The 2024 PIF Award winners were revealed at the gala black tie ceremony last night (Thursday) held at the Double-Tree Hilton, Stoke-on-Trent, with 26 categories of winners announced.  

With generous support from Su-Bridge Pet Supplies and headline sponsors Cliverton, YuMove, and the Animal People Recruitment Company, along with drinks sponsor Betty Miller and media sponsor PBW News, the 2024 PIF Awards have become the most coveted awards in the pet industry. Recipients proudly received their awards from David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA.

The awards celebrate the remarkable success stories of the past year across a broad range of categories. Winners ranged from independent businesses such as Claire’s Comfy Canines and Trinkety Paws to large manufacturers such as Mackle Petfoods (full list of winners is attached). The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to David Tracey of wildlife pet food manufacturer, Brambles Pet & Wildlife.

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, commented: “This year’s PIF Awards showcased exceptional quality and a remarkable number of entries. While only one winner can emerge in each category, being shortlisted is a significant accomplishment for our finalists. It’s genuinely inspiring to see the diversity and commitment within our sector, and at PIF, we take great pride in honouring this dedication through the PIF Awards.”

Full details of the event are available on the PIF website www.petfederation.co.uk 

A total of 26 honours were handed out at the PIF Awards 2024. Click on the link below to view the full list of winners.

Cattery of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Call of Nature
Newgate Kennels and Cattery 

Dog Daycare Business of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Collar
Claire’s Comfy Canines 

Dog Walking Business of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Collar
Sophie’s Pet Care 

Export Business of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Associated Veterinary Services
We.pet Independent Pet Wholesale 

Grooming Business of the Year 2024 – sponsored by TUFT
Hurley’s Grooming Salon – Training Academy 

Home Boarding Business of the Year 2024 – sponsored by YuMove
The Pug Snug 

Independent Retailer of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Vital Pet Trade Specialist
Wildwood Pets 

Kennel of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Collar
Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding 

Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 – sponsored by Impact Exhibitions & Events
David Tracey, Brambles Pet & Wildlife

Marketing Campaign of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Nobull Agency
Play9  

Manufacturer of the Year 2024 (Over £10m) – sponsored by Anthesis
Mackle Petfoods 

Manufacturer of the Year 2024 (Under £10m) – sponsored by Anthesis
Proflax

New Business of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding
The Muzzle Movement 

New Product Award 2024 (Accessories) – sponsored by Su-Bridge Pet Supplies
Trinkety Paws – Waterproof Biothane Handsfree Dog Training Lead 

New Product Award 2024 (Food) – sponsored by Su-Bridge Pet Supplies
James & Ella – Kibble + Raw Dog and Puppy Food 

New Product Award 2024 (Health & Hygiene) – sponsored by Su-Bridge Pet Supplies
Dorwest – BrainCopa Tablets 

New Product Award 2024 – Treats - sponsored by Su-Bridge Pet Supplies
Doggy Doggy Yum Yum – Frozen Treat for Dogs 

Online Business of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Animal People Recruitment Company
Tug-E-Nuff 

Pet Retail Chain of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Naturo Pet Foods
Pet Pavilion

Pet Services Business of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Cliverton
Yorkshire Pooches Therapies 

Pet Tech Award 2024 – sponsored by LoyalZoo
Wearezumi Limited 

Supplier of the Year 2024 – sponsored by Johnson’s Veterinary Products
Pet Trade Innovations 

Sustainability Award 2024 – sponsored by Citation
Doglyness International GmbH 

Wholesaler of the Year 2024 – sponsored by PBW News
Su-Bridge Pet Supplies

Innovation Award 2024 (awarded at the Business of Pets Conference, June 2024)
Don’t Bug Me – The Holistic Hound

Garden Centre Pet Department of the Year 2024
Notcutts Garden Centres

A family-owned pet shop claims it ‘can’t survive’ in the short-term following an ongoing licensing dispute with its local council.

The town centre store has launched an online petition ‘Save Stafford Pets and Aquatics! in a bid to force the council into finding an amicable solution.

The store is also planning a peaceful protest outside the council offices on Monday (November 11).

Posting the online petition on change.org, the store’s Charlotte Pearson said: “To all our amazing customers and followers we really need your help.

“We set up Stafford Aquatics six years ago when we took over the building from fish world at the Paul Reynolds centre and are proud to be independent and a family owned business in our home town of Stafford.

 The last six years have been challenging at times with Covid lockdowns, our energy bills quadrupling two years ago and then the roadworks on Chell Road and the North end of town affecting us for the past 12 months. We have however battled on and thanks to you our loyal customers and our amazing staff team we have faced these head on and evolved.

“We are now however facing our biggest challenge to date and are asking for your support.

“Following a confusion on dates with the licencing team at Stafford Borough Council, we ended up submitting our renewal forms one day late, having delivered them in person (after the original ones that we submitted by post in June were lost/not received). This now means we have had to apply for a brand new pet shop licence as the old one expired the day before (despite me having had one for the last six years) and we are unable to sell livestock until a new inspection has been completed.

“The date the council have given for this new inspection is the 19th December and a guide that the licence is likely to be issued mid Jan 2025! This is completely unrealistic and the business cannot survive for three months without this trade. We have a wonderful team of four people and we all love working in this industry.

“We are in daily communication with the council to try and bring this date forward but haven’t had much success in the past week.

“Please sign so we can present this to the council and save us from becoming another empty unit in Stafford Town!”

