Covetrus and Chewy Reach Milestone Agreement to Enhance Veterinary Care Solutions

Covetrus Partners with Chewy for Strategic Acquisition

In a significant move for the veterinary industry, Covetrus®, a prominent global player in animal-health technology and services, announced its definitive agreement with Chewy, Inc. (NYSE: CHWY) to acquire the SmartEquine® business. This pivotal transaction, revealed on October 30, 2025, aims to allow Covetrus to concentrate more intently on its core competencies, enabling the delivery of cutting-edge technology solutions that empower veterinarians and enhance patient care.

This agreement reflects Covetrus’s strategic decision to streamline its operations by focusing on its integrated software and service offerings. By divesting the SmartEquine unit, the company positions itself better to advance a range of solutions designed to optimize veterinary practice performance. The move is expected to bolster their distribution platform and services, thereby enriching the operational efficiency associated with veterinary practices worldwide.

Strengthening Core Offerings

According to executives at Covetrus, the divestment aligns with their long-term strategy to enhance their offerings that support veterinarians in their quest for greater efficiency and improved patient outcomes. Covetrus is committed to driving innovation within the veterinary sector, and this acquisition by Chewy is seen as an opportunity to sharpen their focus and resource allocation towards developing integrated technologies and services aimed at veterinary care and practice improvement.

Covetrus specializes in delivering an integrated portfolio of products, software, and services that facilitate smoother operations for thousands of veterinary practices. “By concentrating on our core business, we reinforce our commitment to providing technology-driven solutions that advance veterinary practices,” a spokesperson for Covetrus explained. “Our goal is to ensure that veterinarians can offer the best care possible to their patients through improved performance and efficiency.”

A Trusted Partner for Veterinary Professionals

Rooted in over 60 years of industry experience, Covetrus serves more than 100,000 customers globally, supporting companion and large-animal veterinary markets alike. The company is headquartered in Portland, Maine, and employs over 5,000 individuals, cementing its position as a trusted partner in advancing veterinary care.

Lincoln International LLC has been appointed as the sole financial advisor for Covetrus during this transition, ensuring a seamless process that meets customary closing conditions.

This acquisition marks a notable shift in the landscape of veterinary business solutions, as Chewy steps into a more integrated role within veterinary care through its acquisition of the SmartEquine brand. The move should serve to further innovation in the delivery of care and foster deeper connections between veterinarians and their clients, ultimately enhancing the quality of animal health services across the board.

As this deal progresses, stakeholders in the veterinary community will undoubtedly be eager to see how the changes will translate into practical solutions that deliver better outcomes for both veterinary practitioners and the animals in their care. The continued evolution of technology in this field suggests an exciting future where veterinary practices are more interconnected and efficient than ever before.

In conclusion, the partnership between Covetrus and Chewy highlights the ongoing evolution of veterinary services in response to modern needs. By focusing on enhancing their core offerings, they aim to build an ecosystem that supports veterinarians and ultimately benefits pet health on a broader scale.