Walmart opens first Pet Services Center in Georgia
Oct. 9—Walmart recently announced the opening of its first Pet Services Center in Dallas, Georgia.
Citing the American Pet Products Association, Walmart noted that two-thirds of U.S. households own a pet, and the field has experienced "unprecedented growth" in recent years. The retailer noted that 23 million U.S. households adopted a pet during the pandemic, and spending on pets is projected to reach $277 billion by 2030.
"We know that pet services are essential for pet parents, but for many, the experience can be costly and disjointed," Kaitlyn Shadiow, vice president of merchandising for pets for Walmart U.S., said in a statement. "At Walmart, we have an opportunity to help our customers save precious money, time and effort by offering a destination for pet services at the same place they purchase their pet food and supplies."
Walmart's Pet Services Center will offer routine veterinary care (vaccines, wellness exams and minor medical services), grooming (baths, nail trims, teeth cleaning, ear cleaning and basic hair trims) and a self-serve dog wash. All services will be provided by qualified veterinary and grooming professionals in collaboration with PetIQ.
The retailer said the new Pet Services Center will serve as a pilot "where we'll learn how best to work with our collaborators and optimize services to deliver on quality, affordability and accessibility."
Walmart already offers in-store vet clinics in more than 65 stores across the country, owned and operated by PetIQ, and all Walmart pharmacies stock pet medications.
