PetSmart expands omnichannel veterinary support program to Canada
A leading pet supplies and services retailer is connecting Canadian in-store customers to virtual pet health services.
PetSmart is partnering with pet health platform Vetster to offer virtual veterinary support services at 140 stores in Canada. This follows the rollout of Vetster at more than 500 U.S. stores in the first half of 2026, with thousands of veterinary consultations being completed by store associates through the platform.
Through Vetster's secure medical platform, PetSmart associates can gain real-time access to licensed veterinarians where regulations allow. These veterinarians can virtually diagnose and treat pet health issues including vomiting, diarrhea, infections, or minor injuries; as well as ongoing needs such as anxiety, allergies, arthritis, weight management, and flea and tick prevention.
Vetster veterinarians have experience caring for a wide range of species commonly found in PetSmart stores, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small animals. Services are meant to complement, rather than replace, in-clinic visits.
"Pet health and safety is our top priority," said Rob Pace, senior VP, enterprise services and president, PetSmart Veterinary Services (PVS). "Our associates play an important role in safeguarding the health and well-being of the pets we care for. Expanding this program across Canada is another way we're investing in the well-being of our pets and the quality of care we provide, giving our teams quick access to expert veterinary advice when they need it."
PetSmart provides a number of extra virtual and in-store services to customers, including pet insurance coverage for dogs and cats, an online pharmacy and in-store grooming salons. Veterinary care is proving an increasing popular offering for retailers across verticals, including Walmart, which offers both in-store and online services.
[READ MORE: Walmart adding pet telehealth benefit to Walmart+]
Meanwhile, digitally native pet supplies retailer operates brick-and-mortar Vet Care locations and Tractor Supply Company launched a digital pet pharmacy in spring 2025.
"Through our partnership with PetSmart in the United States, we've supported thousands of veterinary consultations and seen firsthand how immediate access to veterinary expertise can improve outcomes for pets," said Mark Bordo, CEO of Vetster. "PetSmart is helping redefine what modern pet care looks like by making licensed veterinary support part of their retail operations. Together, we're making it easier for pets to receive timely care and guidance."
Headquartered in Phoenix, PetSmart operates nearly 1,700 stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as an e-commerce site and mobile app.
