Jollyes, which has more than 100 stores nationwide, is reducing its prices on top-selling items in a move to underline its position as the ‘UK’s best value pet superstore’.

The retail group claims the basket price of the bestselling products for cats and dogs will be over 10% better value than the market leader, when adding in every Pet Club members’ till discount.

And to drive home the message about savings, Jollyes today began sharing news about its savings on advertising vehicles in some of the 60 locations where it completes directly against Pets at Hoime.

It has also launched a national radio campaign to raise awareness of Jollyes’ value and the pet expertise of its colleagues.

The move to lower prices is the first significant investment in value after Jollyes was acquired by TDR Capital earlier in the year – and is part of foundational changes underway as Jollyes prepares for major store expansion in 2025 and beyond.

The pet superstore has already grown its store estate by almost 50% in the last three years and is now opening three additional stores over two weeks.

The first to open last week was in Leyland, Lancashire. The next two new stores will be launched on Saturday 30 November, at Kingsgate Retail Park, Glasgow Road, East Kilbride, G77 4UN and at City Link Retail Park, Newport Road in Cardiff, CF24 1PQ.

All three locations will provide pet parents access to Jollyes’ raw food frozen ‘shop-in-shop’ and later this year, community pet clinics at each location will offer unbeatable prices for essential vet services such as microchipping and vaccinations.

At each of the three openings, retired service animals supported in their later years by the National Federation of Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) will bite through strings of sausages to formally declare the stores open.

A key charity partner for Jollyes, NFRSA helps support the care, well-being, and welfare of retired service animals from across the emergency service family - the police, fire, border force, National Crime Agency, NHS and prison services.

Over the next 12 months, all Jollyes’ stores will be raising money for NFRSA with collections matched by Jollyes up to £20,000 that will help NFRSA support retired service animals and their owners.

Launching the new value campaign, Joe Wykes, Jollyes chief executive officer said: “Whenever we open a new store we make a promise to be the best value in town for all the items a pet parent needs.

“We can only make that promise because we work super hard, day-in, day-out to lower our own costs and carefully check prices elsewhere.

“And while we know price is paramount, we also know what makes Jollyes special is the service and expertise our people deliver in store.

“We look forward to showing new shoppers in Leyland, East Kilbride and Cardiff what Jollyes is all about as they deliver the kind of savings that we already offer in over 100 other communities right across the UK.”

On 30 November in East Kilbride, accompanied by a St Andrews day piper, the store will be opened by Corrie, an Alsatian who served for six years with Police Scotland until retirement.

On the same day at Newport Road in Cardiff, the new Jollyes store will be officially launched by Ella, a seven-year-old cocker spaniel.  Ella served as an explosives search dog for six years with South Wales Police before retirement, carrying out searches at many venues such as the Principality stadium, Welsh Assembly and Senydd.

Pets at Home, has unveiled a unique 'Pets-Mess Tree’, symbolizing the playful disruption pets often bring during the Christmas season. 

The tree has been installed in one of the UK’s most pet-loving cities, Brighton, as Pets at Home data reveals it’s where most owners (94%) are planning on involving their pets in the festivities.​

The unveiling follows revealing data from Pets at Home that shows Christmas isn’t always smooth sledding for pet owners. Nearly three-quarters (71%) report pet-related challenges over the holidays, with 23% having witnessed their pets climbing their Christmas tree, and 21% seeing their tree toppled entirely. But that’s not all:

• 1 in 5 cats have smashed baubles.
• 1 in 5 dogs have opened presents
• 13% of cats and dogs have marked their territory by urinating on the Christmas tree.

Pets’ antics aren’t confined to tree climbing and bauble breaking either. A notable 16% of pets have stolen food from Christmas dinner tables, and 1 in 10 have pilfered the prized roast turkey. What’s more, 1 in 20 pet owners (5%) say that it’s been ‘Fleas Navidad’ in their household with the pesky parasites biting their guests. Over three quarters (77%) ‘pet-proof’ their Christmas celebrations, such as using an artificial tree (30%), hiding all the edible Christmas treats (28%), avoiding certain decorations (26%), and only decorating the top of the tree (11%).

Despite these efforts, over a third (35%) of pet owners who are registered with a vet had to book an emergency appointment at Christmas. The most common reason being that their pet ate food that was harmful to them (11%), followed by them becoming highly anxious or stressed (9%), or them becoming injured by the Christmas tree/swallowing a decoration (both 7%).

Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS, Veterinary Services Director at Pets at Home, shares her tips for pet-proofing your Christmas festivities, from decorating through to gifting… ​

​

1. Decorating a pet friendly tree:

• Avoid dangly decorations – the temptation is too great.​
• Keep edible decorations off the tree – treats dangling from branches can be easily snaffled and are harmful to pets.
• Avoid tinsel and ribbons - they can be dangerous when ingested, potentially causing blockages. Consider garlands instead.

2. Ensuring tree safety:

• Invest in a heavy stand - it will prevent your tree from tipping over if your pet gives it a bump​. Attaching the tree to a wall will also help avoid any toppling.
• Keep water covered - if you have a real Christmas tree, ensure to keep the water bowl covered to prevent pets from drinking from it.
• Cord protectors and cable covers - keep electrical cords out of reach and always unplug lights when you’re not able to supervise.

3. Gift watch:

• Hide them away - try to keep Christmas presents and decorations in a room that pets can be kept away from at night/when unsupervised. ​
• Pet pressies - make sure these are designed and created for pets specifically so you can be confident they will not harm them. Avoid wrapping them with tape and ribbon as these are hazards for pets.
• Keep treats secure: Make sure treats for humans, such as chocolate and baked goods, are kept away from pets. If gifts contain food, keep them in a pet-proof area to avoid temptation.

The Pet Industry Federation has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, this week to express significant concerns about the recent Budget and its potential negative effects on the pet industry and pet ownership.

The UK pet industry, a £7 billion sector, supports millions of pet owners and local businesses. However, a recent survey by PIF revealed that 76% of respondents believe the Budget is harmful to the economy, with 68% fearing job losses and 70% expecting to raise prices due to increased costs.

PIF’s concerns focus on the rising costs from higher wages, National Insurance contributions, and inflation. These increases are likely to lead to higher prices, affecting affordability for consumers and threatening the viability of small, innovative retailers and manufacturers. The rising costs of pet care will make it harder for families to afford pets and could increase pet relinquishments as a result. A decline in pet ownership would impact all pet businesses – from pet groomers, daycares, kennels and catteries, as well as retailers and manufacturers. 

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: "Pets bring substantial health and social benefits, including easing the strain on the NHS, with studies suggesting pet ownership could save the NHS up to £2.45 billion annually. However, our recent survey highlights how the Budget may inadvertently raise the cost of pet ownership. During the recent cost-of-living crisis, many pet owners found it increasingly difficult to afford essentials like pet food, and this financial pressure is likely to return. This could force some owners into the heartbreaking position of surrendering their pets to rehoming centres, placing additional strain on already overstretched animal welfare organisations and potentially leading to a decline in pet ownership. This, in turn, would have significant consequences for the wider pet industry.

