Operation Paws for Homes, a pet rescue group, was on hand all-day for pet adoptions. Jen Maki, director of Operation Paws, talks with a prospective pet owner at the Unleashed by Petco grand opening. Photo by Amiee Freeman.
Pet owners now have a new pet store option in Reston. Unleashed by Petco had its grand opening at Hunter’s Woods Plaza over the weekend.
“We offer everyday pet essentials plus premium natural foods, frozen raw foods, doggie ice cream, and refrigerated fresh meats. We have a self-wash for dogs. In January we hope to start offering training classes,” said store manager, John Fenn.
Saturday afternoon found a string of happy dogs out front of the new store with foster owners and prospective new families. Operation Paws for Homes, a pet adoption service, joined in the grand opening with an all-day pet adoption event.
“This is a really nice area for dogs with so many pathways and outdoor options,” said Operation Paws Event Coordinator Anna Keefe, about the Reston area. “We definitely hope to continue to offer pet adoptions here.”
Inside, pet owners perused the aisles of pet food and supplies. Reston residents Mary Portelly with Anniebelle and Liz Battocletti with Roan used the grand opening to meet up and get their dogs out for some fresh air.
“I typically shop at the Safeway here at Hunter’s Woods, so it’s nice to have a pet store here too. It’s also great that we can bring our dogs into the store with us. It gives us a chance to get them out of the house,” said Portelly. Anniebelle seemed to enjoy the doggie ice cream sample being offered.
In the back of the store, two elevated metal bathtubs are available for self-wash. Michelle Taylor of Reston had brought Rocks in for a bath.
“It’s definitely easier giving him a bath here than at home. At home, he just jumps out of the tub,” said Taylor.
With leash clips, Rocks had no chance of jumping out of the tub and Unleashed provided the shampoo.
Taylor went on to say that this store with the self-wash is very convenient. The nearest pet store she could think of with such a service is in Fairfax.
Unleashed is next to the Dunkin’ Donuts in Hunter’s Woods Plaza in a portion of the space that was formerly BlockBuster.
“We had a great crowd Saturday morning and throughout the day Saturday,” said Fenn. “We look forward to being a great community store.”