Walmart’s latest innovation that will benefit millions of Americans

Walmart, the giant retailer, is expanding at high speed to the healthcare business. Earlier this month, the company announced its new same-day delivery service for prescriptions and over the counter medication. Now, Walmart has even thought about the wellbeing of other household members: pets!

Walmart’s new partnership with Pawd

Walmart is rolling out a new vet telehealth service as part of its efforts to grow its Walmart+ membership program and help pet owners save on vet expenses.

On Tuesday, the retailer announced a partnership with Pawp, a 24/7 virtual veterinary care provider, to bring exclusive services to Walmart+ members. Later this year, members will have access to Pawp’s team of veterinary professionals via text and video, along with post-visit care plans that include product recommendations available at Walmart.

Walmart members announcedmembers will be able to bypass the $99 membership cost typically required for a Pawp subscription.

According to Walmart, this new feature offers Walmart+ members free pet health support at a time when traditional vet services are becoming more expensive and harder to access. For many rural pet owners, having access (even online) to a vet while be a jump in life quality for pets and peace of mind for the owners.

How to activate your Pawd as a Walmart+ member

If you already are a Walmart Plus member, you can activate this perk service at the Walmart+ Benefits Hub. Here’s a guide to help you with the process:

1. Log in to Your Walmart+ Account. Go to Walmart’s official website or open the Walmart app. Sign in to your Walmart+ account. If you aren’t already a member, you’ll need to sign up for Walmart+ to access this benefit.
2. Access the Walmart+ Benefits Hub: Once signed in, locate the Walmart+ Benefits Hub. You can find this section by clicking on your account menu or looking for “Walmart+ Benefits” on the homepage.
3. Follow the Sign-Up Process:After selecting the Pawp benefit, you’ll be directed to an activation page. Click on the link to go to Pawp’s website, where you’ll follow their steps to set up your account. You’ll be asked to provide some basic information to create your Pawp profile and link it with your Walmart+ membership.
4. Confirm and Complete Registration: Once your Pawp account is set up, you’ll gain instant access to their 24/7 pet telehealth services. You can now use the Pawp app or website to connect with veterinary professionals anytime via text or video.

After that, make sure to double-check your Walmart+ membership is active before accessing the Pawp website. It is advisable to download Pawp’s app on you phone to have quick access to it when you need it.

Pet healthcare, a lucrative business

This is Walmart’s latest move into the pet care market, an industry that Morgan Stanley analysts project will reach $277 billion in spending by 2030.

In 2020, Walmart introduced a variety of pet-related services under Walmart Pet Care, available to all customers. This launch included Walmart Pet Insurance along with dog-walking and pet-sitting services.

Three years later, Walmart opened its first Pet Services Center in Georgia, offering routine vet care for dogs and cats, including vaccinations, wellness exams, and minor medical services. The latest announcement, however, is focused on enhancing Walmart’s loyalty program membership.

During last week’s first-quarter earnings call, CFO John David Rainey shared with analysts that Walmart+ members shop more often and spend more than other customers.

The program is priced at $98 annually or $12.95 per month, offering perks like free delivery and returns, discounts on fuel and travel, early access to promotions, and Paramount+ streaming. If you are interested in this service and other Walmart+ services, the retailer is offering a 50% off discount on their yearly membership until December 2, 2024.