A brand-new Pets at Home store and Vets for Pets practice is set to open on Regent Road this Friday (27 March), following a £1.3 million investment aimed at improving services for local pet owners.

The new Petcare Centre, located just a three-minute walk from the retailer’s previous base at Regent Retail Park, will see both the shop and veterinary practice significantly expanded — increasing the overall space by nearly 4,000 square feet.

The upgraded veterinary practice will more than double in size, growing from two to five consultation rooms, allowing more pets to access convenient, high-quality care. Meanwhile, the larger retail space will offer a wider range of products in a more modern and spacious environment.

The move sees the business take over the former Staples unit, which has stood vacant for almost a decade.

As part of the transition, the practice has rebranded from Companion Care to Vets for Pets, joining a nationwide network of more than 450 locally owned practices. Joint Practice Owners Dr Antonio Nocco and Madalina Obreja will lead a 17-strong team, operating with full clinical and operational autonomy while supported by the wider brand.

Open seven days a week with free parking, the purpose-built facility will feature separate waiting areas for cats and dogs, alongside a range of advanced services including dental x-rays, operating theatres, digital imaging, ultrasound, an in-house laboratory, acupuncture treatments and a Pet Passport service.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Madalina Obreja said the team is “incredibly excited” to welcome customers into the new space.

“Antonio and I are incredibly excited to open our purpose-built practice inside the brand-new Pets at Home Petcare Centre. We have been caring for the pets of Salford for many years and our passionate team is dedicated to providing high-quality, first opinion care to the local community. Our new practice gives us more space, facilities and modern equipment to continue doing what we love – supporting pets and the people who love them.”

The official launch will take place at 11am on Friday, with the ribbon cut by the practice’s resident Shih Tzu, Martha.

A full weekend of celebrations is planned for local visitors, including free goodie bags, face painting, pupcakes and cupcakes, Pet Pals workshops, and a “Golden Bone” treasure hunt offering the chance to win £50 prizes. Visitors will also be able to take behind-the-scenes tours of the veterinary practice and try complimentary acupuncture taster sessions.

The opening forms part of Pets at Home’s wider investment in its UK store network and local communities, with the company increasing both the number of new locations and overall capital investment in March.