“We have asked the Treasury to consider targeted relief for the pet industry to alleviate financial pressures to ensure the industry's resilience and the continued accessibility of quality pet care products for UK pet owners.”

After months of anticipation, Pets at Home opened its new Pet Care Centre in Kettering last week. The retail group has invested nearly £1 million in refurbishing, enhancing and future-proofing the store..

With both the Kettering Vets for Pets practice and the Northall Steet Pets at Home relocating to Kettering Shopping Park, the new Pet Care Centre has expanded to become a comprehensive, one-stop destination for all pet care.

Pets at Home has invested just shy of £1 million in refurbishing, enhancing and future-proofing the Kettering Pet Care Centre. Offering local pet owners, the very best care, services and experience for their pet.

This is part of an ongoing expansion programme in which the pet care business is opening new stores, refurbishing existing stores and working with its veterinary practice owners to deliver outstanding pet care services in communities across the UK.

The new Pet Care Centre, which has expanded from 6,400 sq ft (Northall Street) to 13,300 sq ft, gives local pet owners access to a concept store offering a range of specialist services and an in-store experience that’s tailored to the needs of pets. The new look store includes:

• A team of highly trained pet care advisors who are on hand every day to support with free advice, including flea and worm subscriptions, free weight checks and pet food consultations, as well as fitting services for dog coats and harnesses.
• A dedicated Nutrition Hub with an increased range of fresh, frozen and raw food options to reflect the diverse feeding choices adopted by pet owners today. The Hub will also feature increased fridge and freezer space, a pick-and-mix treat bar stocked with natural products, and a designated consultation area for help and advice across all life stages from puppy and kitten to senior.
• An expanded Health Centre making it easier for customers to manage their pets' everyday healthcare needs, including licensed medications and easy access to free pet weighing scales.
• A pet adoption centre and pet food bank donation point, in partnership with the Blue Cross, to support local pets within the Kettering community.
• A small animal pet village to inspire the next generation of pet owners and encourage face to face conversations on responsible pet ownership.
• Digital and interactive screens to help educate customers with their pet choices.
• An increased outdoor free carpark providing ease of access and plenty of parking for all.

Store manager Clarise Kelly said: “We're over the moon to unveil our brand-new Pet Care Centre in Kettering. With a fresh look and feel, enhanced range of services and an upgraded in-store experience, we’ve got everything the local community needs to keep pets happy, healthy and safe. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome in new and old customers to come and see the changes. Our knowledgeable team of pet care advisors have all been specially trained to help support customers in the best way possible – from expert harness fitting to nutrition advice, we are here seven days a week.”

The new concept Pet Care Centre will proudly serve as the new home for Vets for Pets Kettering, a trusted practice that has cared for local pets for 15 years. Expanding from 1990 sq ft. (Telford Way) to 5634 sq ft, this modern, state-of-the-art facility will be owned and managed by the same dedicated team of highly skilled vets, nurses and client care advisors as before. The new practice will have:

• Seven spacious consultation rooms which will be fully air conditioned throughout for increased patient comfort.
• Separate waiting areas and wards for dogs, cats, rabbits and exotics.
• An isolation facility and upgraded in-house laboratory facility.
• Upgraded imaging suite, including a state-of-the-art ultrasound to allow for cardiac scans.
• Two separate operating theatres for both complex and routine procedures.
• A dedicated dental suite which will include new dental radiography for advanced procedures.
• First appointments available from the 18th.

Gallery of pictures below...

PATS has announced that Birmingham Dogs Home will be its chosen charity for 2025.

The Pet and Aquatics Trade Show will be taking place at the NEC Birmingham for the first time from Sunday, 28th September to Tuesday, 30th September 2025.

As the chosen charity, Birmingham Dogs Home will receive donated products from the popular New Product Showcase at the end of the exhibition as well as further donations from PATS exhibitors.

Birmingham Dogs Home cares 24 hours a day, every day of the year for stray, abandoned and relinquished dogs from across the West Midlands and South Staffordshire. 

The organisation has been at the forefront of animal welfare for the Midlands for almost 130 years and is one of the region’s oldest and best loved animal welfare charities. 

Birmingham Dogs Home can only survive through the generosity and support of the general public and benefactors from the local community. Without donations it would be unable to carry on the vital work of rescuing and re-homing abandoned dogs.

Sophie Evans, corporate partnerships officer at Birmingham Dogs Home, said: “We are thrilled to partner with PATS, whose generous support aligns perfectly with our mission of providing compassionate care to dogs in need. This partnership is a testament to the shared commitment to animal welfare, and we are incredibly grateful for the donated products that will directly enhance the well-being of the dogs at our shelters.

“Thanks to PATS' contributions, we will be able to enrich the lives of the dogs in our care by improving their comfort and daily experiences. From cosy bedding and nutritious food to stimulating toys, these resources will make a tangible difference in their journey toward finding loving forever homes. 

“At Birmingham Dogs Home, we believe that every dog deserves a second chance, and partnerships like this help us bring that vision to life.

“We hope that this collaboration will inspire other businesses to support our cause, strengthening our network of corporate partners dedicated to making a positive impact on animal welfare.”

PATS 2025 will be staged in Hall 1 of the NEC and will be able to accommodate up to 500 UK and international exhibitors.

“We have chosen Birmingham Dogs Home as our 2025 charity because of the amazing work carried out by the organisation’s dedicated team,” said PATS event director Gordon Thomas.

“As PATS will be bigger than ever next year, we’re hopeful that many more products will be donated to Birmingham Dogs Home.”

As excitement builds towards PATS 2025, companies wishing to book stand space should call the PATS office on 01892 862848 or visit the website www.patshow.co.uk and click on ‘stand enquiry’.

UK-based fresh cat food company has doubled its research team with four senior experts, formerly of US-based Nom Nom. The company said the move strengthens the brand’s position as a pioneer in fresh cat food, aiming to set new industry standards and enhance feline health through science-backed nutrition.

The appointments are: 

• Research and Development Director Ryan Honaker, PhD (Microbiology), 
• Senior Scientist Jirayu “Boo Boo” Tanprasertsuk, PhD (Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition), 
• Scientist Devon Tate, MSc (Nutrition Science and Policy), 
• Technical Product Manager LeeAnn Perry, MSc (Neuroscience).

Together, they bring over 75 years of combined experience and have extensively published on the benefits of fresh pet food diets, including improved digestibility and positive gut microbiome impacts.

KatKin’s innovative fresh cat food recipes, made from 100% human-grade meat and gently cooked to preserve nutrients, aim to prove scientifically that fresh diets are the healthiest option for cats. The team will spearhead studies and expand KatKin's growing dataset on feline nutrition, palatability and health outcomes.

Ryan Honaker said: "In a world where many vets are crying out for more comprehensive cat nutrition education, and cat parents are eager to learn how to make their pets healthier, KatKin’s commitment to science has one aim: to get cats the healthy, fresh food they were born to eat.

“With in-house vets and cat nutrition experts, our cat-first team is perfectly placed to make the UK’s healthiest cat food. And that means healthier, and therefore happier, cats – first across the UK, and then across the world.”