The online petition can be found by clicking here.

Will Conaghan, press and communication manager for Stafford Borough Council, said: "A great deal has been done to help Stafford Aquatics as we wish to support all local businesses. We sent Stafford Aquatics a renewal notice in May - four months before the licence renewal date. They were also reminded in August. And we reminded them again just before that licence expiry date of September 21.

"Following that email we spoke with the business and to help them out agreed to extend the date for the council receiving the application to October 16. After that date it would have to be treated as a new application. But in all that time no application or application payment was received for the renewal of the licence. 

"So, as it was not renewed by that extended date it became a new application. This requires an inspection to be carried out to ensure the business has the appropriate standards regarding the welfare of the animals at the premises. That inspection will be carried out by Staffordshire County Council Animal Health team and until that is done we cannot grant a licence. We have been liaising with the county council to see if that can be undertaken as soon as possible.” 

Will added that Stafford Pets and Aquatics can appeal against the council decision if they think it is wrong.

CASCO Pet, global animal enclosure and equipment provider, is expanding its team as the company experiences rapid growth. Seven new employees – including three in key leadership positions – will support the business as it expands its presence across pet retail and veterinary sectors worldwide, in order to meet rising market demand.

In leadership roles, CASCO Pet welcomes Eddie Lee as Director of Sales for North America, Lois Newman as Head of Sales UK and Europe, and Mark Fleming as Global Head of Marketing. This follows the appointment of the business’s Group Managing Director, Wayne Kemp, and President of CASCO Pet’s US business, Kevin DeWalt, earlier this year.

Lee brings more than two decades of experience in growing businesses in the animal health and veterinary markets, proving instrumental in developing and leading multiple business segments. He joins from industrial hatchery manufacturer, Jamesway, and previously held the role of Director of Sales & Sales Operations at food safety company, Neogen. As Director of Sales for North America, he will be responsible for structuring and expanding the region’s sales team, with a particular focus on growing CASCO Pet’s WELLKennels business to the veterinary and related channels.

Newman has more than 20 years of experience in the human and animal medical devices sector, including delivering impressive growth through direct sales teams and distribution networks. She joins CASCO Pet from Micro-X, an x-ray technology company, where she held the role of Vice President of Sales. Responsible for overseeing the business’s sales operations across the UK and Europe, she will be focused on driving continued development and sales, as well as accelerating and introducing innovative solutions to the pet retail and veterinary sectors.

Fleming has a customer-focused outlook having worked across multiple sectors, with proven experience of building brands, solving business challenges and delivering business objectives. He joins from his role as Head of Marketing at property start-up, Kooky. As CASCO Pet’s Global Head of Marketing, he will be focused on implementing a global brand and marketing strategy that builds further brand awareness and drives increased customer acquisition across the pet and vet sectors.

CEO Matthew Bubear (left) says: “CASCO Pet continues to go from strength to strength – a fact that could not be better demonstrated than with these appointments. We’re thrilled at the amount of talent and the wealth of experience that’s being brought into our ever-growing team. Together, we’ll reach even greater heights on our mission to revolutionise pet wellness globally – something we’re seeing in greater demand across both sectors.”

In recent years, CASCO Pet has been focused on bringing new innovations to the pet retail and veterinary sectors, to improve the lives of animals and the people who care for them. This includes the introduction of a new storage and cabinetry range for pet stores and vet practices; the launch of its new generation of WELLKennels with customisable features, and the securing of a global patent for its DRC Lighting System.

To continue its upward trajectory, the brand is also pleased to welcome:

• Hugh Rankmore as Digital Manager. An accomplished marketer with a passion for enhancing digital performance, he has over 15 years’ experience marketing premium products and exceptional service across digital platforms.
• Milan Cunin as Business Development Manager, France & Benelux. He has over five years’ experience spanning supply chains, production and sales, including three years spent in the pet food and pet care sector.
• Annabelle Cartwright as a Veterinary Sales Executive. She has spent almost 10 years working in veterinary clinics and animal health institutions, including time as a Senior Veterinary Technician, and excelled as a field sales representative.
• Blake Snyder as a Veterinary Sales Executive. He brings over a decade of experience that spans his work as a veterinary technician in animal health distribution sales and involvement with animal health product manufacturers.

CASCO Pet provides innovative solutions in animal enclosures for retail, veterinary practices and clinics, as well as education facilities. The company is committed to enhancing pet wellness by redefining standards of care in animal housing, with a continual focus on innovation and discovery.

Pets & Friends, which was purchased by a Nottingham-based family business PSR Trading Ltd (Pet Store Retailing) in August, will unveil its first revamped store at Gamston on Saturday (November 9).

The successful pet store and grooming salon will continue to operate as Pets & Friends but has been revamped with new décor and products.

Store manager Chrissie Muir said: “We’re pleased to be the first Pets & Friends store to receive a revamp. From a new look and feel to new products we’re sure customers and their pets will be happy with the latest changes instore.

“From free harness fitting to personalised nutrition plans and weight checks our team members are always happy to help find the right products for your pet.”

The Gamston store also features a Pets Parlour spa and grooming which provides grooming services for all pets from dogs to cats and small animals with customers now able to book both instore and online.” 

Pets are always welcome in store, with free samples often available.

Pets & Friends has stores in Mansfield, Hucknall, Sutton in Ashfield, Heanor, Gamston, Mapperley, Alvaston, Chaddesden, Wollaton and Littleover.

