Petsense LaPlace celebrates grand re-opening with springtime fun

Published 3:07 pm Friday, March 31, 2023

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LAPLACE — Friday’s ribbon cutting ceremony marked the grand re-opening of Petsense at 1332 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace. After being closed for more than 18 months following Hurricane Ida, the popular pet retailer is celebrating its return home with a tail-wagging lineup of springtime fun.

The Easter Bunny will hop in to take free photos with furry friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. All animals must be leashed or held, and photos will be delivered digitally via email. Easter eggs containing grooming coupons and Merrick dog treats will be scattered throughout the store. The weekend will also feature a ShotVet vaccination clinic in-store from 2 to 3 p.m. April 1.

Store manager Chassie Leblanc said community members will recognize the familiar faces of employees who have been with the company since before Hurricane Ida. During the extended closure, the team was given the opportunity to work at parent company Tractor Supply or at other Petsense locations.

According to Leblanc, the smaller square footage of the newly reopened LaPlace Petsense lends itself to a more intimate level of customer service.

“We can be a little more one-on-one. We build relationships with our customers,” Leblanc said. “When our customers come in every day, multiple times a day, we are hearing that they are happy we are back. Tractor Supply offers some pet supplies, but they are more focused on farm and feed. It’s good to have something specialized in the community (for pet care) so people don’t have to go outside the parish.”

Team member Connie Falgoust said every customer who walks through the door brings in a smile and a sense of positivity.

“I’m excited to be back. I think we’re going to do awesome,” she said. “What else can I say? We’re home.”

Petsense offers an assortment of supplies for dogs, cats and small animals, including but not limited to food, toys, treats, habitats and kennels. The store also features a full range of grooming services such as full haircuts, bath and brush, and nail trims for dogs and cats. Walk-ins are accepted based upon availability, though appointments are preferred.

Petsense is continuing to feature adoptable cats from the St. John Parish Animal Shelter. The reopening has also debuted an expanded selection of pets, according to Leblanc.

“We have more reptiles. Before, we only had bearded dragons and leopard geckos. Now we also have a chameleon, crested geckos, different types of snakes, scorpions and tarantulas,” Leblanc said.

Petsense was rebranded to Petsense by Tractor Supply in 2022 to offer a more modern and welcoming customer experience, according to company officials. Offering a robust selection of products and a loyalty program called Neighbor’s Club, the brand is focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, particularly in small communities.

The LaPlace Petsense hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The grooming shop is also open seven days a week.

For more information, call 985-233-4057.