A national pet supply retail chain has tagged a spot at Towers Shopping Center.

Next spring Petco will open in a 12,065-square-foot space beside Kroger on the Roanoke shopping center's lower level, according to Rappaport Cos., the company that manages Towers.

This San Diego-based retailer sells pet supplies and offers dog training, grooming, vaccinations, pet photography and other services. The stores often sell small animals, including fish and hamsters.

Cats, dogs and rabbits are available for adoption at the stores, through local animal rescue groups, said Lisa Epstein, a spokeswoman for Petco.

Some stores have permanent pet adoption areas, but it's too early to know what will be available at the Roanoke Petco, she said.

The Towers store will be Petco's first presence in the Roanoke and New River valleys. The chain has more than 950 stores nationwide.

-- Jenny Kincaid Boone