PetMed Express Inc. (NASDAQ: PETS) announced a partnership with Rural King to launch pet pharmacy services across the retailer's stores and digital platforms. The collaboration will provide Rural King customers access to prescription medications, preventatives and pet health products.

Under the agreement, PetMeds will supply pharmacy infrastructure, licensed pharmacists and e-commerce capabilities to Rural King. The partnership represents PetMeds' first large-scale white-label pharmacy program and extends its services to Rural King's customer base, particularly in rural communities.

"This partnership marks an important step in PetMeds' growth strategy and an exciting new chapter in our mission to broaden access to quality pet health care," said Leslie Campbell, chairman of the board and interim CEO of PetMeds.

Rural King operates 150 stores across 17 states, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

"We're thrilled to partner with PetMeds to bring comprehensive pet pharmacy services and better serve our customers," said Michael Ladd, Chief Operating Officer of Rural King.

PetMeds, founded in 1996, operates as an online pet pharmacy licensed in all 50 states. The company offers pharmaceuticals, compounded medications and supplements through its PetMeds and PetCareRx brands. Rural King was established in 1960 in Mattoon, Illinois, and positions itself as a farm and home store serving rural communities.