BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cue the ap-paws: It’s National Pet Month and Walmart+ is giving its members another reason to celebrate. The membership today announced it is teaming up with Pawp to introduce a new telehealth benefit to its pet-owning members. Starting later this year, Walmart+ members will have 24/7 virtual access to Pawp’s team of veterinary professionals, providing unparalleled convenience and peace of mind. This new benefit provides a free pet health service for Walmart+ members during a time when costs are rising for traditional veterinary services and access to care has become increasingly difficult.Walmart+ initially piloted Pawp as a limited-time offer last year, knowing that over 75% of its members are pet owners*. The pet telehealth service quickly gained popularity amongst members, boasting a high redemption rate and becoming Walmart+’s most successful limited-time offer of 2023.“Our focus has always been on evolving Walmart+ in a way that puts our members first. Seeing how well-received Pawp was as a limited-time offer, we knew it was a valuable addition that would enhance the Walmart+ experience,” said Venessa Yates, senior vice president and general manager of Walmart+

Walmart’s latest venture into the healthcare space involves four-legged patients.The retailer announced in a Thursday (Sept. 20) press release the launch of its first pet services center, based in Dallas, Georgia.“We know that pet services are essential for pet parents, but for many, the experience can be costly and disjointed,” Walmart Vice President of Merchandising of Pets Kaitlyn Shadiow wrote in the release. “At Walmart, we have an opportunity to help our customers save precious money, time and effort by offering a destination for pet services at the same place they purchase their pet food and supplies.”The new operation will offer pet services within a dedicated storefront, such as routine veterinary care — which includes vaccines, wellness exams and minor medical services — grooming and a self-serve dog wash, according to the release.The center will act as a pilot, and the model could expand to other communities, the release said. The company already offers in-store vet clinics at more than 65 stores across the country, owned and operated by PetIQ. It also stocks pet medications at its pharmacies.“And for an even more seamless experience, a new online Pet Pharmacy experience is coming soon to Walmart.com and the Walmart app,” the release noted.Earlier this year, Walmart joined the up-and-coming pet telehealth sector by offering Walmart+ members a free year’s subscription to the veterinary telehealth platform Pawp.Walmart is tapping into a pet healthcare market worth at least $43 billion, as Mita Malhotra, vice president and general manager of Chewy Pharmacy and Healthcare, told PYMNTS earlier this year. However, there is still room for growth, with just a handful of states permitting complete virtual veterinary services.Meanwhile, other players are looking to get into the pet health market, such as Mars

Walmart is partnering with veterinary telehealth provider Pawp to offer Walmart+ subscribers free access to virtual veterinarians for a year beginning Tuesday.