card for their first completed service and another $20 Walmart gift card if they complete their fifth services within six months.

In addition, Walmart Pet Care includes Walmart PetRx, in-store and online pharmacy services introduced by Walmart in 2019, that give customers the opportunity to fill pet prescriptions at prices significantly below competitors.

Related:Where the pet owners go

Walmart Pet Care is just one of the recent investments the retailer has made in the pet category, joining the retailer’s growing assortment of over 1,800 premium and specialty pet products and the expansion of in-store vet clinics that offer Walmart customers quality pet care, conveniently where they shop.

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

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