Walmart has recently unveiled plans to open five new pet services centers in Arizona and Georgia, set to launch in October and early November. These centers aim to provide veterinary care and grooming services, building on the success of Walmart’s inaugural pet services center, which debuted last year in the Atlanta area.
In an interview, Kaitlyn Shadiow, Vice President of Pet Sales at Walmart U.S., emphasized the pet industry as a significant growth opportunity. She noted that pet-related purchases encourage frequent shopping, appeal to a diverse customer base, and tend to remain steady even when consumers face budget constraints.
The new pet services centers will have dedicated entrances adjacent to Walmart stores. While these locations will carry the Walmart name, they will be staffed by employees from PetIQ, a company that specializes in veterinary care and pet products. Customers can look forward to routine veterinary services including health checks, vaccinations, and minor medical treatments, as well as grooming services for both cats and dogs.
Shadiow shared that the first pet services store has experienced substantial foot traffic and repeat visits. Interestingly, around 25% of customers had never purchased pet supplies at Walmart prior to visiting the center. This trend creates a “halo effect,” as shoppers seeking veterinary or grooming services often increase their purchases of pet food and related products.
Walmart’s expansion into pet services is also driven by competitive pressures in the market. Companies like Chewy and Petco are similarly expanding their offerings, with Petco positioning its stores as primary veterinary service locations. Shadiow pointed out that profit margins for these services are higher than those for pet food, fueled by the ongoing demand for related items like leashes, pet beds, and crates.
