Pet Valu opens Calgary Distribution Centre

Pet Valu Holdings Ltd., the leading Canadian specialty retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies, announced Tuesday the completion of its four-year supply chain transformation with the official opening of its 295,000-square-foot, LEED Gold Certified distribution centre in Calgary.

The supply chain transformation provides Pet Valu with one of Canada’s most advanced and resilient distribution networks serving the pet specialty industry, positioning the company to efficiently support the growth of its franchisees, corporate stores and online channels over the next decade, it said.

“We are thrilled to officially unveil our new Calgary DC, the final pillar of our modernized supply chain, serving Canadian franchisees and devoted pet lovers coast-to-coast,” said Richard Maltsbarger, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Valu.

“I want to congratulate our cross-functional teams, who over the last four years, have poured countless hours to successfully make this bold vision a reality, and one that all our ACEs and franchisees can take pride in.

“With larger, modern distribution facilities, supported by industry leading technology and talent, we have never been better positioned to continue our long term track record of growth, as we continue to deliver the strategic, operational and financial benefits from this investment.”

Between 2022 and 2025, Pet Valu said it invested approximately $100 million to consolidate nine company-operated and third-party warehouses facilities into three new, partially automated distribution centres.

At 295,000 square feet, the Calgary DC is the third largest pet specialty distribution centre in Canada, exceeded only by Pet Valu’s own 670,000-square-foot distribution centre in Brampton, Ontario, which opened in 2023, and its 350,000-square-foot distribution centre in Surrey, British Columbia, which opened in 2024.

Like the GTA and Surrey DCs, the Calgary DC utilizes an advanced warehouse management system, and modernized machine handling equipment, safety systems and security systems. It also has ample wellness space to support the diverse needs of its employees, including a bright lunchroom with six-metre high ceilings, training space, a driver’s lounge, prayer and ablution rooms, first aid facilities and ample windows which bring in natural light, explained the company.

“With over 1.3 million square feet of distribution capacity, supported by industry-leading automation and technology, we have successfully built Canada’s strongest supply chain supporting the pet specialty industry,” said Nico Weidel, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Pet Valu.

“This platform unlocks value for us and all our stakeholders, through stronger productivity and efficiency, improved customer service levels and accuracy to our franchisees and stores, delivery simplification for our suppliers, enhanced wellness space for our employees, and job creation in the communities we serve. As these benefits continue to materialize in real-time, we plan to further leverage these investments over the next decade.”

Pet Value said the Calgary DC will provide more than 100 full and part-time skilled jobs in the Calgary
market and support Pet Valu’s future growth in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba for the next decade. The Facility is now fully operational and Pet Valu plans to scale down use and exit its legacy warehouse and third-party distribution space in the Calgary region by the end of September.

Pet Valu is Canada’s leading retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies with over 800 corporate-owned or franchised locations across the country. The company is headquartered in Markham, Ontario.

(Photos courtesy of Pet Valu)