Pet Brands Ltd has signed an exclusive partnership with Fetch For Pets to bring even more innovation into the UK pet industry through an exciting range of established household licensed brands. 

Pet Brands has a 57-year heritage in bringing the most innovative ranges of pet care to market; from food to everyday sundries, the Yorkshire-based innovation centre is a powerhouse of creativity, design and distribution.

With the business’ dedication to always innovate and deliver exceptional products and brands to retail customers and pet owners, the newly signed partnership with Fetch 4 Pets will expand on the business’ successful heritage in managing other licensed brands such as RAC and Cath Kidston.

Fetch For Pets specialises in the manufacturing and management of licensed brands, with a portfolio containing Burts Bees, Arm & Hammer, BioSilk and CHI. The partnership between Fetch For Pets gives Pet Brands UK exclusivity on the licensed portfolio and increases the availability of household name ranges of pet products available to UK retailers and consumers. 

Donna Hoyle, General Manager of Pet Brands, said: “We are so excited by the new partnership with Fetch For Pets. Licensed brands continue to be an area of strategic focus for us in our mission to deliver exceptional innovation to retail customers and pet owners. We have always excelled in this area of brand management, but this new partnership moves us into a new level of delivering excellence. It was important for us to partner with a business who shares our values of innovation, customer obsession and inclusivity, so we are delighted to have signed with Fetch For Pets.”

For more information on this partnership or to express interest in the licensed brand opportunities please email sales@petbrands.com

UK pet owners face fines of up to £500 in the lead up to Christmas as nearly one in five (17%) claim that they won’t microchip their pets, despite the legal requirement to do so which recently extended to cats.

The findings are revealed as part of a new national survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners conducted by Frontline, the flea and tick treatment, which also discovered:

• 24% of cats haven’t paid a visit to the vet in the last year while around one in ten pets (9%) aren’t being kept up to date with their vaccinations, putting them at risk of catching dangerous diseases.

• Just under half (48%) of people don't always check with their vet before making medical or dietary decisions relating to their pet, and a third (33%) never do so. While dietary decision-making can depend on the health of your pet, it is advisable to run any medical changes past a qualified professional.

• Over half of pet parents (57%) believe that they could be feeding their pet a more nutritious and balanced diet and one in five (20%) strongly agree with this statement. The same amount of people (57%) believe that they could be doing more to ensure that their pet receives enough exercise/enrichment.

Microchipping cats in England has been a legal requirement as of 10th June this year, including those who are kept indoors. Those who choose not to microchip their pets face fines of up to £500 if they are caught and are also putting their pet’s safety at risk if they ever become lost or stolen.

Younger generations appear less likely to have their pet microchipped, with 26% of 18-24 year olds and 22% of 25-24 year olds surveyed claiming that they don't, compared to only 8% of 55-64 year olds and 10% of those 65+.

Surprisingly, there is little difference in the number of cats (82%) versus dogs (85%) who are chipped. While some owners surveyed may have had a pet under the legal age (up to 8 weeks for dogs and 20 weeks for cats), the data referenced here only includes those who have no plans to microchip their pet once they are old enough.

Despite this finding, 86% of pet parents believe that they follow the recommended veterinary advice for their pets - contradicting much of the survey data and suggesting that many owners may not be aware of the potential risks associated with their reported pet care practices.

One major concern raised is the fact that nearly a quarter of cats (24%) haven’t had a vet visit in the last year. With an estimated 10.8 million cats in the UK, this representative sample would equate to 2.7 million cats not receiving the regular veterinary care recommended. Additionally, nearly one in ten pets (9%) aren’t being kept up to date with their vaccinations posing many health risks ahead of the winter months.

This shift in behaviour is mirrored in the discovery that many owners (42%) say that they wouldn’t phone their vet straight away if their pet appears unwell, with a further 16% opting to Google the symptoms instead. Even if you think you know what's wrong with your pet, many symptoms can have multiple causes. It's always best to consult a veterinary professional if your pet seems unwell.

A potential explanation may be a lack of pet insurance, as 28% of owners report not having a current policy in place, leaving the risk of treatment cost in the case of an emergency.

One important practice is to keep on top of parasite protection. Most owners (61%) surveyed claim to worm their pets every one to three months and 39% are using a flea or tick treatment on their pets every month, which is the period recommended on many products.

The responsibility of pet ownership can be overwhelming, with decisions over what is best for your pet often a hard call to make and something over half (54%) of the pet owners surveyed worry about. 56% also say that they find it confusing knowing what to look for on pet food and care product labels, and 42% struggle to remember what is harmful or poisonous to their pet.

There is, however, no doubt that cats and dogs are well-loved by their pet parents, with many opting to spend nearly eight hours a day with them on average. Women were found to spend more time with their cats and dogs, at nearly 2 hours more per day compared to the men surveyed.

The amount of time recommended for engagement varies depending on the type of pet, and this can be difficult when working. Luckily, many offices have become dog-friendly since the pandemic, and over a third (37%) of those surveyed state that they bring their pets to work or opt to work from home to be with them, which can be beneficial to ease separation anxiety.

This adoration extends to spending, with more than one in ten people (11%) spending over £125 per month on their pet. 25-34-year-olds are likely to spend the most, while the national average sits at £73. Cat owners report spending £13 less each month compared to those with dogs.

