Pet owners in St. Augustine now have another reason to celebrate their four-legged family members as Pet Wants St. Augustine Central opens its new brick-and-mortar location in Westgate Plaza on State Road 16. The new location marks an important milestone for owner R.J. Spreckelsen, who spent more than a year building a customer base through a mobile pet food and supplies business before opening his permanent storefront in April. Now, he is inviting the community to experience the company’s fresh approach to pet nutrition, grooming, and wellness while supporting local animal rescue organizations and small businesses.
“Our pets are such an integral part of our families, providing companionship and comfort,” Spreckelsen said. “Today’s pet owners are looking for better, fresher options when it comes to what they feed them. I know I was.”
Before entering the pet care industry, Spreckelsen spent nearly three decades working in software. However, his lifelong love of animals eventually inspired him to pursue a different path. As the owner of three dogs and three cats, he understands firsthand the importance many pet owners place on nutrition and overall wellness. That passion led him to Pet Wants, a national brand known for producing fresh, small-batch pet food made with natural ingredients and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Unlike many traditional pet food products that may sit in warehouses for extended periods, Pet Wants food is prepared in small batches, cooked slowly at low temperatures to preserve nutrients, and shipped fresh every 45 days.
The new St. Augustine store carries a variety of formulas designed for kittens, puppies, adult pets, and older animals. Customers can choose from several protein options, including chicken, salmon, lamb, duck, herring, and whitefish, allowing pet owners to rotate proteins and customize diets based on their pets’ needs and preferences. The store also reflects a growing trend within the pet care industry. According to the American Pet Products Association, U.S. pet owners continue to increase spending on premium food, wellness products, and specialized services as pets become increasingly viewed as family members rather than simply household animals.
In addition to fresh food, Pet Wants St. Augustine Central offers treats, chews, natural supplements, and professional grooming services. The grooming operation utilizes a crate-free environment designed to minimize stress and provide a more comfortable experience for pets during appointments. Spreckelsen has also used the new storefront as an opportunity to support fellow entrepreneurs. Drawing on relationships developed while operating at local farmers markets and community events, he has invited several local makers to sell their handcrafted products in the store. Shoppers can browse custom pet bandanas, collars, leashes, harnesses, birthday cakes, and specialty baked treats created by local artisans.
Pet Wants St. Augustine Central aims to become more than a pet supply store. Spreckelsen hopes the business will serve as a community resource where pet owners can access high-quality nutrition, wellness products, grooming services, and expert guidance to help their pets live healthier, happier lives. For more information, check out Pet Wants website here.
