Walmart+ and Pawp Team Up to Unleash 24/7 Pet Telehealth Benefit

Rhea-AI Summary

Walmart+ is collaborating with Pawp to introduce a new pet telehealth benefit, offering members unlimited, 24/7 virtual access to veterinary professionals at no extra cost. This service, launching later this year, aims to provide convenient and affordable pet care. After a successful -time offer last year, Pawp is now a permanent addition driven by positive feedback from Walmart+ members. Key features include expert veterinary support, comprehensive care plans, and substantial cost savings compared to standalone Pawp memberships.

Positive

• Walmart+ members will receive 24/7 access to veterinary professionals through Pawp at no extra cost.
• The new benefit offers substantial savings, eliminating the $99 fee for a standalone Pawp membership.
• Successful pilot phase demonstrated strong member engagement and positive feedback.
• Pawp provides comprehensive care plans, including actionable post-visit recommendations.
• Strengthens Walmart's position as a one-stop destination for pet needs.

Negative

• Potential increased operational costs for Walmart+ to sustain the 24/7 veterinary service.
• Risk of technology accessibility issues for members not accustomed to telehealth services.
• Possible saturation of Walmart+ membership benefits may dilute the perceived value of this new addition.

The new Walmart+ benefit will give members unlimited access to veterinary experts anytime, anywhere.

At a glance:

• Walmart+ will launch a new pet telehealth benefit later this year in collaboration with Pawp. This service will offer members around-the-clock virtual access to veterinary professionals, at no extra cost.
• Pawp was initially piloted as a limited time offer last year. Its transition to a full-time Walmart+ benefit was driven by member insights and positive feedback.
• Key features of Pawp for Walmart+ members include expert veterinary support through on-demand virtual visits and comprehensive care plans to identify your pet’s immediate needs as well as their long-term goals

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+ and PAWP team up to bring telehealth pet benefits to members. (Photo: Business Wire)

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+. “This new benefit illustrates our continued evolution, as we strive to provide seamless, time-saving, and affordable solutions tailored to our members’ needs.”

Pawp is a leading digital health clinic and telehealth platform for pet owners that connects them with veterinary professionals. The platform offers expert support, whether that’s a second opinion or general guidance. Key features of Pawp for Walmart+ members include:

• Affordable Care – Pawp is offered as a free pet telehealth service in the Walmart+ benefit suite, saving members $99 on the cost of a standalone Pawp membership.
• Expert support – Veterinary team comprised of veterinarians and licensed veterinary techs hired and trained in-house, each with at least five years clinical experience.
• Around the clock access to vets – 24/7 access to licensed veterinary professionals via text and video. Unlimited on-demand virtual visits providing expert advice.
• Personalized plans – Actionable post-visit care plans with product recommendations.

“At Pawp, our mission is to make high quality, convenient pet care accessible to a much larger part of the population and, for over a year now, Walmart+ has been an incredible partner in helping us realize this vision,” said Marc Atiyeh, CEO of Pawp. “We’re excited to deepen this relationship by incorporating Pawp as an ongoing, first-of-its-kind pet health benefit for Walmart+ and look forward to supporting Walmart+ members with their pets care for years to come.”

The Pawp Walmart+ benefit is another way Walmart serves as a one-stop destination for pet needs. Walmart also offers customers the option to opt into automatic deliveries on frequently purchased pet products for added convenience, an online pet pharmacy program and a wide assortment of leading pet products offered at every day low prices. Walmart is offering thousands of deals and hundreds of rollbacks throughout National Pet Month.

Walmart+ is Walmart’s membership program, offering members a wide range of benefits that save them time and money. At just $98/year or $12.95/month, the membership combines digital and in-store benefits like unlimited free deliveries, fuel and travel discounts, early access to promotions and events, Paramount+ streaming, free returns from home and so much more. For more information, visit Walmart.com/plus.

* Walmart+ Member Attitude & Usage study, January 2024

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240522678202/en/

Rachel.nipper@walmart.com

Source: Walmart Inc.

FAQ

What is the new pet telehealth benefit for Walmart+ members?

Walmart+ members will have 24/7 access to virtual veterinary consultations through Pawp at no extra cost.

When will the Walmart+ pet telehealth benefit launch?

The new pet telehealth benefit is set to launch later this year.

How much does the Pawp telehealth service cost for Walmart+ members?

The Pawp telehealth service is free for Walmart+ members, offering savings of $99 compared to a standalone membership.

Why did Walmart+ decide to make Pawp a permanent benefit?

Positive feedback and high engagement during the -time offer phase last year drove the decision.

What are the key features of the Pawp service for Walmart+ members?

Key features include expert veterinary support, 24/7 access, unlimited virtual visits, and personalized care plans.