Walmart expands pet care services
Walmart is making key expansions to its core pet care offerings—widening access to affordable in-person and virtual veterinary care, pet prescription delivery, grooming services, pet food and supplies.
The retailer noted that 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, the retailer said.
Walmart went on to say that while customers are spending more on their pets, inflation continues to create unexpected financial burdens that can make caring for them a challenge. In line with the retailer’s Every Day Low Price commitment, Walmart is expanding its pet services centers in Cumming, Ga.; Alpharetta, Ga.; Glendale, Ariz.; Chandler, Ariz.; and Mesa, Ariz.
All locations offer low, transparent pricing with easy-to-understand packages and build on the success of the Dallas, Ga., pilot as new and returning customers seek affordable, transparent care for their pets, Walmart noted.
[Read more: Walmart dives into pet care with online pet pharmacy]
“Walmart understands that pets are family, and we’re proud to be a trusted destination for our pet parents,” said Kaitlyn Shadiow, vice president of merchandising, pets, at 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. Our Dallas, Ga. 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.”
The pet centers will continue to offer routine veterinary care and grooming with services provided by experienced veterinary and grooming professionals in collaboration with PetIQ. In addition, starting Oct. 18, Walmart will officially launch its Walmart+ benefit with Pawp, 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.
[Read more: Pharmacy Innovator of the Year 2021: Walmart connects with communities]
Walmart also recently expanded its Pet Pharmacy Services, providing customers across the country with a seamless and convenient, low-cost solution for pet prescriptions – delivered straight to their doorstep. Walmart customers also can continue to fill pet prescriptions in stores.
“Our goal is to replicate and scale the Walmart Pet Services model to other communities and to continue helping Walmart customers save money with a goal to help their pets live better,” the retailer said.