Waikele Center Welcomes Pet Store To The Mix Oct. 20

Petco will open its newest location in Waikele Center, at the spot vacated by Bank of Hawaii.

Doors officially open Oct. 20, prior to a grand opening celebration Oct. 25-26.

“We’re really excited, and I can’t wait for the store to open,” admitted general manager Harry Gonzalez.

During the two-day festivities, pet owners who stop in may treat themselves and their furry friends to giveaways, gift cards and samples of treats, as well as pets eligible to be adopted.

“We’re making an effort to raise awareness for pet adoptions, so we’re going to have a huge adoption event hosted by Hawaiian Humane Society,” noted Gonzalez.

Customers who take home a dog or cat also can look forward to a booklet with offers such as 50 percent off most supplies in stock.

Existing pet parents are welcome to bring their four-legged friends, provided they are on a leash.

The grand opening also will feature samples from local vendors.

“We are trying to have that local bond, as well,” Gonzalez added.

Unlike Petco’s other Oahu locations, the Waikele outlet will focus specifically on the everyday needs of pet owners, and will not have other animals like guinea pigs and birds for sale.

“This is more focused (as) a store for convenience for the community, where they can just go and where we will have everyday necessities, a wide variety of high-quality food, and we’ll also provide services in the store.”

These services include low-cost vaccination clinics, puppy and adult dog training classes and a self-wash station, which other island stores don’t offer.

The self-wash area in Petco comes complete with shampoo, conditioner, towels and a drying station. Ramps to tubs provide easy access for dogs and their humans, and the staff is available for any additional assistance.

“It’s a nice little cool alternative if you don’t want to spend as much taking your animal to a full-service grooming salon,” said Gonzales. “You’ll be able to have the option of having that tub instead of having to do it in your home, having to bend over, and having to buy shampoo separately and things like that.”

Gonzalez, who lives in the Waipahu area, is excited to connect with the community.

“We definitely want to have that bond with our pet parents and be their shop of choice,” he said.

When open, store hours will be 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays.