DAYTON — Pet Valu, a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats, toys and accessories, with more than 165 stores in local communities in the United States, has announced the acquisition of 32 Jack’s Pets locations across Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, including the store in Sidney at 2244 Michigan St.
Pet Valu has remodeled the facility.
“There are new fixtures, a new floor. It’s very, very nice. It’s now like a boutique, like a pet store nowhere else around here,” said Rick Elliott, Dayton district manager. Pet Valu will introduce hundreds of new and exclusive pet products, according to a company release.
“One of the highlights in the store now is a self-wash station for your pets. We supply all the supplies — shampoo, towels, dryer — and we clean up the mess,” Elliott said. He has plans to add a grooming service in the near future.
“The Jack’s team is very excited to join the Pet Valu family,” said Scott Brenner, Jack’s Pets president and vice president of Midwest operations for Pet Valu, in a release. “We are pleased to be part of a group committed to our customers.”
Staff members will receive additional training in pet health and nutrition, through the University of California UC Davis Extension School.
Pet Valu will also introduce its fundraising initiatives to the Midwest, includingPet Appreciation Weekend in April, the United States War Dogs Association fundraiser from July 4 through Sept. 11 and Thanks for Giving in November. This year’s Pet Appreciation Weekend raised more than $500,000 for local shelters, and the U.S. War Dogs fundraiser raised more than $400,000 for the association.
Locally, Elliott said, the Sidney store will continue its association with the Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation (SCARF) to host dog-adoption events.
“We’re looking for an organization that can bring cats in (for adoption),” he said. “We have been working with SCARF to do that.”
Pet Valu plans to expand aggressively in the Midwest over the next several years, creating hundreds of jobs for local residents. Elliott expects an “uptick” in business in Sidney that would impel an increase in staff here, too.
The store still offers a variety of small animals and fish for sale. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday.
