With three dogs and three cats at home, Pet Wants owner R.J. Spreckelsen knows something about caring for pets. He’s been sharing his passion for fresh, nutritious pet food with customers for more than a year, running Pet Wants as a mobile business. Spreckelsen is now taking the next step with a brick-and-mortar location at the Westgate Plaza on State Road 16. After opening on Wednesday, April 8, Pet Wants St. Augustine Central is inviting the public to celebrate its grand opening on June 5-7.
“Our pets are such an integral part of our families, providing companionship and comfort,” said Spreckelsen, owner of Pet Wants St. Augustine Central. “Today’s pet owners are looking for better, fresher options when it comes to what they feed them. I know I was! That’s what attracted me to the Pet Wants brand. They craft their own pet food formulas, made in small batches with fresh, natural ingredients, enhanced with vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet.”
Spreckelsen began his career in the software industry, but after almost 30 years, he decided to make a major change and embrace his childhood passion for working with animals.
Spreckelsen started Pet Wants as a mobile business, setting up at local farmers’ markets, events and festivals and building a loyal customer base. His new brick-and-mortar location stocks Pet Wants’ proprietary food, made in small batches and cooked slowly, at low temperatures, to preserve the food’s nutrients. It’s cooked fresh every 45 days and shipped to the store, kept temperature-controlled the entire time. It comes in a variety of formulas for kittens, puppies, cats, dogs and seniors, and flavors like chicken, salmon, lamb, duck and herring, and whitefish and duck, allowing pet owners to rotate proteins to keep feeding time interesting.
The food can be purchased in the store or delivered right to their door. Frozen food is also available for those who wish to cook their pet’s food fresh. Pet Wants also carries select national brands, treats, chews and natural pet supplements.
Grooming services are also available, with experienced groomers and a crate-free, less-stress approach.
Spreckelsen is also paying it forward by inviting smaller makers he met at markets to offer their wares in his shop, including custom-made bandanas, leashes, collars, harnesses and baked goods, such as animal birthday cakes and treats.
The first 100 customers at the grand opening will receive five pounds of food free with their purchase. K9S for Warriors will be on site on Saturday, June 6, with adoptable rescue pets eager to find a new friend. Additional rescues will attend on Sunday, June 7.
The address is 525 S.R. 16, Unit 114, in St. Augustine. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more at www.petwantsstaugustinecentral.com and follow along on social media at @PetWantsStAugustineCentral.