Since its founding in 2020, KatKin has delivered over 50 million meals to more than 200,000 cats across the UK and secured £32 million in funding to continue its mission of improving feline health through fresh, high-quality nutrition.

Award-winning pet retailer Jollyes got into the Christmas spirit at the opening of its latest new store in Leyland.

The Mayor and Mayoress of South Ribble, along with retired Border Force dog  Trigger, opened the store, and they were joined by Santa, Reindeers and the company’s Mascot Molly.

Jollyes has had a remarkable 2024 winning new investment to supercharge its growth, being named as the best retailer in Britain at the prestigious Retail Week awards for retailers under £250m turnover and making the Sunday Times’ list for the first time as one of Britain’s best big companies to work for. It wasd also voted UK Multiple Retailer of the Year at the PetQuip Awards 2024.

Jollyes expects the pace of stores openings to continue to accelerate in 2025.

Gallery of pictures from the store opening below...

WildWash has launched Charity Dog Shampoo & Conditioner, a product that blends effective grooming with a heartfelt mission. Designed as a 2-in-1 formula, this shampoo and conditioner not only nourishes and cleans dogs’ coats but also helps transform the lives of abandoned and vulnerable dogs.

For every bottle sold, £1 is donated to All Dogs Matter, a dedicated charity that rescues and rehomes neglected dogs across London and Norfolk. This partnership is part of WildWash’s mission to support animal welfare and give back to the community.

WildWash selected All Dogs Matter as its charity partner because of their tireless efforts to ensure every dog has the chance to find a loving home. Through this collaboration, WildWash aims to raise £10,000 by October 2025 to fund the charity’s ongoing rescue work.

WildWash invites pet owners to join them in this journey of hope and compassion. Every purchase of the Charity Dog Shampoo & Conditioner makes a difference, directly contributing to the care and rehoming of dogs in need.

Find out more about their initiative here: https://wildwash.co.uk/charity-dog-shampoo/

Royal Canin has brought together five prominent organisations to tackle the unethical breeding and extreme conformation of cats and dogs.

The roundtable event, which took place yesterday in Brussels, focused on the attending organisations’ commitment to develop and implement a unified strategy to these two linked issues. At the heart of the discussion was the shared intent to set up a global coalition working together to tackle future unethical breeding and extreme conformation for cats and dogs. The scale of these issues in cats and dogs today is unprecedented.

Unethical breeding includes producing pets under poor conditions, often because the focus is mainly on profit with limited consideration for pet health or wellbeing. Unethical breeders often trade their puppies illegally using classified ads or social media. Research from FOUR PAWS showed that almost half of the puppies acquired through these medias were brought home when too young, with over a quarter being less than seven weeks old and almost a third of all puppies becoming sick after purchase.

Extreme conformation in cats and dogs describes body shapes that do not occur in nature and that are associated with serious health and wellbeing consequences for these animals. Unethical breeding and extreme conformation are complex challenges that are interrelated and have become more prevalent.

Cécile Coutens, President of Royal Canin, comments: “At Royal Canin, pet health and wellbeing has always been at the core of our business. For decades, we have been working with partners to create a better world for cats and dogs. Unethical breeding and extreme conformation are complex issues that are far bigger than any one organisation. By working as a collective, bringing together vets, researchers, breeders, kennel clubs, NGOs and authorities, we now have the power to drive meaningful change and empower more people to choose health.”

Participants joining Royal Canin at yesterday’s event included World Small Animal Veterinary Association; Royal Veterinary College; International Collaborative on Extreme Conformation in Dogs; FOUR PAWS; and Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Each of these organizations have been taking actions to decrease unethical breeding and extreme conformation, and the roundtable provided an important opportunity to map out ways to coordinate, grow these efforts and drive progress on everyone’s shared goals.

Dr Monique Megens, Chair of ICECDogs, emphasizes: “We can only secure a sustainable future for dog health and wellbeing through united, multi-stakeholder efforts at both national and global levels."

Dr Åke Hedhammar, a long-lasting member of WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee and emeritus professor in Small Animal Medicine says: “We call for and will promote breed improvement in cats and dogs into the physically and mentally healthy variations in shape, function and behaviour they were meant for.”

Dr Tamas Jakkel, FCI President, FCI Judge & President of the Hungarian Kennel Club’s Judges’ Board commented: “This meeting was an important moment for us all. We are ready to find partners in the betterment of responsible breeding and ownership. Every effective animal welfare activity starts with a good breeding program and choosing the responsible, individual new owner for puppies.”

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC said: “Extreme body conformation as a human-made and preventable harm is the most pressing health and welfare issue for domestic dogs right now. In a perfect world, every cat and dog is produced or acquired with an anticipation of being able to breathe, exercise, sleep, blink, eat, keep cool, wag a tail, be pain-free and reproduce naturally. This new Royal Canin Roundtable will substantially help to make this natural life for all cats and dogs into a reality.”

Royal Canin has a long history of championing health in pets. Its “Choose Health” initiative is a collaborative program of activities dedicated to fighting unethical breeding and extreme conformation. The initiative focuses on driving responsible pet ownership and breeding, for a world that puts pet health first over extreme physical appearance. The initiative’s objective is to inspire and empower dedicated action from individuals and organisations spanning the pet welfare field to decrease unethical breeding and extreme conformation by 2030.

Do not hesitate to fullfill the FOUR PAWS survey: https://www.four-paws.org/campaigns-topics/campaigns/buying-a-puppy/pandemic-pups

The Grooming Academy inside Hucknall’s Pets & Friends is opening its doors on November 30, inviting anyone interested in dog grooming for a chat and look around the salon which has trained hundreds of professionals. 

Many academy graduates have set up their own salons, continued careers with Pets & Friends or even become trainers themselves. 

Lead trainer Kerry Chapman said: “There’s a shortage of groomers and we’re delighted to be working with the IPET network to help train and develop future groomers which play a key part in pet health and wellbeing. 

“A career in grooming can be so rewarding from offering flexible hours to allowing people to work from a home salon environment and ofcourse the chance to work with animals on a daily basis, but we hope the open day will inspire more people to take up grooming.” 

The open day will take place from 10am to 4pm and people are welcome to pop by the academy at any time, with grooming demonstrations taking place at 10.30am to offer further insight into what life is really like as a professional pet groomer. 

If you’d like more information ahead of the open day feel free to contact  groomingacademy@petsandfriends.co.uk  or call 01156712511.

A Liverpool cat expert who uses herbs to help the cats she grooms has triumphed at two high profile awards ceremonies this month.

Katie Gwilt, from Garston won the cat groomer of the year Best Cat Groomer category at the Animal Star Awards, and was a finalist runner up in the Pet Industry Federation Awards for Pet Service Business of the Year.

The Kat Lady business owner, who operates across Merseyside, attended a glitzy awards ceremonies to celebrate her achievements, and at The Animal Star Awards was handed a fabulous trophy by judges on the night.

She said: "It’s such an honour to even be recognised let alone be a finalist and a winner with not one but two organisations. It’s especially important to me as I take a holistic approach to all of my work and hope to teach this to more cat lovers and professionals." 