To read more of Frontline’s survey findings, head to the brand’s blog for an in-depth look at the behaviours and attitudes of pet parents across the UK.

James and Steel attended the recent Pet Fair SE Asia in the British Pavilion, organised by PetQuip, and showcased its market leading BAM! range of catnip products.

Managing director John James was accompanied by fellow director Saul James and Shirley Yap, BAM! sales manager for Asia. 

John said: “We are really pleased that we decided to exhibit there as the show was well organised and working with PetQuip certainly simplifies things. The exhibition was well attended and we had a very busy show with good leads from all over Asia, and further afield which will allow us to grow our existing business in the region."

Pictured on the stand: John James with Shirley Yap.

A growing commitment to small pet health and wellbeing is emerging among pet owners, according to Supreme Petfoods’ newly released UK Small Pet Market Report 2024. 

Offering insights into current trends and behaviours, the report reveals that over 80% of households with small pets consider them as adult or family pets. Furthermore, nearly 60% of rabbit owners are committed to taking their rabbits to the vet at least once a year, highlighting a strong desire to provide high quality care.

Based on a survey of 1,000 rabbit and guinea pig owners, the report also reveals that 80% of small pet caregivers are female – an increase and significant demographic shift since Supreme’s previous benchmark survey two years ago. Additionally, the research indicates an 8% rise in rabbits being kept as house pets, with 55% of pet parents keeping their rabbits indoors. These changes reflect an evolving approach to pet care, where small pets are increasingly seen as family members deserving of attentive, high-quality care.

“Understanding the needs and preferences of small pet owners is crucial for shaping our product offerings and marketing strategies,” said Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods.

“This report not only reflects current trends but also provides actionable insights for the future.”

The UK Small Pet Market Report 2024 also highlights trends in brand preferences and shopping habits among small pet owners. Supreme’s Science Selective brand leads in spontaneous brand awareness among small pet guardians, while its Tiny Friends Farm range has seen an impressive 34% increase in brand recognition since the last survey – a testament not only to Supreme’s commitment to creating high quality products but also to its investment in initiatives to raise brand awareness, including targeted social media campaigns.

Shopping preferences are equally noteworthy, with 54% of small pet owners favouring physical stores over online options. This finding reinforces the value of local pet shops, which remain key destinations for small pet products alongside major retail chains.

“We recognise the essential role that specialist retailers play and are committed to providing the resources and support they need for a successful small pet category,” Claire added.

The UK Small Pet Market Report 2024 is now available for download on the Supreme Petfoods website.

For more detailed insights and data visit https://supremepetfoods.com/blog/uk-small-pet-market-report-2024/

With an estimated 26 million cats and dogs in UK households, Bella + Duke is stepping up for pet lovers everywhere with a fresh brand platform that redefines its offering.

As the UK’s top-rated nutrition brand for raw pet meals, Bella + Duke is going beyond the bowl to bring new benefits to customers, delivering nutritious meals and exclusive rewards that make for healthier and happier lifestyles. Firmly all in for pet wellbeing, Bella + Duke is continuing its commitment to offer nutritious alternatives to ultra-processed pet foods, as well as providing expert advice and support on pet nutrition, health and behaviour, and products to support pet wellbeing from nose to tail including treats and supplements. 

Bella + Duke commissioned brand experts Styles + Partners and packaging Expert Chilli to shift the focus of the brand and its customer proposition to the broader concept of wellbeing. In order to achieve this, Bella + Duke is offering even more in its new launch to ensure pets are appropriately taken care of through all stages of their life. From puppy training, behavioural and nutritional support there are over 14 unique services and products available through the relaunch.

The brand will continue to offer its 100% raw, nutritionally complete meals as well as their carefully curated range of natural treats and care products direct to door through a delivery service or through its retail partner Pets at Home in 460 stores. This has been reflected in the heart of the brand’s new logo which puts a strong emphasis on the ‘+’ and incorporates a subtle cat and dog figurine to highlight all the additional services it offers.

One of the many driving forces behind the new positioning was the independent research conducted by Bella + Duke which highlighted that nearly two-thirds (63%) of pet owners say their furry friends boost their mental wellbeing, with a further 63% stating they try to ensure their pet gets the best food and nutrition possible. The brand wanted to ensure that they went ‘all in for pet wellbeing’ the way pets go all in for their owners.

The Bella + Duke team have also heavily invested in their own in-house experts, recently appointing Veterinary Advisor, Carolanne Cicero, to deliver specialist veterinary support to both customers and staff. In-house vet nurses and 24/7 video vet care are one of Bella + Duke’s most sought after services with over 600 vet nurse consultations taking place in the last year, and over 6,000 customers signed up to receive free 24/7 video vet consultations, with more than one in three having to visit the vet less often after switching to Bella + Duke. Bella + Duke’s dedicated social media community page, also known as “The Pack”, is moderated by a team of trained canine nutritionists and hosts over 31,000 unique members, connecting a vibrant community of like-minded owners to enjoy the bond and camaraderie of life with their pets.

The new brand identity for Bella + Duke is ultimately rooted in nourishing pets from the inside out with gold-standard quality raw meals, paired with caring for every aspect of your pet’s wellbeing. Visually this has resulted in a much bolder revamp of the company’s brandmark, typography, communications palette and distinctive assets to reflect the new brand proposition. This will be widely rolled out across the brand’s website, packaging, advertising and more in an effort to create a deeper connection with its vibrant community of existing customers and entice new ones to join the club.

