Whanganui Animates opening Friday

Whanganui Animates store getting ready for Friday opening. PHOTO/ STUART MUNRO

The dogs are barking and the cats are meowing - all in anticipation for the new Whanganui Animates pet store aiming for a "soft opening" this Friday February 16.

Doors will be open to the public by the end of the week and a grand opening will take place mid-March with free dog washes as well as fun and games for the pets and owners.

National brand and partnerships manager for Animates, Jacquie Baigent, said they are extremely excited about the opening and the project is tracking well.

"Developments have progressed faster than anticipated and we can't wait...details for the grand launch will be advertised closer to the time,"

Ms Baigent said they have employed seven local people - a mixture of part-time and full-time workers.

Located at 299 Victoria Ave on the corner of the Avenue and Dublin St, the erection of the bright yellow store has been hard to miss.

The Whanganui store will offer the same range of products and pets as every other store in the retail chain. That includes advice on pet nutrition, exercise, health and training.

"We also cover off fashion, pet adoption, insurance and grooming. The store will host education events for families to help kids learn how to be responsible and great pet parents through our school holiday programme," she said.

Animates has worked with the SPCA since 2010 finding homes for animals.

Francie Flis, Wanganui SPCA centre manager, said they are giving Animates three kittens for adoption hopefully in time for the opening.

"Animates only sell SPCA kittens which have been desexed, unlike most pet stores, which is great,"

"We are excited for Animates to open in Whanganui and thankful for the support they give SPCA," Ms Flis said.

Animates, one of the country's largest pet brands, has around 40 stores operating nationwide - now including Whanganui.