Katie, 45 has overcome adversity to start her successful business and suffered severe health issues which left her hospitalised and having to have a kidney removed.

A lifelong animal lover, as a teenager Katie worked in a veterinary practice and spent a summer at Knowsley Safari Park while in sixth form. But in 2014 she became sick and had to stop working altogether to concentrate on her health. It was as part of this frightening period that she started to think about creating her own business.

Katie is now a qualified master cat groomer and teacher, and has written columns on the subject for publications including Pets Mag, the Daily Mail, Your Cat and Total Grooming Magazine.

She also launched her own range of enriching cat products, The Herbal Kat, earlier this year.

Katie added: "I work with cats to improve their welfare which is often a slow process. I look forward to bringing more awareness to these fascinating animals and their needs and am so grateful for this recognition." 

To find out more about The Kat Lady go to www.thekatlady.co.uk

Dorset-based artisan ice cream maker Baboo Gelato, the manufacturers of frozen dog treat Doggy Doggy Yum Yum, celebrated after lifting the trophy for winning the Best Pet Treat at the PIF Awards 2024.

Doggy Doggy Yum Yum is already a multi-award winner, having clinched Silver in the PetQuip Awards in 2022 for its original recipe, and Best New Product in the Pedigree Wholesale Awards. 

Pedigree Wholesale Ltd is the brand’s major distributor to the pet trade, and the treat is also stocked by a long list of dog friendly cafes, restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions and pubs. The frozen treat is now manufactured in-house in new purpose-built premises at the company’s base near Rampisham.

Made with 100% peanut butter (with no xylitol) and bananas, which dogs find hard to resist, this frozen treat uses coconut milk instead of dairy so it is kinder to dogs’ tummies. The winning new recipe also includesorganic agave syrup (rather than refined sugars),  Keepers Mix Sensitive (0.25%) from herbal pet supplement company Dorwest and vegetable fibre.  If given as an occasional treat after a long walk in the countryside, the park or on the beach this tasty treat is perfect way to reward your dog.  Doggy Doggy contains no artificial flavourings, colours or refined sugars. The new ingredient change means that any ‘ultra processed food’ emulsifiers or stabilisers from the product have been removed which the manufacturers are extremely proud of and is something that other dog ice cream manufacturers have not achieved.

Baboo Gelato was started by husband and wife team, Sam and Annie Hanbury after they moved to Bridport, Dorset in 2012 and purchased a house with an overflowing garden and orchard. Inspired by their fruit, Annie went to Bologna to train as a professional gelatiere, before setting up a small artisanal manufacturing kitchen. They opened their first kiosk in West Bay Dorset and were overwhelmed by the wonderful response from the community. Local restaurants and pubs then wanted their product; other kiosks wanted to rebrand to carry Baboo Gelato and shops wanted them to make ice cream in tubs. They have now added kiosks in Lyme Regis, Weymouth and Swanage. The passion for the business lies in their use of quality ingredients, sourced locally where possible and not using flavourings, colours or pastes in the manufacture of their ice cream.

Sam Hanbury said: “Much of our sales come from our kiosks which help us to know exactly what customers want.  This is how Doggy Doggy Yum Yum came about.  We found that people were buying ice cream for their dogs, and we were concerned that dogs are lactose intolerant.  We experimented with different ingredients, before creating an entirely lactose-free, emulsifier-free, stabiliser-free product. 

 “We are finding limitless demand during the summer not just from obvious pet retailers and specialist dog friendly places, but from ordinary cafés, pubs, restaurants, and tourist destinations.  It just seems that most savvy people involved in Food & Drink want some of the poochie pound and we can help with a classy product, well supported with point of sale which includes, stickers, leaflets, posters and an A-frame sign which comes complete with space to put a dog bowl underneath it.

Baboo Gelato has also given something back to the community through the sales of Doggy Doggy Yum Yum by donating 5p from every tub sold of the frozen treat to the Dogs for Good charity. Dogs for Good train dogs to help people affected by disability, dementia, autism, other conditions and mental-health challenges to live happier, healthier and more independent lives. These are dogs that open doors, that connect people and bring families together. Dogs that help make everyday life possible in so many ways. Their donations have already helped to put a new puppy through its training to become an assistance dog.

Sam Hanbury added: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this honour from the PIF. A big thank you to Su-Bridge who sponsored the award, our distributor Pedigree Wholesale and all our suppliers, employees and customers who have helped to make Doggy Doggy Yum Yum such a success.”

If you are interested in becoming a stockist or distributor then visit www.doggydoggyyumyum.com, contact Sam Hanbury at hello@doggydoggyyumyum.com or tel: 01308 488629 for local enquiries. Pet shops wishing to stock Doggy Doggy Yum Yum via Pedigree Wholesale Ltd visit: www.petproducts.co.uk

New brand Scrumpf aims to shake up the pet food industry with the launch of its premium freeze-dried raw dog food and herbal supplements.

The company Scrumpf specialises in providing natural dog food and supplements that make tails wag and pups bound with joy. The brand’s mission: To make sure dogs are barking up the right tree – in terms of nutrition, of course!

Scrumpf  is committed to offering products that meet the gold standards of quality and taste. Products crafted with love and the finest ingredients, leaving no room for fillers or nasties.

First up in the product range and launching this week are herbal supplements for dog. Developed to bolster everything from digestion to creaky joints, they ensure dogs stay vibrant and active, using the best nature has to offer.

Launching in February 2025 will be the freeze-dried offerings.

Contact details:

www.scrumpf.com

Instagram: @_scrumpf 

Trade website open for wholesale orders at request.

Designed to elevate night-time fetch, Chuckit! Max Glow glow-in-the-dark toys are perfect for dogs and owners who want to enjoy playtime, even after dark.

Chuckit! Max Glow toys are crafted for nighttime play with high-visibility, glow-in-the-dark designs that make fetch games easy during early morning, late evening, or low-light conditions. Unlike other light-up toys, the Max Glow range requires no batteries—just 5 to 10 minutes under any light source, such as sunlight or indoor lighting, gives up to 30 minutes of glowing playtime. The range features the Max Glow Ball, Squeaker Ball, Fetch Stick, Launcher, Zipflight and Kick Fetch, with RRPs ranging from £5.99 to £36.99.

In addition to their impressive glow-in-the-dark capabilities, Chuckit! Max Glow toys are built for durability. They’re constructed from high-quality, tough materials, allowing them to withstand intense play and the energetic chewing of even the most enthusiastic dogs. Despite their durability, the toys are lightweight, making it easy for dogs to carry and chase. 

For an extra-challenging game of fetch, the Max Glow Balls and Squeaker Ball are compatible with all matching-sized Chuckit! Launchers, allowing for longer throws, giving dogs an extra-challenging and exciting game of fetch after the sun has gone down. Available in various sizes, the Max Glow Ball is perfect for dogs of all breeds, ensuring that every furry friend can enjoy playtime. 

Exclusively available through Pedigree Wholesale, the Chuckit! Max Glow range offers a unique solution for customers' nighttime and early morning walks, and high profit margins for retailers.