James Sturrock, CEO at Bella + Duke said: “The original vision of Bella + Duke was always to improve the lives of our pets through good nutrition, but we recognised that wellbeing goes far beyond what’s in their bowl. Through our new benefits and services we’ve evolved into a full pet wellbeing brand, we’re addressing the broader needs of cats and dogs, ensuring they receive the best care throughout every stage of their life.  “We’re looking beyond the gold standard in complete, nutritionally balanced raw meals and are looking towards being all in for pet wellbeing. We’re thrilled to be confirmed as the UK’s most nutritious pet food brand and our new bold new creative reflects this as well as allowing our customers to get more out of life with their pets.”

Corrine Myers, Managing Director at Styles+Partners, commented: “Bella + Duke are on a transformative journey with an ambitious vision that is already coming to life. Engaging with their customers revealed just how life-changing their products and personalised services are. This isn’t just a rebrand; it’s a heartfelt commitment to doing right by their community.  The new positioning sharpens Bella + Duke’s focus for future business decisions and developments. The tone of voice is strategically crafted around the core pillars that matter most to their customers, delivering support with empathy and a playful spirit. 

"The new vibrant colours reflect the fresh, nutritious ingredients that define their food. The typography showcases their personality. Together, we have created a powerful verbal and visual brand that will elevate connections with new and existing customers, propelling them confidently into the future."

Jess Kaye, Business Director at CHILLI UK, said: “When Bella + Duke came to us for help with their packaging design, we were thrilled to work with such a progressive brand. They are a true challenger, faced with an exceptionally busy category, and an emotional one at that. Working together with Styles & partners we have created a distinctive Visual Identity with bold use of colour and typography for real impact. This is an identity that works in both a noisy retail environment and the D2C business ensuring customers get a consistent experience wherever they purchase the brand.”  

UK Pet Food is returning to the London Vet Show to reconnect with the veterinary community. Visit stand D45 to participate in the organisation's survey and learn more about its latest initiatives and educational resources. 

Panel Discussion: 'Processed with Purpose: Unpacking the Pet Food Debate' 

Date: Friday, November 15, 2024 

Time: 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM 

Location: Exhibitor Showcase Theatre 2, Excel Exhibition Centre, London 

Capacity: 50 seats 

UK Pet Food invites veterinary professionals to an informative panel discussion on pet food processing, exploring its impact on nutrition, safety, and sustainability. Titled “Processed with Purpose: Unpacking the Pet Food Debate," this event will also explore the truths and misconceptions around terms like “processed” and “ultra-processed”, addressing comparisons with human food processing.   

Focusing on informing veterinary professionals, and answering their questions, this event will offer insights into how different processing methods play a vital role in producing complete and balanced foods for pets, while offering plenty of choice to pet owners. 

The panel will be chaired by Michael Bellingham, Chief Executive of UK Pet Food, and feature speakers, including Dr Andrew Miller (UK Pet Food Veterinary Nutrition Committee), Cat Henstridge, and Caroline Curtis (UK Pet Food Sustainability Committee). Attendees are encouraged to participate in an interactive Q&A session, with roving microphones for audience engagement. 

Launch of New Factsheet  

Sarah Hormozi, UK Pet Food’s Head of Science and Education, commented:  “We are pleased to launch the publication of our latest factsheet, Processed with Purpose: Understanding Pet Food Processing Methods and Their Applications, to coincide with our panel session. This will enable our event participants to take away UK Pet Food’s official position on this important topic, empowering them to discuss it with their clients and pet owners.” 

About UK Pet Food 

UK Pet Food is the leading source of trusted information on pet nutrition, committed to supporting veterinary professionals through education, including the forthcoming "Pet Food and Nutrition Course for Veterinary Professionals," launching in 2025. 

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Hampshire police investigating the theft of £300 worth of products from a Pets at Home store in Southampton have issued images of two men they want to interview.

In a statement given alongside the images, the police said: “We were called to a report that dog coats and dog treats worth a total of £300 were stolen from Pets at Home on Winchester Road at around 4.30pm on Thursday 24 October.

“Since this was reported to us, officers have been carrying out a number of enquiries and are now in a position to release images of two men we would like to speak with.

“The first man is described as being white, aged in his late 30s, bald with glasses, of slim build and 5ft 5ins tall. He was wearing a blue jumper.

“The second man is described as being white, aged in his 30s, of medium build and 5ft 5ins tall. He was wearing a grey or light green gilet and a black cap.

“We believe the men in these images can help us with our investigation and would urge them, or anyone who knows their identity, to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on police on 101, quoting 44240465089, or online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

The Lovely Gift Group has launched a Christmas keepsake bauble in conjunction with the Blue Cross to help raise funds for the national pet charity. 

Designed exclusively with the charity, the bauble features white feathers, a paw print charm, tiny paw prints in the charity’s blue colours and is personalised with the pet’s name.  Profits from every bauble sold will go to the Blue Cross. The baubles can be bought to celebrate four legged family members or remember those that families have loved and lost.

Blue Cross helps thousands of sick, injured and homeless pets every month by providing veterinary care, rehoming and fostering services and expert behaviour advice, as well as education for future generations and pet bereavement support through its Pet Loss Support Service.

Helen Davies, Founder of The Lovely Gift Group, the company behind the pet keepsake brand Oh So Precious, said: “2025 is going to be an exciting year for both our teams as we have a number of initiatives, we are planning on together involving retail stores, online sales and of course a number of other charity projects.  

