PetSmart Opens Oconee County Store

Much to the delight of four-legged patrons, PetSmart at Epps Bridge Centre is now open for business.

Manager Glenn Gulley estimated that about 400 shoppers turned out on Labor Day for the "soft" opening. The grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14, starting at 9 a.m. It will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, prizes, t-shirt giveaways, photo buttons, gift card drawings, and a grand prize drawing for a year of free grooming.


The 18,500 square-foot mega pet store features a full service grooming salon and training center.

The store has partnered with Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter, Athens Canine Rescue, Oconee County Animal Control, Oconee Regional Humane Society, Jackson County Humane Society, Morgan County Humane Society, We Care Animal Haven, Magi-Cat Animal Rescue Network, and Circle of Friends Animal Society to provide adoption opportunities for cats and dogs on Saturdays and Sundays, year-round.  Additionally, Gulley said, PetSmart supports the Athens Area Humane Society Spay/Neuter Clinic with grant money raised through donations to PetSmart Charities.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.