Walmart expands pet care service locations | PetfoodIndustry

New centers offering in-person and virtual veterinary care, pet prescription delivery, grooming services, pet food and supplies are opening in Georgia and Arizona.

Walmart has announced key expansions to its core pet care services, including in-person and virtual veterinary care, pet prescription delivery, grooming services, pet food and supplies, all in one location for pet owners.

Walmart noted the pet category continues to be one of the most dynamic in retail, with a projected annual spending growth of 7% by 2030 and household expenses expected to reach $1,445 per pet by 2026. Veterinary services are now the second largest pet spending category after consumables and is expected to see continued growth as pet owners prioritize their pets’ wellbeing, said the company.

Walmart Pet Services centers are planned to open over the next month in the following cities: Cumming, Georgia; Alpharetta, Georgia; Glendale, Arizona; Chandler, Arizona; and Mesa, Arizona. All locations are designed to offer low, transparent pricing with easy-to-understand packages and build on the success of the Dallas, Georgia pilot.

Walmart Pet Services centers will continue to offer routine veterinary care (vaccines, wellness exams and minor medical services), and grooming (baths, nail trims, teeth cleaning, ear cleaning and basic hair trims), with services provided by experienced veterinary and grooming professionals in collaboration with PetIQ. Walmart said it has plans to continue to expand its Pet Services centers, with ambitions to introduce the model to more communities in the future.

“Whether shopping in-stores or online, Walmart offers a differentiated omnichannel experience and a wide assortment of offerings – from products and prescriptions to services – available at our Every Day Low Prices to make pet care affordable and convenient," said Kaitlyn Shadiow, vice president of merchandising, Pets, Walmart U.S. "Our Dallas, Georgia, customers have shown us how much they value the affordable, convenient pet care solutions our first Walmart Pet Services center brought them. We’re excited to bring Walmart Pet Service centers to more markets and help meet our customers’ pet needs in one convenient destination.”

Starting October 18, Walmart will officially launch its Walmart+ benefit in partnership with Pawp. This new service provides Walmart+ members with free, 24/7 access to Pawp's team of veterinary professionals through unlimited $0 visits via text or video. The benefit is designed to offer pet owners immediate access to expert advice on their pets' health, anytime and anywhere.

In addition, Walmart has expanded its Pet Pharmacy Services, offering customers across the country a low-cost, convenient solution for pet prescriptions, which can be delivered to their home or filled in-store.

Over the past year, Walmart has introduced several new pet brands, including Goodlands Pet Food, Zuke’s Dog Treats and Rocco and Roxie, to its stores.