Dozen new jobs for Masterton

The Animates pet shop and pet warehouse on Albert St, Masterton, will open in July. PHOTO/HAYLEY GASTMEIER

A LEADING pet retail firm is coming to Wairarapa with possibly 12 new jobs up for grabs.

Animal lovers who want to help "the pet-parents of tomorrow" can start applying now for positions with the chain store Animates, which is opening in Masterton this July.

Animates national manager of brand and partnerships Jacqui Baigent said the Masterton store would be all-encompassing for animal needs with a full grooming salon, DIY dogwash, retail, and pet adoptions.

She said while some Animates stores in New Zealand had vets, the Masterton store would not, but there would still be jobs available, some of which were already being advertised.

"We're probably looking at a team of 12 people across the Masterton business, so it's a great employment opportunity for locals," Mrs Baigent said. "We're just starting to let people know that we're coming and we're excited, and obviously hiring the team is very important to us.

"We pride ourselves on pet-passionate people with knowledge that can help our local customers be the best pet-parents they can be."

Animates Masterton will be in the former Beds R Us building on Albert St near McDonald's and will be managed by Masterton resident Matt James, who currently manages the Kaiwharawhara Animates store in Wellington.

Mrs Baigent said Animates was all about enhancing the relationship people had with their pets.

"We also do a lot of events that teach people how to care for small animals or fish, puppies or kittens, and it's really important for us with what we want to achieve in making the world a happier place through the love of pets.

"We help the pet-parents of tomorrow understand animal care and have fun."

There will be a grand opening in July for Animates Masterton, however an opening date has not yet been set.