Walmart Expands into Pet Care Services with Its First Pet Services Center
In the pet world, Walmart's stepping up its game with the grand opening of its first dedicated Pet Services Center** in sunny Dallas, Georgia. This pilot project could potentially find its way into various other stores if things go swimmingly.
The center's packed with services tailored for pets, such as vaccinations, wellness checks, minor medical treatment, grooming sessions, tooth cleaning, ear cleaning, and nail trims. It'll also feature a self-service dog wash. PetIQ, a veterinary and grooming service provider, will staff the pros behind the counter. Additionally, Walmart plans to soon introduce an online Pet Pharmacy experience on its website and mobile app.
Walmart's already running in-store vet clinics at over 65 locations across the country, but the new Dallas center will sport a separate entrance.
This move is part of Walmart's broader goal of catering to pet owners. In 2019, they expanded their in-store vet clinics with plans for 100 locations. Beyond the impending online pet pharmacy and new pet services center, Walmart+ subscribers will gain access to virtual vet appointments and a sweet $30 Rover discount.
Kaitlyn Shadiow, VP of merchandising for pets at Walmart U.S., shared her excitement: "The Walmart Pet Services center is a crucial step in our innovation within the pet category and we're bringing top-notch solutions to our customers. We're not stopping there—we're also working to bring wallet-friendly, trendy pet goods to pet owners nationwide."
Other retail giants are following suit. Tractor Supply took pet prescriptions online in 2021 and proposed plans for extra pet wash services and wellness centers. Unlike Tractor Supply, Tractor Supply's pet services as of now are unclear. However, they're known for carrying a wide array of pet supplies and services in some locations, including veterinary care.
Pet retailers are also creeping into the pet healthcare and insurance domain. Last year, Chewy launched CarePlus, a suite of wellness and insurance plans for pets. Meanwhile, Petco's drumming up pet wellness buzz to attract pet owners investing in pet health.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially be utilized by Walmart to streamline pet health services and improve medication management in their upcoming online Pet Pharmacy.
- Amid the expanding pet services offered by Walmart, home-and-garden enthusiasts might find a growth in product offerings catering to pet lifestyle and wellbeing.
- Given the increasing focus on pet health and services among retailers, owners of cats and dogs might one day have the option to purchase pet health insurance policies through popular home-garden stores like Tractor Supply or pet retailers like Chewy.
