THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 17, 1994 TAG: 9411150125
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
It's a new concept in animal care, and it's now in Norfolk.
The Petstuff retail store in Janaf Shopping Center has added an Animal Wellness Center. Customers not only can get food and supplies for their pets, but they also now can get on-site medical services, too.
``We basically do checkups and vaccines,'' store manager Dave Kennedy said. ``It's preventative medicine on a walk-in basis.''
The clinic is located within the main store and is operated by Dr. Connie Pozniak, a licensed veterinarian. Care is provided for healthy animals only, primarily dogs, cats and other popular small pets. Services include brief exams, rabies and distemper shots, and heartworm and leukemia tests.
``Every animal gets a basic checkup,'' said Dr. Rita Gariboldi, one of Pozniak's assistants. ``If we do find a serious condition, we refer the pet owner to an animal hospital.''
Even in its short duration, the service has been well-received, Gariboldi said.
``We've had a good turnout - some regular customers and others that have never been here,'' she said.
A woman with a golden retriever commented that it was her first time at a store.
``He needs a couple of shots, and I live close by, so I thought I'd check it out,'' she said.
Another patron just had some questions for the vet:
``I come here all the time for food and supplies. I may start to use the medical services if they're cost effective.''
Petstuff advertises prices at 10 to 30 percent less than those charged by traditional animal hospitals. The store also features specials such as a rabies shot for $5. The going rate is approximately $12.50.
``We hope to make veterinary care processes more affordable and convenient,'' said Dr. Randy Pinkleton, Petstuff's director of veterinary operations. ``A lot of customers say that the store concept is fun, too - a pet-care and shopping experience at the same time.''
The Janaf location is the company's only site in Hampton Roads. Founded in 1992, the Atlanta-based firm has 47 stores along the East Coast from Florida to Canada. Of those sites, 12 have clinics. The two pilot centers were opened in Richmond last July.
``Business has been going like gangbusters,'' said Martha May, public relations manager for the corporation. ``We're filling a need in that a lot of animals aren't vaccinated because it's not convenient. Most vets are open from 9 to 5 when people are at work. We're open from 4 to 8 in the afternoon during the week and 2 to 5 on weekends. It makes it a lot easier for people to take care of their pets.''
May also noted that the center's veterinarians are selected from within local communities, as opposed to bringing in doctors from outside the area.
``We basically offer them a satellite office near their own established practice,'' she said.
But for some established animal hospitals, the in-store clinic has its drawbacks.
``Our understanding is there's not much personal contact between the pet owner and the doctor,'' said Craig Williams, an office manager at Norfolk's West Animal Clinic. ``We feel that relationship is vital. Plus, they don't treat sick animals.''
May indicated that the company plans to have clinics in nearly all of its stores by the end of the year. She pointed to convenience and lower prices through increased volume as key elements in the concept's success. But May said there is also a pet-friendly factor.
``During the vaccination, owners can buy their pet a treat in the store,'' she said. ``That way the animals won't associate the trip with a bad experience.'' by CNB