Dive Brief:
- Continuing its pet products and services push, Walmart is opening its first Pet Services Center in Dallas, Georgia, the retailer announced Wednesday. The company is piloting the pet services concept at this location before possibly expanding it to other stores.
- The center will offer pet services such as vaccines, wellness exams, minor medical services, baths, teeth cleaning, ear cleaning and nail trims, and will also have a self-service dog wash. PetIQ will provide veterinary and grooming services at the center, which will be perfomed by qualified professionals. The company also said it plans to add an online Pet Pharmacy experience to its website and mobile app.
- The retailer currently has in-store vet clinics at more than 65 stores across the country. The new pet center in Dallas, Georgia, will have a separate entrance, per the press release.
Dive Insight:
Walmart’s dedicated pet center is part of the retailer’s broader effort to cater to pet owners. In 2019, the company expanded its in-store vet clinics, with plans to reach 100 locations. In addition to its upcoming online pet pharmacy and its new pet services center, the company promoted other pet offerings for Walmart+ subscribers, including virtual access to veterinarians through a free one-year Pawp membership and a $30 discount on Rover.
“While the Walmart Pet Services center is a key next step in how we’re continuing to innovate within the category and bring industry-leading solutions to our customers, we’re also evolving our assortment to bring affordable, on-trend offerings to our pet customers across the country,” Kaitlyn Shadiow, vice president of merchandising for pets at Walmart U.S., wrote in an announcement. “We are excited to bring the Walmart Pet Services center to Dallas, Georgia residents to improve access to affordable and quality pet care and are eager to introduce the model to other communities in the future.”
Meanwhile, other major retailers are expanding their offerings for pets and livestock. Tractor Supply, for example, brought pet prescription services online in 2021 and announced plans to open more of its self-serve pet wash services and pet wellness centers. Among the pet services Tractor Supply customers can access are vaccines, deworming, ear and eye care, microchipping and testing, according to its website.
Similarly, pet retailers are also expanding into pet healthcare and insurance. Last year, Chewy expanded its insurance and wellness offerings with the launch of CarePlus, a collection of pet wellness and insurance plans. Petco has also leaned into pet wellness to attract pet owners who are increasingly spending on pet care.