“We are thrilled that we can bring Oh So Precious keepsake gifts to the Blue Cross supporters as our two brands share a vision in looking after the needs of owners, as well as pets.  Working with the charity to launch our partnership at such an exciting time as Christmas is fabulous and I hope we can raise plenty of money through these bespoke keepsake baubles.”

Diane James, Head of people services for Blue Cross said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Oh So Precious to create these baubles this Christmas. Pets are such a big part of so many of our lives, so to be able to have a keepsake to recognise or remember our beloved pets by is a wonderful way to celebrate them every Christmas.

“We hope that the funds raised from these baubles will enable us to help even more pets and people.”

You can order your Blue Cross charity bauble at the Oh So Precious website or via the link:

https://ohsoprecious.co.uk/products/blue-cross-charity-personalised-pet-bauble

IVC Evidensia has unveiled a major expansion of its Pet Health Club membership. 

Pet Health Club Plus has launched as a new tier of the plan and is the first national preventative care plan to include unlimited consultations. It has been introduced to further support owners by spreading the cost of their pet’s healthcare. 

An awareness initiative by the industry leader includes their first national Pet Health Club TV advertising campaign, as part of an extensive integrated marketing push.  

It’s hoped having unlimited consults will encourage owners to bring their pet in early, meaning problems can be diagnosed more quickly and therefore improve the welfare outcome of the pet. 

The hugely popular Pet Health Club offering includes vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, microchipping, health checks and a variety of discounts. 

Pet Health Club Plus provides everything already included and expands on that enormously. 

As well as the unlimited consults, there is 24/7 access to an online vet to give owners greater reassurance and more options for the care of their pet. 

The cost of Pet Health Club Plus is £27.99 for cats and £29.99 for dogs. 

With many owners increasingly conscious of the costs of veterinary care, IVC Evidensia are focusing on supporting them with affordable preventative care. 

Dog owners opting for a Pet Health Club Plus membership can save up to £430 a year. Despite being launched only recently, more than 25,000 owners have already taken subscriptions. 

The national TV advertising campaign began earlier this month across a wide range of Sky and Freeview channels and will continue to run until the end of the year. 

The key message of the campaign is “The last thing on our pets’ mind is their health. That’s why it’s on ours.” 

Richard Hooker, IVC Evidensia Country Medical Director, said: “Pet Health Club Plus provides easy and affordable access to our veterinary care services. 

“As a result, we hope we can keep pets healthy and detect disease and illness earlier. That has hugely positive welfare benefits for pets and gives comprehensive support to their owners.” 

Animal Focused, an educational consultancy specialising in animal related training and canine assisted education, has been awarded the NNBN Start-Up Business of the Year Award. 

The award recognises the company’s achievements since setting up in April 2023, in particular the launch of two unique training courses, one to support schools using therapy dogs and one to train Local Authority animal licensing inspectors. 

“Winning this award is a validation of everything we have been working towards and of our belief that, where animals are part of a working environment their needs must be a priority. We are delighted the judges were able to see the impact of our work,” said Vicky Skinner, Founder of Animal Focused. 

“We’re passionate about promoting the welfare of all animals, but through  delivering our own canine assisted education sessions we realised that many schools have a dog on site without having first considered all the factors. It’s amazing to be able to share our  knowledge on working with dogs with others and know we are setting new standards for how schools and safely use dogs to help learners thrive."

The NNBN awards celebrates the achievements of Northamptonshires businesses, with this year's The Start Up Business of the Year award was sponsored by Northampton Business Doctor, Alastair McLeod. 

Alastair stated: “I’m very excited about what Animal Focused offers – it’s a great example of spotting a need in the market, focusing on specific customers and offering a great service with passion and authenticity."

The Animal Focused team have over 20 years of expertise in both education and animal welfare resulting in the development of a unique courses which helps to create a safe and welfare focused approach to having dogs in schools which maximises the benefits to learners.

For more information about the online course and to learn how your school can introduce a therapy dog, visitwww.animalfocused.co.uk/dogsinschools.

A new scheme for people taking their pet dog (or assistance dog), cat or ferret from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be launched on 4 June 2025.

The Windsor Framework provides a new way to travel with pet dogs (or assistance dogs), cats and ferrets from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) to Northern Ireland from 4 June 2025.  

This policy paper provides information ahead of the scheme opening on 4 June 2025.

If you live in Great Britain, the scheme will enable you to travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland with a simple lifelong pet travel document. This lasts for the lifetime of the pet and is free of charge.

You will just need to make sure your pet or assistance dog is microchipped before you travel.

PATS – the Pets and Aquatic Trade Show – is set to reach new heights following its acquisition by leading global events company Raccoon Media Group.

This development promises an exciting future for the show and its exhibitors, as Raccoon Media Group’s recent launch of an Animal Health Division will bring enhanced resources, international expertise, and vision to support PATS’ continued growth in the UK.

By working in close collaboration with the existing PATS team Raccoon’s Animal Health Division is committed to elevating the event experience and creating new growth opportunities in the UK and beyond for the pet trade sector.

Industry professionals can expect a dynamic evolution of the show, with an expanded focus on product innovation, networking, and insights that will serve both emerging and established brands. The existing PATS team will work closely with the Raccoon Media Group team, combining resources and expertise to enhance and evolve the PATS brand and experience for both exhibitors and attendees. Gordon Thomas, Director of PATS, will continue in his role, working alongside Nicole Cooper, CEO of Raccoon Media Group’s Animal Health Division, to build on PATS’ strong foundations and drive the show to new heights.