Visit https://petproducts.co.uk/chuckit/ or speak to your Business Development Manager for more information.

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Police believe that a fire behind a Pets at Home store in Dunfermline may have been started deliberately.

The blaze caused damage to the unit’s air conditioning system, which led to animals being evacuated.

When asked by the Dunfermline Press about the investigation, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "At this time is is suspected that the fire may be willful."

CCTV images are understood to be under review.

The fire, which happened in a skip behind Halbeath Retail Park, caused damage to the air conditioning system, meaning all animals had to be evacuated from Pets at Home.

The full story reported by Dunfermline Press can be viewed by clicking here.

JW has launched four new products designed to make treat time and playtime more fun, mentally stimulating, and beneficial for dogs of all sizes, including puppies. These toys promote healthy chewing, dental care, and interactive play, keeping pets engaged and entertained.

All JW pet products are intelligently designed based on hands-on product research and development, contributing to their impressive portfolio of over 100 patents. JW is part of the Petmate family, who also create the popular dog toy brand Chuckit!

JW Gnawberry Chew-ee Dog Toy: Dental Health Meets Interactive Play (RRP £8.99)

The JW Gnawberry Chew-ee is a blueberry-shaped treat-dispensing toy that doubles as a dental cleaning tool. Its scrubber knobs help clean teeth while treats are tucked inside, dispensing as the dog chews. The toy's unpredictable rolling and teetering motion adds extra fun, making treat time a healthy challenge for dogs of all sizes.

JW Fits ALL Treat Ball™: The Ultimate Customisable Treat Ball (RRP £12.99)

The JW Fits ALL Treat Ball is a dynamic toy that holds various treats—sticks, biscuits, kibble—and promotes dental health with its textured surface. Simply tuck treats behind the durable ropes and hand it to the dog for a mentally engaging play session. As the dog works to retrieve their treats, the textured surface scrubs their teeth and gums, promoting dental health. 

JW Puppy Connects Soft-ee & Soft-ee Set: 3-in-1 Interactive Toy for Teething Puppies (RRP £10.99 & £17.99)

The JW Puppy Connects Soft-ee is a customisable 3-in-1 teething toy that offers a combination of textures and activities. Featuring a rubber teething ring, a fabric teething ring, and a squeaky fabric pouch, this toy is designed to stimulate all of a puppy's senses, whilst standing up to sharp teeth. The Soft-ee Set includes the original toy plus two extra interchangeable chew toys, all made with gentle yet durable materials to soothe sore gums. The variety of chewing surfaces provides endless customisation and sensory play to promote healthy chewing habits.

These new, innovative products from JW are available now exclusively through Pedigree Wholesale. From puppies to adult dogs, these toys provide safe and engaging ways to keep pets mentally stimulated and happy and provide your store with great margins.

Visit https://petproducts.co.uk/jw/ or speak to your Business Development Manager for more information.

Approved SQP training and registration body Vetpol has announced that one of its graduates, Andy Currall, has won the Nutritional Expertise category at the 2024 National SQP Awards. The awards recognise and reward excellence among SQPs and the businesses in which they work, showcasing the positive impact SQPs have on animal health and well-being.

Andy, deputy manager of Jollyes pet store in Kettering, was recognised for his dedication to researching and addressing common nutritional concerns. As an SQP (Suitably Qualified Person), Andy is trained to provide trusted, professional advice to animal owners and prescribe certain categories of veterinary medicines.

Andy was one of thirteen winners at this year’s ceremony and he reflected on his achievement, saying, “I’m honoured to have been recognised among so many excellent SQPs and delighted to see the hard work I’ve put into learning through Vetpol pay off. I love applying my knowledge every day, helping pet owners make the best decisions for their pets’ health and wellbeing. Winning the award is the perfect finishing touch.” 

Caroline Johnson, Director at Vetpol, shared her pride in Andy’s success, saying “The National SQP Awards are a flagship event on the SQP calendar and it is fantastic to see everyone come together and celebrate. We are incredibly proud of all our graduates and Andy’s win is a testament to his hard work and dedication. The team at Vetpol look forward to supporting his continued success in the years ahead.”

Since becoming an SQP registration body in 2020, Vetpol has expanded its training offering. In addition to core and species-specific modules, it offers a Veterinary Pharmacy Manager course, covering topics including sourcing, dispensing and safe handling of veterinary medicines. Vetpol trains and registers SQPs across all sectors, including veterinary practices, pet retail, equine retail and the farming industry. Vetpol graduates are now represented in all major veterinary corporates, as well as in many independent practices. 

Vetpol is committed to supporting continued professional development for all its SQPs. For more information about Vetpol’s SQP training and CPD events, visit www.vetpol.uk

Confusion among UK pet owners on the tell-tale signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in their pets, could be putting their four-legged companions at risk. 

This is according to new research released today by Gas Safe Register, the UK’s official registration body for gas engineers and gas businesses1. 

Despite more than four in five (83%) pet owners admitting to caring for their pet’s health and wellbeing just as much as a family member or close friend and nearly two thirds (63%) admitting they care more about their animal’s wellbeing than their own, nearly all (99%) were not able to correctly identify all of the signs that can indicate their pet could be suffering from poisoning from a carbon monoxide leak. 

Nearly three quarters (74%) didn’t realise red gums, ears or lips are some of the tell-tale signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in dogs and cats. Whilst a similar proportion of pet parents were also unaware the following could also be signs of CO poisoning in their pets – irritable behaviour (79%), drowsiness (58%), difficulty breathing (61%) and breathlessness (67%).  

Known as the ‘silent killer’ as it cannot be seen, tasted or smelt, carbon monoxide is a deadly gas which is emitted from household appliances, including faulty boilers and gas cookers. If carbon monoxide is present in the home, everyone is at risk. However, as pets are often left in confined spaces for extended periods of time while pet parents are out at work and due to their smaller body sizes, they can be more vulnerable to CO exposure and can be the first to show the signs.  

To help close these knowledge gaps, and to mark this year’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week – which gets underway from today – Gas Safe Register has joined forces with animal welfare charity RSPCA, to ensure pet parents are clued-up on the warning signs and essential gas safety habits around the home which could save lives including those of our furry friends. 

RSPCA Chief Vet, Caroline Allen, said: “Pets’ smaller size and lower lung capacity makes them more sensitive to CO exposure, so they may be among the first to feel the effects if there is a leak in your home. Obviously our pets can’t speak to us to tell us how they’re feeling so it’s really important that we keep a close eye for any changes in their behaviour or any physical symptoms that could suggest they’re unwell, or might have been exposed to something dangerous. 

“Therefore, we are urging the public to brush up on the symptoms of CO poisoning in pets which can include drowsiness, vomiting, being unstable, reddened gums, and unusual or unexplained changes in behaviour. If you see any of these symptoms or are at all concerned about your pet we’d urge you to urgently ventilate the space, seek fresh air and speak to your vet.” 

The study went on to show that only one in ten (11%) would take their pet out for some fresh air if they displayed the symptoms of CO poisoning, which is one of the key steps to reducing the impact of the toxic gas – highlighting a need for better education on CO poisoning in pets. 

