Amazon and Tractor Supply Join Online Pet Pharmacy Boom—But Vets Still Hold the Trust Advantage
Amazon and Tractor Supply have officially entered the online pet pharmacy market, joining giants like Chewy and Petco in the race to become the ultimate one-stop shop for pet parents. This expansion reflects a growing consumer trend: people want convenience, competitive pricing—and ideally, a touch of personalized care.
On May 8, Amazon announced its partnership with Vetsource to manage prescriptions, offering seamless delivery of FDA-approved medications, including flea/tick preventives and treatments for chronic conditions. Tractor Supply launched Tractor Supply Rx in April, following its December acquisition of Allivet, bringing pet meds to its already devoted rural audience.
According to the 2024 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, veterinary practices are still the go-to for pet prescriptions—more than 46% of pet owners bought medications through their vet last year. Yet, online pharmacy usage is creeping upward, with specialist retailers like Chewy accounting for around 9% of purchases.
So what’s driving pet owners online? A 2024 JAVMA study pinpointed two key factors: convenience and price. But when it comes to in-clinic purchases, it’s all about trust and personalization. This gives veterinarians a unique edge—especially if they integrate digital tools like practice-branded online pharmacies with transparent pricing, autoship, and home delivery options.
Brakke Consulting's research backs this up: pet owners overwhelmingly say they trust their vet and would prefer to buy prescriptions from them—if the experience is just as easy as ordering online.
In a digital age where time is currency and choice is king, veterinarians can compete with online pharmacies by doubling down on what they do best: personalized care, expert advice, and client loyalty—and by upgrading their tech to keep up with consumer expectations.
As the pet care market evolves, the winners will be those who blend accessibility with authority, making it easy for clients to choose their trusted vet—online or off.