Since its inception in 2009, PATS has grown to become the UK’s largest and most respected trade event for the pet and aquatic industries. Originally launched as a modest gathering for pet retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers, PATS quickly gained a reputation for showcasing the latest innovations in pet products, health, and wellness.

Over the years, the show has expanded to feature hundreds of exhibitors, from established brands to exciting new startups, and now attracts thousands of industry professionals and buyers from across the UK and beyond. With a dedicated focus on supporting business growth and providing networking and educational opportunities, PATS has evolved into a must-attend annual event that consistently raises the bar for trade exhibitions in the pet sector.

Gordon Thomas (right), Event Director of PATS, shared his optimism: “Joining Raccoon Media Group is a fantastic opportunity for the PATS brand and our team. Raccoon’s commitment to our industry, alongside their expertise in running successful trade shows, means we’ll be able to take PATS to the next level. I look forward to working alongside Nicole and the broader Raccoon team as we embark on this exciting journey together.”

Nicole Cooper, CEO of the Animal Health Division at Raccoon Media Group, added: “We are thrilled to welcome PATS into the Raccoon family. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver industry-leading experiences in the animal health and wellness sector across the globe. PATS has long been a respected platform in the pet and aquatic trade world, and we’re excited to build on its success and create new opportunities for growth and collaboration across the sector.”

PATS has a well-established reputation as the event in the UK for pet and aquatic industry professionals. With Raccoon Media Group’s resources and strategic vision, the event is poised for an exciting new chapter.

Mike Seaman, Group CEO of Raccoon Media Group, commented on the acquisition: “This is a significant moment for Raccoon Media Group and our new Animal Health Division. We are excited to join forces with the PATS team and combine our strengths. Together, we’re confident that we can continue to grow and enhance PATS’ value to the industry, delivering a world-class event that supports the success of our clients, partners, and stakeholders.”

Award-winning pet retailer Jollyes has strengthened its executive team with a number of talented leaders from some of Britain’s leading retailers.

This comes weeks after Jollyes launched its first dedicated recruitment and careers website, as it prepares for significant new store growth. The site has already generated over 7,000 applications in its first few weeks.

The Board has been strengthened with two new hires who will work closely with chief executive officer Joe Wykes, underscoring the fast-growing retailer’s ambitions.

Adam Dury will join Jollyes as its new chief operating officer in January. For the past five years Adam has been chief commercial officer at Card Factory plc and a key member of its group operating board. Prior to Card Factory, Adam worked in commercial roles at Tesco and Marks and Spencer.

Adam will join chief executive Joe Wykes and chairman Andy Bond on a strengthened main board alongside its recently appointed chief financial officer Richard Willan.

Richard joined Jollyes in May 2024 after finance director roles at Coca Cola and Whitbread and other finance, commercial and strategy roles at Sainsbury’s, Argos and McKinsey.

Jollyes is also strengthening its senior leadership team with three key hires.

The first is its new trading director Anne Galloway who joins Jollyes after a 20-plus year career in buying and merchandising roles at Tesco. During her time at Tesco, Anne led the home category commercial teams which included pet care, as well as roles looking after toys, celebrations, home electrical, hardware and F&F clothing categories.

Matt Johnston also joins Jollyes this month as its chief technology officer. Matt joins from Sainsbury’s where he was head of data science, driving value from data both in Sainsbury’s and Argos.

Finally, later this year Katherine Paterson will join Jollyes next month as its new chief marketing officer. Katherine is heading for Jollyes after 12 years as customer director at Hobbycraft and senior marketing and e-commerce roles at B&Q/Kingfisher, Asda and Mars.

Continued store expansion

Last month Jollyes launched a new store at Monks Cross Shopping Park in York – the latest opening that has seen it grow its store estate by 50 % in just three years.

There are three further openings, in East Kilbride, Leyland and Cardiff, planned for November, and Jollyes expects the pace of stores openings to continue to accelerate in 2025.

New careers website

Jollyes also recently unveiled a revamped careers website that has generated over 7,000 applications in its first few weeks. The site at https://careers.jollyes.co.uk/ will be the go-to place for those looking to find a dream job looking after the nation’s pets, as Jollyes works hard to become one of the best employers in retail.

In the last 18 months it has already introduced a package of benefits for its 1,200-plus colleagues nationwide, including birthday leave, a ‘pet-eternity’ day for colleagues getting a new pet in the family, a week off on full pay for all colleagues when they get married, enhanced maternity and paternity leave and an enhanced 20 per cent discount off all Jollyes services.

Joe Wykes, Jollyes chief executive officer, said: “It’s a measure of the progress we’ve made that we’re now able to attract some of the best talent in British retailing to join our team.

“And while we’ve had a tremendous couple of years, continuing to fulfil our ambitious growth plans will depend on us hiring, nurturing, and supporting people who can build great careers at Jollyes.

“We’re determined to be first in line as great people look for great roles, whether that’s in the boardroom or on the shopfloor.

“I’d like to welcome my new colleagues to the business as we continue our exciting journey serving pet parents across the UK.”

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.

A crowdfunding appeal has been set up for a dog trainer whose pet broke her neck in a terrifying accident on Sunday night.

