Ben Madilynn
Walmart is bringing something new and exciting for pet owners across the country. Starting in October 2024, Walmart will be expanding its in-store pet care services with five brand-new veterinary and grooming centers.
Walmart is known for being a one-stop shop for just about everything, and now it’s expanding its reach into the pet care market. The company first launched a pet care center in Dallas, Georgia, in 2023, and after seeing how much customers appreciated the service, they’re opening more centers to make these services accessible to even more pet parents.
Pet ownership soared during the pandemic, and with it, the need for affordable and convenient care has grown. Walmart’s Vice President of Merchandising for Pets, Kaitlyn Shadiow, explained the reasoning behind this expansion: “We are already serving the needs of so many pet parents today, and it’s a great opportunity for us to help do that in one convenient location.” Whether it’s routine check-ups, vaccinations, or just a much-needed grooming session, Walmart wants to make sure you can do it all in one trip.
Walmart’s Pet Care Services
Walmart’s new pet centers will offer a wide range of services. In partnership with PetIQ, a leading provider of pet wellness and veterinary products, these centers will provide everything from routine veterinary care (such as wellness exams and vaccinations) to grooming services like baths, nail trims, and teeth cleaning. Pet parents can also get prescriptions filled for their pets, making Walmart a true one-stop shop for all their needs.
But it doesn’t stop there. For Walmart+ members, there’s even more good news. Starting October 18, 2024, Walmart+ subscribers will get free, 24/7 access to veterinary telehealth services through a partnership with Pawp. This means you can chat with a veterinarian via text or video anytime your pet needs quick advice, without leaving your home.
Where Are the New Pet Centers Opening?
Now, the exciting part for pet owners in Georgia and Arizona! These five new pet care centers are opening across these states, each bringing the same high-quality, affordable care that customers have come to expect. Here is a complete list of the new locations:
- Cumming, GA: 3655 Browns Bridge Road, Cumming, GA 30028
This location opened its doors on October 9, 2024, with a grand opening celebration. - Alpharetta, GA: 5200 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30004
This store will open in early November 2024. - Chandler, AZ: 1175 S. Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225
Grand opening is set for October 18, 2024. - Maricopa, AZ: 41650 W Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy, Maricopa, AZ 85138
This center is already serving customers since early October 2024. - Phoenix, AZ: 6550 W Happy Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85310
Another Arizona pet center already open as of October 2024.
Walmart’s Every Day Low Prices extend to their pet services as well. They offer transparent, easy-to-understand pricing for all their services. And because these centers are part of Walmart’s broader stores, pet parents can easily pick up food, prescriptions, and other supplies while they’re at the store.
For those worried about affording pet care, these new centers could be a game-changer. You can now ensure your pets get the wellness exams, vaccinations, and grooming they need, without breaking the bank.
What This Means for Walmart and Its Customers
The addition of these pet centers isn’t just good news for pet owners—it’s part of a larger trend in the retail world. The pet care industry is growing, with spending expected to reach $261 billion by 2030, according to Morgan Stanley Research. By investing in pet services, Walmart is tapping into a market that promises high demand and frequent purchases, which is great for business.
Whether you live in Georgia or Arizona, or hope to see these services expand to your local Walmart, it’s clear that Walmart wants your pets to be their customers too. So, next time you need pet food or supplies, why not schedule a wellness exam or grooming session too? Your pet will thank you!
