Albertsons Companies’ Commitment to Pet Health: Affordable Prescriptions and Health Care Services
Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) has unveiled a range of innovative and cost-effective solutions designed to assist pet owners who may be grappling with the increasing expenses associated with pet medications and veterinary services. Operating more than 1,700 pharmacies situated within grocery stores across the United States, including popular locations such as Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets, and others, this initiative allows pet parents to seamlessly transfer and fill their pet prescriptions at Albertsons Cos. pharmacies. What sets this service apart is that it frequently offers more budget-friendly alternatives compared to traditional veterinarian offices.
Omer Gajial, Chief Digital Officer and EVP Health at Albertsons Cos., pointed out that a significant portion of pet owners are currently confronted with the challenges of rising pet-related costs, particularly in the midst of inflation. Surprisingly, many consumers are unaware that these pharmacies cater to the healthcare needs of both humans and their furry companions. As part of their broader commitment to customer health and well-being, Albertsons Cos. is determined to offer convenient, accessible, and cost-effective solutions for every member of the family, including the four-legged ones.
Albertsons Cos. pharmacies maintain an inventory of a diverse range of affordable pet medications, including essential over-the-counter options like tick and flea preventatives and heartworm treatments. Notably, the introduction of the Pet Health Savings Card, which can be obtained from any Albertsons Cos. pharmacy or via the grocery store’s mobile app, enables customers to enjoy substantial savings of nearly 80 percent on the monthly costs of pet medications. Furthermore, pet owners who choose to transfer their pet prescriptions to an Albertsons Co. pharmacy can reap additional benefits, such as receiving up to $75 in grocery gift cards after the fifth prescription fill. The convenience factor is further amplified by the availability of shipping and delivery options for pet medications, with plans in the pipeline to offer mail-order services.
In tandem with their pharmacy services, nearly all Albertsons Cos. banner stores house a pet care aisle stocked with a wide variety of dog and cat food from renowned brands, including Purina, Iams, Fancy Feast, Cesar, and Rachael Ray Nutrish, alongside a plethora of treats, toys, grooming products, and accessories.
To augment their offerings, Albertsons Companies has launched pilot pet health service programs in Texas and California, aimed at streamlining routine veterinary care for pet owners. One of these programs is “Penny Paws,” a mobile vaccine clinic that travels to various towns throughout Texas, offering cost-effective, basic healthcare services. These services include vaccinations, heartworm testing, heartworm prevention, and microchipping. Presently, 15 Albertsons and Tom Thumb stores in the Dallas Fort-Worth metroplex host Penny Paws, providing pet owners with convenient access to low-cost exams and vaccinations for their dogs and cats. Additionally, the company is actively exploring opportunities to expand the Penny Paws mobile vaccine clinic to include their Randalls supermarket locations in Austin and Houston.
The other innovative program, “Fuzzy,” offers pet owners unlimited access to a team of veterinarians available via video or virtual chat 24/7, addressing common pet concerns such as digestion, dental hygiene, stress management, and prescription medication. Launching exclusively in California at all Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores, loyalty members can sign up for an annual Fuzzy household membership at a reduced rate of $59 for the entire pet family. Additionally, customers who sign up for Fuzzy using the grocer’s loyalty app will receive a $10 monthly credit that can be used to purchase any pet care or food item in participating banner stores for up to one year.
Once a Fuzzy member, pet owners gain access to a range of valuable features, including the ability to track their pets’ medical history, prescriptions, and vaccination dates. They also receive training and wellness tips, in addition to having the opportunity to speak with a veterinarian at any time. This service significantly reduces the need for frequent trips to a vet or emergency room clinic and ensures that pet owners have the necessary support and resources to provide the best care for their furry companions.
This partnership with Fuzzy and the expansion of Penny Paws demonstrate Albertsons’ commitment to making pet care more accessible and affordable through personalized telehealth solutions. With a strong presence in the food and drug retail industry across the United States, Albertsons Companies is not only dedicated to helping individuals lead healthier lives but is also deeply committed to supporting the well-being of their communities, including the health of their cherished pets.
For those interested in finding out more about Albertsons Companies, including press releases and media images, they can visit the official website at albertsonscompanies.com or follow the latest updates on Twitter at @AlbertsonsCos. This initiative aligns with their continuous efforts to make a meaningful difference, one neighborhood at a time, and further extends their mission to provide essential support to those residing in the communities they serve. It’s worth noting that, in 2021, in collaboration with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company contributed nearly $200 million in food and financial support to ensure that individuals living in their communities had access to an adequate food supply.
