Walmart to open five new pet services centers
Walmart Inc. is expanding its veterinary services offering to new locations.
The discount giant, which introduced its first-ever dedicated Pet Services center in the Atlanta suburb of Dallas, Ga. in September 2023, plans to open more of the facilities over the next month in the following cities:
- Cumming, Ga.
- Alpharetta, Ga.
- Glendale, Ariz.
- Chandler, Ariz.
- Mesa, Ariz.
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 qualified veterinary and grooming professionals in collaboration with PetIQ, which currently owns and operates vet clinics on-site in more than 65 Walmart stores.
The retailer plans to continue to expand its Pet Services centers to more communities in the future. The Walmart Pet Services centers have their own separate entrance. Only service animals are permitted inside Walmart stores.
"Walmart understands that pets are family, and we’re proud to be a trusted destination for our pet parents," said Kaitlyn Shadiow, VP of merchandising, pets, Walmart U.S. "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. We’re excited to bring Walmart Pet Service centers to more markets and help meet our customers’ pet needs in one convenient destination."
Walmart set to offer new Walmart+ pet telehealth perk
In addition, starting Oct. 18, Walmart will officially launch its Pawp for Walmart+ benefit, which was announced earlier this year. This new online pet care service will give Walmart+ members free, 24/7 access to Pawp's team of veterinary professionals with unlimited $0 visits via text or video.
Walmart+ initially piloted Pawp as a limited-time offer in 2023. According to the retailer, the pet telehealth benefit had a high redemption rate and became Walmart+’s most successful limited-time offer of 2023. Company data indicates that more than 75% of Walmart+ members were pet owners as of January 2024.
[READ MORE: Walmart adding pet telehealth benefit to Walmart+]
Walmart also recently expanded its pet pharmacy services, which provide home delivery of pet prescriptions. Customers can also continue to fill pet prescriptions in stores.
Based in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. operates more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.