Whilst pet parents typically spend around £2,000 per year to take care of their four-legged friend2, worryingly a fifth (22%) of pet parents with gas appliances in their home still do not own a carbon monoxide alarm – which can detect CO and can cost as little as £20.  

Rob Denman, Head of Professional and Field Services at Gas Safe Register, added: “Carbon monoxide can be extremely dangerous, even deadly, especially as it’s an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas. As a nation of pet lovers, it is concerning that the majority of pet owners could not identify all of the potential signs and symptoms of CO poisoning in their pets. 

“This concern is heightened by Gas Safe Register’s latest inspection data, which reveals up to 1 in 5 UK homes could have an unsafe gas appliance3. Left not serviced and unchecked year-on-year, gas appliances such as cookers, fires and boilers, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as gas leaks which – in some extreme circumstances – can lead to, fires and explosions that can cost lives.  

“This week is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and I want to make a personal plea for pet parents – and households – up and down the country to mark it by taking a gas safety action. Learn the signs of unsafe gas so you can spot it in your home, your family and housemates and in your pets, and get an audible carbon monoxide alarm. It really could save lives.” 

Gas Safe Register and RSPCA’s top tips for pet parents this CO Awareness Week:

1. Learn the six main symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness and teach them to others. Unsafe gas appliances can put you at risk of CO poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.
2. Pets are more likely to show signs and symptoms of CO poisoning before humans – due to their smaller body sizes and lung capacities. The main symptoms to be on the lookout for are bright cherry red lips, ears and gums, unusual intolerance to exercise they usually do, irritable behaviour, vomiting, resisting or refusing to come in after being outside, uncoordinated movements, drowsiness and difficulty breathing.
3. Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.
4. Check gas appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly e.g. lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, dark, sooty staining on or around gas appliances, or pilot lights in your boiler that frequently blow out.
5. Have all your gas appliances safety checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
6. Locate your Emergency Control Valve (ECV). In the eventuality you do suspect there is a gas leak or carbon monoxide in your home, find out where your gas Emergency Control Valve (ECV) is located, so you can switch the gas supply off in an emergency. 
7. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get some fresh air and leave the house as quickly as possible. See a doctor and if you are very unwell call 999 for an ambulance. The National Gas Emergency Helpline is also available 24/7 on 0800 111 999. 

To find a local Gas Safe registered engineer in your area and for further essential gas safety tips, visit https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/

The Italy Pavilion powered by Zoomark made a very successful debut at Pet Fair South East Asia, the region’s leading pet industry event, held in Bangkok (Thailand).

In Bangkok for the first time, the Italy Pavilion organised by Zoomark brought together eight Italian companies - Adragna Petfood, Bamapet, Iv San Bernard, Laviosa, Manitoba, Morando and Valpet - interested in exploring new business opportunities in the emerging markets of Southeast Asia.

The Italy Pavilion proved a star attraction for Asian and international visitors: more than 10,000 professionals, including retailers, buyers and distributors from 81 different countries, visited the show and the Italy Pavilion, forging new, advantageous partnerships, as the companies involved reported: "It was definitely a positive experience for us, and has given our company several interesting opportunities for developing export and expanding commercially in the Asia-Pacific area," said Simone Borgia, Asia-Pacific Export Manager for Adragna Petfood Srl.

 "Above all, taking part in the Italy Pavilion enabled us to showcase our brand’s values and products, which are proudly 100% Made in Italy. Thanks to Zoomark's ongoing commitment to promoting and supporting Italian excellence in the pet industry, we have consolidated our company's image on an international level," Borgia concluded, adding that “the support and assistance provided by the Zoomark team during the show was also a key factor. “

"Every new show is a gamble, but we knew that coming here as part of Zoomark's Italian delegation would be a safe bet," commented Rossella Baiocchi, Marketing Manager of Bama S.p.A. "We made friends with the other exhibitors and became the "Made in Italy family". For us, Pet Fair South East Asia was a very rewarding experience: the attendees lived up to our expectations in terms of both quality and quantity, and we came home with a lot of very interesting contacts. We can only thank all the Zoomark staff for the passion and determination they put into their work every day, promoting the Italian pet industry all over the world."

Patrick Rossi, Supply Chain Manager for Manitoba S.r.l., added: "Being part of a Zoomark delegation is a sure-fire guarantee, first and foremost because Zoomark selects strategic events in high potential markets, but also because the organisation is flawless, and exhibitors are offered complete 'turnkey' solutions that are particularly advantageous. In view of the excellent results both during the show and post-event, we will definitely be taking part in the Italy Pavilion in the future."

Once again, Zoomark has confirmed its role as a key partner for companies wishing to expand their presence in new markets.

 www.zoomark.it 

Carl Hester, Mary King, Emily King, Yasmin Ingham and Bob Champion are just a few of the equestrian legends signed up to speak at the 2025 National Equine Show, with many more due to be released over the coming months.

This will be the third National Equine Show and will be held at the NEC, Birmingham on 1st- 2nd March. Since the event's launch in 2023, it's seen consistent growth in terms of attendees, brands exhibiting, attractions and features. This year, The Inspiration Stage sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds and the 360 Skills Theatre will share talks and insight from speakers and brands, with both expected to be busy with an incredible list of speakers due to share their knowledge with the crowds.

“We're so excited to start sharing the speakers we have at this year's National Equine Show,” said Liz Ormesher, Event Director. “Being an equestrian myself, I can't wait to see these speakers- true legends in our sport with so much to knowledge and incredible stories!”

One legend is Mary King, who will be taking to the stage with her daughter Emily. Both Kings are known for their prowess eventing with Mary also representing Great Britain at the Olympics six times and winning Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials. "I'm so looking forward to coming to the National Equine Show this year with Emily,” said Mary. “Being interviewed together and then doing a Meet and Greet with everyone should be amazing. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone there!”

Another eventing star due to join host Rosie Turner on The Inspiration Stage sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds is Yasmin Ingham. Yasmin has had some incredible achievements to date including being part of the gold medal team at CHIO Aachen in 2023, third in Kentucky 5* in 2024, and reigning World Champion. She's also a member of the current British Equestrian World Class Podium Team. “I'm really looking forward to attending the National Equine Show for the first time in March,” said Yasmin. “I will be doing a talk on stage and will be open to all your questions. With so many top riders and brands attending, it's promising to be an exciting event!”

Ticket sales have been incredibly strong for the show with early bird selling out in record time. Tickets are available for £15 per day or £20 for a weekend pass, with Meet & Greet Guaranteed Access Tickets available for £40 a day.

For more information, see www.nationalequineshow.com

Webbox has just released its Christmas collection, a festive range filled with treats and toys for both cats and dogs.

The collection contains everything a pet owner needs to have a paw-fect Christmas with their animals.

Family-owned Wildwood Pets, based in the Lincolnshire market town of Stamford, has been named Independent Retailer of the Year 2024 in the prestigious PIF Awards. Owner Thomas Rogerson, who runs the store alongside wife Laura, reveals the secrets of the company’s success.

