Walmart's pet category continues to be one of the most dynamic in retail

FIVE "affordable and convenient" Walmart stores are set to open in across two states - but there's a twist.

The massive retail chain has announced a key expansion to its pet care offerings.

Walmart is widening access to affordable in-person and virtual veterinary care, pet prescription delivery, grooming services, and pet food supplies.

Stores in Cumming and Alpharetta in Georgia, and Glendale, Chandler and Mesa in Arizona will be the first to have access to the improved pet category.

Walmart vice president of merchandising, pets Kaitlyn Shadiow said: "Walmart understands that pets are family, and we're proud to be a trusted destination for our pet parents.

"Whether shopping in-stores or online, Walmart offers a differentiated omnichannel experience and a wide assortment of offerings - from products and prescriptions to services - available at our Every Day Low Prices to make pet care affordable and convenient.

"Our Dallas, Georgia customers have shown us how much they value the affordable, convenient pet care solutions our first Walmart Pet Services center brought them.

"We're excited to bring Walmart Pet Service centers to more markets and help meet our customers' pet needs in one convenient destination."

Walmart Pet Services centers will continue to offer routine veterinary care, and grooming with services provided by experienced veterinary and grooming professionals in collaboration with PetIQ.

The announcements build on Walmart's overall commitment to offering must-have products and some of the most sought-after brands for its pet customers.

Walmart's pet category continues to be one of the most dynamic in retail.

In other Walmart news, the retailer is selling a pinewood tiny home for just $8,834.

The stylish looks just as charming as you'd expect a pinewood tiny home to look.

The Best Barns Pinewood pad is spacious enough to fit all the essentials inside at 16X14ft.

The building features classic swing doors and windows for that timeless cosy look.

The exterior panelling can be painted any colour too, so you can really make it your own.

Although the building has no reviews online yet, it looks like the pad would be the perfect spot to come home to after a long day.

There's even two second floor lofts, one on either end of the build, so there's plenty of room for storage too.

That said, potential buyers should note that stairs and ladder to lofts are not included.

Meanwhile, a Walmart shopper was left raging after the retailer was holding $29.55 from her bank account.

According to the mom, who placed an online order with the grocery retailer, the money was kept "in case of substitutions and weight adjustment".

This happens when Walmart authorizes an estimated order amount from a credit or debit card.

The bank then places a hold on that amount to ensure there are enough funds available to complete the purchase.

But for X user @missjuly1976, this is a situation she's never encountered before.

She questioned: "Am I floating Walmart a loan until next week or something?"

The disgruntled mom took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the predicament she'd found herself placed in.

"My Walmart online order is $57.83," she said.

"They want to hold an extra $29.55 in case of substitutions and weight adjustments."

The policy reads: "We charge the final order total to your credit or debit card once your order is picked up, delivered, or shipped.

"Once the order is complete, the bank will remove the hold based on their policies.

"This can take up to 10 days after the order is complete to remove the hold.

"We can't remove the hold, only the bank can.

"Please contact your bank with any other questions."