A Pasco County couple opened a walk-in clinic for pets, offering low-cost vaccinations and other basic pet care.

It's believed to be the first of its kind in the country, and is definitely the first to be located inside of a Wal-Mart, according to the company.

  • Essentials PetCare was founded by a veterinarian and his wife
  • The Spikers say they hope the clinic helps more people keep their pets
  • They provide vaccines, heart worm tests, treatment for basic illnesses and nail trimming

Essentials PetCare is located inside of the Wal-Mart on U.S. 19 in Port Richey.

“The goal is to be affordable so that basically anybody with a pet can put together the money and get the very basics their pets need,” said owner Douglas Spiker, DVM.

Spiker and his wife Christine were inspired to open the clinic after finding a dog named Annie abandoned in Pasco County. They believe her owners left her because of a treatable skin ailment.

Annie’s portrait now hangs as the centerpiece of the new office.

Spiker says he hopes no families will have to give up their pets because of money now that Essentials PetCare is open.

“We’re here to help West Pasco residents not have to have a hard choice between relinquishing an animal or providing very basic and essential care,” said Spiker.

A full canine vaccine package costs $58 at the clinic. According to the AKC, the same vaccines would cost $268 on average.

Spiker says because it is not a full scale veterinary clinic, it doesn’t have the same upkeep costs. Most vets have to pay for X-ray machines and medicine to stock the shelves. Because Essentials Pet Care doesn’t do that, it can pass the savings to the consumer.

Much like a walk-in clinic for humans, you don’t need an appointment. The clinic also offers heart worm tests, treatment for basic illnesses and nail trimming. They don't charge an office visit fee like traditional veterinarians, either.

Spiker still has a traditional veterinary practice in Pinellas County. Essentials Pet Care does not offer services like spaying or neutering.

The clinic is already open for business. But it is holding a grand opening celebration to introduce itself to the public Saturday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.