What does winning this award mean to you and your team?
Winning this award means the world to myself and my team. Getting a business off the ground is difficult, and this proves to us that all the hard work we have done has come to fruition and has been recognised.

Thomas and Laura receiving their PIF Award from Peter Brame and Rachael Bradshaw of sponsors Vital Pet Products.

Why do you think you won this prestigious award?
We are still in a little bit of shock to be honest. We were up against some amazing independents and all of which are more established than we are. We managed to speak to a judge briefly, but they gave little away. I believe the presentation of the store, ethos and customer service came across very well. Although all of our team are currently part-time we work hard with them on product training to ensure everyone that comes through the door has access to tailored and good advice. Therefore, when the mystery shop part of the process happened I was comfortable with whoever they dealt with on our team they got the best service and with a smile.

How long has Wildwood Pets been open?
The store is still less than a year old. We opened the branch in January 2024. The company was formed back in April of last year and we started very small, from our garage with around 400 lines and a website, whilst we looked for the right premises in the right location which took a while. Stamford is an amazing town and the support for independent shops is incredible. We have an amazing high street pet shop here too so we wanted to have a unit which was on the edge of town, slightly larger, very accessible and plenty of parking which can be an issue in quaint market towns.

Who owns the business?
Fully family owned and run. My wife Laura Brooke-Rogerson and I are the directors of the company. My father-in-law Robert Brooke and I are shareholders.

What are your backgrounds?
We are animal people through and through. I have experience in pet retail, around a decade in both chains and other independents. Most recently I was a district manager of a chain overseeing 5 stores. Before that I was a lecturer for Animal Management courses at a college, Education Presenter at a zoological park and worked with the Wildlife Trusts. Laura has worked in vet practices, been a volunteer dog trainer with an assistance dog charity and is a qualified Clinical Canine Massage Therapist. We met at university when I was studying Zoology, and she was doing Animal Science. 

What made you become pet product retailers?
I think it was a childhood dream of mine. One of my first ever jobs as a teenager was at a great independent and I can remember thinking about if I was to run my own what I would do, what I would stock etc. That came back around again in my previous role. Although I enjoyed my time at Pets Corner I was restricted in doing things their way. When it came time to move on I thought it was time to see if I could actually do it myself.

How many members of staff are there?
I am only the full-time member of staff, but I hope that will change as we grow. Laura comes in as and when needed, alongside raising our two wonderful daughters, but arguably puts more time in than I do with the social media and website. We currently have four fantastic part-time members of staff – Iona, Francesca, Emily and Kate – and one work experience student Willow, who has just joined us.

What makes you different from your competitors?

Firstly, the staff. When hiring we made it clear in any job ads that experience and qualifications were great, but it would come down to passion and willingness to jump into the unknown with us. Iona and Francesca have been with us from opening and interviewed in a completely empty space but could see our vision. All of them are passionate, knowledgeable and build relationships with customers. I also used my years of experience to plan out our space thoroughly. We have a dedicated space for trying on harnesses and coats, ramps so it is accessible for all and a spacious store to allow customers with dogs to shop comfortably. We have a relaxed atmosphere with background music, an attractive entrance and even kids trolleys so families are well catered for.

How do you attract and retain customers?
We rely heavily on word of mouth, although not our only marketing. The money saved on larger marketing campaigns we make sure we constantly revise our product ranges to suit our customer base and new additions to the pet product market. When customers shop with us, we want it to be an experience that is very important to us. They then pass that onto their friends and family.

How involved do you get in the local community?

We try to, when possible, work with the local pet community. We have a large noticeboard space for local pet businesses, and we are working with several people and groups to host various days and events on site. That is the benefit of a larger store. Alongside raising funds, we are a drop off point for physical donations for three local animal charities and rescues too.

How important is your website and social media?
Very! Social media is a great tool for connecting with your customer base and having a practical and attractive website backs that up. It is one of Laura’s main roles. It can help reach a wider audience than other forms of marketing at a much lower cost.

What’s the secret of your success?
Passionate pet-orientated staff, a lot of hard work and ethics. I had a very particular vision when building this business. Myself and my family painted all the walls, built all the racking, stocked the shelves and spent hours researching the right products. We are particular in what we will and won’t stock. We set ourselves strict rules from making sure particular ingredients aren’t in any of our food and treats to only holding certain shaped harnesses. A big part of staff training is explaining why we don’t stock certain products, but we never talk down any product or business, we just state our research findings. That comes across very well to most customers.

What advice would you give other independent pet retailers?
Don’t feel like you need the big-name brands if you don’t believe they are the right thing for your store or your customers. There are so many different products out there, often made by great little companies, and something different from the local big chain or supermarket will win you more customers than you might lose.

How do you see your business developing over future years?
Hopefully to grow our community connections and work with more local businesses. We have space to host smaller events and displays which we love doing. We also want to get out a bit more, such as local fairs and shows, to get our name out there. Recently we expanded our shop floor space to open a new raw room to house our freezers. There is another space which is currently unoccupied so we are weighing up adding possible pet service too. I am also very passionate about exotic pets and want to develop a space more tailored to that. Finally, we want to review our ranges with fresh eyes and most up-to-date research to see how we can improve further.

Find out more at https://www.wildwoodpets.com

Excitement is building as companies book their stands for PATS 2025, which will take place at the NEC Birmingham for the first time.

The Pet & Aquatics Trade Show will be staged in Hall 1 of the NEC over three days from Sunday, 28^thSeptember through to Tuesday, 30^th September 2025.

Following a record-breaking PATS 2024, which saw the largest ever increase in both exhibitor and visitor numbers, the 2025 event is set to offer companies even more opportunities as it moves to the UK’s largest exhibition centre.

Next year’s show will be able to accommodate up to 500 UK and international exhibitors at PATS 2025.

And the show looks set to attract more visitors than the record number of 3,541 at PATS 2024, thanks to the NEC’s central location. As well as being located in the heart of the country’s motorway network, close to junction 6 of the M42, it also has direct rail links to major cities, plus Birmingham International Airport on its doorstep. There are over 16,500 onsite car parking spaces, hotels to fit all budgets, and a wide range of purpose-built catering facilities to suit all tastes.

Event director Gordon Thomas said: “There is huge interest in PATS 2025 with exhibitors eager to book their stand space as early as possible, and many brands looking to take larger stands than previous years.

“In welcoming the move, exhibitors have told us they think the NEC offers greater opportunities to showcase their products and services to a far wider audience.”

Peter Roy, UK managing director of The Nutriment Company, agreed with Gordon, stating: “I’m really looking forward to NEC Birmingham next year – it’s a great location for visitors and manufacturers both from the UK and beyond. I’m sure many of us in the pet trade will find a good spot to meet up in the evenings as well – it happens at Interzoo and Zoomark, and it will happen at PATS NEC.”

And Charlie Williams, joint managing director of Canagan Group, added: “We believe that the NEC could offer significant advantages, including improved transport links and a larger venue to accommodate a growing number of exhibitors and visitors.”

Jonothan Goodman, director of In Vogue Pets, described the move as a game-changer. “The NEC is a great venue and the communications and travel are so easy – just get off the train and you are there,” he said.