Jo Sellers, 54, from Surrey, found her beloved dog Reba, nine, collapsed after letting her out in the garden - and it was thanks to her having first aid training that she’s still alive.

Pets as Therapy dog Reba had broken her neck and was operated on by TV supervet Noel Fitzpatrick on Monday night - and Jo hopes she will make a full recovery.

However, her insurance will only cover £5,500, and the cost of Reba’s surgery alone is £15,000 - meaning Jo, who runs Pippin Pets Dog Training, faces a bill of £9,500 so far.

Jo said: “It was terrifying, seeing her lay there unable to move. I’ve had first aid training so I gently lifted her and took her to the car to the emergency vets. I was so scared - I just kept saying, ‘I love you, hang on,’ over and over.

“The vets ran tests and tried to get Reba to stand, but she couldn’t, so they called to see if a referral centre could see her – and I took her to Fitzpatrick’s the following morning.

“I watched as they carried her in on a spinal board, and after scanning her and finding she had broken part of her vertebra and two discs were out of line, the team arranged for Noel to operate on her on Monday night.”

Noel has shared videos of Reba, a Bichon Frise-Cocker Spaniel cross, on his Instagram account this week and explained how he used metal implants and cement on her spinal fracture – and talked about the importance of being willing to change your plans to help others.

He told his 370,000 followers: “What you have to do is put good out into the world and then wait and see what the effect is.

“You're not going to see the effect immediately - this is another little metaphor here in Reba’s situation. Put out good in the world to a stranger that you don't know, or to someone you do know - put it out there.

“You’ve got to wait and see what the effect is. Don't expect the effect straight away. Most good things take time, and now, thankfully, we do have time, so I'll keep you posted.”

Jo will need to make adaptations to her home as Reba recovers - and is asking anyone with spare dog beds or exercise pens in the Surrey area to contact her.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by her friend Zoe Willingham, where Jo’s friends, colleagues, and clients have kindly donated over £2,000.

Zoe said: “What has happened to Reba is every dog owner’s worst nightmare. Jo is single and doesn’t have a second income - and the dog community has rallied round to support her.”

Jo added: “All the messages have been brilliant because I’ve not felt alone. It can be very isolating because I live on my own and Reba is my world - so I have been so moved by so many people wanting to help.”

If you’d like to donate to support Jo, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jo-reba-reba-broke-her-neck-in-a-freak-accident

Wilsons Pet Food has launched a substantial selection of 100% natural treats for dogs. The range includes 17 new treats, each free from junk or fillers. 

The treats are available in a range of gluten and grain free options, each carrying health benefits. The treats are suitable for dogs aged four months and upwards and are available in resealable, fully recyclable bags.

Tempting Bites 

The new Bites range, available in 200g and 1kg, includes eight varieties, each 100% single-source protein, meat or fish. Options such as Goat Bites, Duck Bites, and Wild Boar Bites – each great for allergy support, improved skin and coat, and joint care. The new Pheasant Bites aid immune support, vision care and joint care; Whilst the Venison Bites are high in protein and rich in Omega 3 and iron.  Porky Bites, Fish Bites, Rabbit Bites and Duck Bites complete the range. RRP prices range from £7.99 to £8.99 for 200g bag and are available in 1kg.

Natural & Nutritious Treats

Eight additional treats offering a variety of health benefits: allergy-friendly, high in protein, dental hygiene, supporting healthy joints and bones, or mental stimulation. The range includes Beef Liver, Beef Tripe, Baltic Sprats, Chicken & Duck Necks, Rabbit Ears, Pig Ears, and Chicken Feet. Prices start from £6.99 for 200g and also available in 1kg.

Wilsons Wee Salmon Crunchies  

A first for the UK dog treat market. Freeze-dried 100% natural whole Salmon treats packed with Omega; promoting a healthy immune system, healthy skin and coat, and supporting joint health.70g RRP £9.99

Festive Goodies

For dog owners keen to treat their pets this festive season, Wilsons has launched special limited editions treats in time for Christmas. Made with natural ingredients, the Mince Pie Festive Treats and Turkey & Cranberry Festive Treats are grain free making them ideal for sensitive tummies. 70g RRP £4.00.

Craig Wallace, MD, Wilsons Pet Food, said: “We’ve been planning an increased range of natural treats for a while, but it made sense to wait until the full rebrand, ensuring all products would benefit from the new packaging and launch at a similar time. We’re pleased to offer such a diverse selection and for pet owners to feel assured that the treats are natural and nutritious.

“We’re particularly proud of the Wee Salmon Crunchies. We’ve been working with an innovative organisation in Scotland to support an ambition of zero waste across the Scottish fishing industry.  These tiny salmon are too small to be used in freshwater hatcheries and usually result in waste, so it’s great to be part of an initiative to repurpose these small fish and for dogs to reap the health benefits.”

Award-winning pet retailer Not Just Pets has been celebrating its 20th anniversary in its stores in Frome and Larkhill (Bath).

As a thank you to its customers, Not Just Pets offered 20% deals on its products in store, and 10% off everything on its website until tomorrow.

Owners Janine and Mike Tozer said: “We’d like to thank our wonderful team and to all our loyal customers – we wouldn’t be here without them.

“High street retail is certainly not easy these days. We are still here, though! Hopefully we’re doing something right.”

Over the past 20 years Not Just Pets has won numerous awards, including being an #SBS Winner with Theo Paphitis.