Clinic center: New diagnostics reference laboratory and more

Alongside new hospital and clinic openings, several pet nutrition companies are expanding and opening new locations across the United States. Recently, a pet nutrition organization and an animal health company announced the upcoming openings of their largest facilities to date. Moreover, in the West Coast of the US, a pet retailer has opened its third location.

Below are 3 recent and upcoming animal care and nutrition facility openings:

Royal Canin facility (Lewisburg, Ohio)

Royal Canin facility in Lewisburg, Ohio. (Image courtesy of Mars, Incorporated)

Royal Canin will be opening its largest dry pet food factory worldwide in Lewisburg, Ohio. The $450 million investment will span 450,000 sq ft and will create up to 270 new full-time jobs over the next 5 years, according to Mars, who owns the Royal Canin brand.¹ The new facility will also produce enough dry pet food to feed 4 million pets each year, the company said in a news release.¹

“The decision by Royal Canin and parent company Mars to locate in Ohio represents a significant vote of confidence in Ohio's business environment, our talented, highly trained workforce and our outstanding quality of life,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in a news release.¹ “We are pleased that Royal Canin is locating in Lewisburg and we look forward to partnering with them as they succeed in Ohio, the heart of it all.”

The new facility employs standardized systems and process designs to replicate the brand’s nutrition. According to Mars, the facility is capable of producing the brand’s entire regional dry kibble portfolio, making it the largest dry pet food manufacturing site worldwide for Royal Canin. Additionally, the facility has achieved Silver LEED certification, which reflects internationally recognized sustainability standards.¹

Zoetis diagnostics reference laboratory (Louisville, Kentucky)

Zoetis recently announced the upcoming opening of its largest diagnostics reference laboratory at the UPS Healthcare Labport facility at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The facility’s location at the end of the runway will allow Zoetis to rapidly receive diagnostic specimens and deliver timely results to veterinary clinics nationwide, according to the company.² Spanning 32,000 sq ft, the new lab is planned to be at full operational capacity by the end of 2025.

“We continue to elevate the standard of pet healthcare with our new Louisville lab—a world-class facility where advanced technology and cutting-edge science meets compassionate care,” Jamie Brannan, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Zoetis, said in an organizational release.² “With expanded capacity, enhanced logistics, and a passionate team of experts, we are bringing our vision for faster, more accessible diagnostics results to life—helping veterinarians make informed decisions for the animals in their care.”

“The success of this lab will be built on the strength of our partnerships,” said Kavita Bhat, vice president of US Reference Laboratories at Zoetis.² “We’re proud to grow alongside the Louisville community and grateful to all the individuals—our employees, our logistics partners, and our local leaders—who made this vision a reality.”

Pet Food Express (San Francisco, California)

Pet Food Express in San Francisco, California. (Image courtesy of Pet Food Express)

Pet retailer Pet Food Express has opened the doors to its third location in San Francisco, California, in the Presidio, adjacent to Crissy Field and The Palace of Fine Arts. The new location, which is part of a fully electric 84,000 sq ft waterfront complex, offers premium pet foods, toys, supplies, and in-store services such as veterinary wellness clinics, self-service pet wash stations, and dog training.

“The Presidio—one of the most beautiful, nature-filled communities in San Francisco —is the perfect place to celebrate the bond between people and their pets. We’re thrilled to plant our flag here with the newest Pet Food Express location and be part of a community where many California pets and pet lovers already feel right at home,” said Denyelle Bruno, CEO, Pet Food Express, in a company release.³

The store will be holding a grand opening event on June 7, 2025, where pet adoptions in partnership with local rescue organizations will take place. The store will also be offering free goodies and giveaways, as well as food.

References

1. Mars builds on long-term US investment with the opening of new $450 million Royal Canin facility in Ohio. News release. May 14, 2025. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/mars-opening-new-royal-canin-facility-ohio
2. Zoetis strengthens US diagnostics network with new state-of-the-art reference laboratory in Louisville. Zoetis. May 14, 2025. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://news.zoetis.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/Zoetis-Strengthens-U-S--Diagnostics-Network-with-New-State-of-the-Art-Reference-Laboratory-in-Louisville-2025-mS_lTDEK7U/default.aspx?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dx_ky_site_expansion&utm_content=img
3. Pet Food Express opens the doors to its newest store in San Francisco’s Presidio. Pet Food Express. May 1, 2025. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501940467/en/Pet-Food-Express-Opens-The-Doors-to-its-Newest-Store-in-San-Franciscos-Presidio