“We’re really excited about the move to the NEC. With the venue being so close to Birmingham International airport, we’re confident it will bring in even more international interest,” commented Matthew Gwynn, sales & digital marketing manager, of Johnson’s Veterinary Products.

All of the popular features of PATS will be included in next year’s exhibition, including the New Product Showcase and Awards, the New Starter Zone and the Grooming Workshop.

The Aquatics Zone, a dedicated area for reptile, aquatics and watergardening exhibitors, will also return following a successful launch at PATS 2024. 

Cyril Geoffray, UK & Ireland national sales manager at Zoo Med, revealed: “I will definitely need a larger stand in 2025 following a great show this year.”

“The Aquatics Zone at PATS 2024 allowed us to return to exhibiting in the UK after a three-year break,” said Joey Abrahams, director of Aquadip. “We had a great show and can now look forward to showcasing our products at the 2025 show.”

Regular visitors also agree that a show at the NEC has its advantages. Guiseppe Bloom-Mangione, founder of London-based Muthapuppa, said: “Getting to PATS in future will certainly be easier for me, and for many others. It’s important to attend an exhibition like PATS, and any initiative that makes the process even easier is very welcome.”

“PATS is an important highlight of the year and we wouldn’t want to miss any of it,” added Toni Thornton, managing director of Four Oaks Pet Supplies in Scarborough. “We attended all three days at PATS 2024 and hope to do so again next year.”

Companies wishing to book stands at PATS 2025 should call the PATS office on 01892 862848 or visit the website www.patshow.co.uk and click on ‘stand enquiry’.

An independent pet retailer is rethinking a decision to close following a ‘massive’ show of support from customers and other local businesses.

Ideal Pet Stores in Clitheroe, Lancashire, said it faced closure due to a lack of customers and sales.

Owner Phillip Preston announced on the store’s Facebook page: “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we are writing this post. Unfortunately, due to a lack of customers and sales we will have no option but to close our shop early next year unless things improve dramatically. 

“Since the pandemic it’s been very difficult not only for us but for everyone in general. I know it’s now so easy to go online or get everything or pick it up while you’re shopping at the supermarket which is why we offer free delivery in Clitheroe and try our best to price match or often beat the online giants’ prices. 

“Please if you’ve any pets or you feed the wild birds or anything please come and support us because otherwise we won’t be here much longer. We want to thank all our customers for their continued support. We love our job and our business and to have to write this post is so upsetting. Please help us stay open.”

The online post attracted 107 comments of support from customers and other retailers in the area.

A day later, Phillip vowed in another social media post to carry on, urging the public to shop local and support small businesses.

He said: “WOW! Just WOW!! Paula and myself here at Ideal Pet Stores would like to thank every single person that liked, shared, commented, messaged us and just showed us massive amounts of support. We are still trying to get back to everyone’s messages and comments so if we do miss one please don’t be offended. We just can’t believe the response we got from everyone. 

“A big thanks also to the other businesses that messaged and shared our post. To have another business say they feel the same as us and want to help was just overwhelming – all saying the same thing, all agreeing that sometimes as a small business you wake up and think ‘what’s the point? I’d earn more just working elsewhere’. 

But we carry on, not because we think we will one day be rich but because we love what we do. From pet shops to painting pots, from cupcakes to cooked meats, we all try to do our best for our customers and to just stay afloat. 

“As shoppers, we are all guilty of not supporting our local shops and businesses, even us, but if we all tried to support them a bit more it would make a big difference in the end. The towns would still have your little independent shops, the markets would still have the variety of stalls we all want to see and money spent in the community, stays in the community. Otherwise we will end up living in towns with no shops, no markets, no atmosphere or friendly faces. Just soulless retail parks, derelict town centre streets and empty market places. We say it every year but please, wherever and whenever you can, shop local, support your small businesses, keep the community and towns alive and a place to people want to visit. 

Again thank you all so much for the support, messages and shares, most of all we hope and pray that it helps not only our business stay alive but helps all small businesses, and the way we all think and shop.”

Picture credit: Ideal Pet Stores' Facebook page.

Your Dog Only Lives Once is the philosophy behind the creation of  YDOLO – a new dog food being launched in the UK and Ireland. The brand aims to revolutionise canine nutrition by offering 100% natural, highly digestible ingredients to help dogs lead long, healthy, and happy lives.

YDOLO's recipes contain up to 75% fresh meat or fish, accompanied by fruit, vegetables and selected supplements such as dandelion, ginger, turmeric, cordyceps, and shiitake mushrooms.

Each ingredient has been specifically selected to “add value” resulting in a complete food without fillers, artificial flavourings, colourings, or preservatives.

The range comes in four flavours: chicken, wild fish, duck and Iberico pork, along with a puppy variety. Each variety includes additional ingredients to provide nutritional balance and serve a specific health purpose, from joint support to digestive health.

For example, mushrooms are used to boost immunity. They contain macronutrients to help dogs produce their own antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage.  A mix of cordyceps and shiitake mushrooms are included with YDOLO’s Wild Fish and Duck recipes.

Using an innovative production process, YDOLO slowly steams its fresh ingredients at a low temperature of around 70°C, ensuring maximum nutrient retention. Fresh meat and fish is gently cooked in its own juices, preserving the natural goodness and enhancing digestibility.

With a focus on quality and holistic health benefits, YDOLO sets out to provide tailored nutrition designed to support dogs' overall wellbeing.

Owner Gary Gilmore said that the brand aims to set a new standard in the pet food market, “offering uncompromised quality for dog owners who want the best for their pets.”

Gary added: “With so many brands already available on the market, people may question whether the UK needs another range of dog kibble? I believe there's definitely room for a high-quality, complete food that not only provides convenience for owners but also offers an holistic approach to nutrition and dog wellbeing. YDOLO is designed to deliver more than just sustenance – it's about supporting a dog’s long-term health with carefully selected natural ingredients and a production process that preserves their full nutritional value."

The YDOLO range is available in 2.5kg and 10kg bags with a RRP from £24.50.

YDOLO is now seeking independent retailers to stock its innovative products. For further details visit www.ydolo.co.uk  or www.ydolo.ie

The boss of an award-winning pet treat company has revealed that businesses need to keep innovating if they wish to remain successful.

Pet Trade Innovations was crowned Supplier of the Year at the PIF Awards last week, and managing director Steve Driver said: “With over 30 years’ experience in the pet industry, I feel we’ve moved with the times.”

Steve added: “Winning this award is like putting the icing on the cake! 2024 has been a great year. We’ve launched Wonderful World of Treats, which fulfils dog owner’s expectations to offer ‘human cuisine’ tastes and nutrients at a cost-effective price point. We pride ourselves in understanding what owners need to keep their dogs happy and enriched as reflected by our wide range of chews and accessories.

“Adapting to satisfy a new customer ‘s demand and interest in maintaining their pet’s wellbeing. Offering eco-conscious solutions, WWOT is the only treat brand in the UK to be plastic free. We’re proud to offer product solutions that can improve the lives of pets and their people. We’re excited about building on our customer network in 2025 with a few surprises in store.”