In This Issue
Hill’s recalls canned dog food over Vitamin D fears
Town centre pet shop shuts after less than a year
Why PATS Sandown is a ‘must-visit’ event
Scientist creates honey product to tackle cancer in pets
Pet food company launches recruitment drive
Bestpets launches scheme to drive business in pet stores
New jobs created by bird food manufacturer
Host of exciting new products from Henry Wag
Award-winning pet food heading for the UK
HOWND to launch Hemp Wellness Treats Starter Pack with free counter display at PATS Sandown
First chance to see Nandi of Africa treats
Beco Pets offers a free cup of tea to everyone at PATS
UK and overseas growth for pet food brand Purely Fish
Pet Trade Xtra produces a digital magazine version
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award for Natures Menu
PIF supports boarding establishments on Animal Activities Licensing regulations
Dorwest Foundation donates £2,500 to charities
Can vegetarian diets deliver complete and balanced nutrition to cats and dogs? asks PFMA
Wilsons Pet Food takes on Meg Morrison as new Head of Sales
Vetpol to launch as trainer and regulator of SQPs
PIF launches exclusive printing platform for its members
Welcome to LondonCats – the cat equivalent of Crufts!
'All go' for CSJ at Aviemore Sled Dog Rally
The best of the previous Pet Trade Xtra
Owner claims Pets at Home held his dog to ransom
Sales reps in pet trade warned to beware of false promises
HOWND chosen to pitch at Pets and Money Summit
Pie shop opens in closed-down pet store
Different Dog to unveil plastic-free packaging
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PIF supports boarding establishments on Animal Activities Licensing regulations

The Pet Industry Federation  has been working hard on a number of initiatives to help its commercial boarding members comply with the new Animal Activities Licensing regulations.

 

PIF welcomes the new regulations and their intention to raise standards in the pet industry, however, some concern exists over the higher standards required for kennels and catteries which make it difficult for them to access the higher star ratings.

 

PIF believes there should be a level playing field between what is required for the different types of licensed boarding activities, so that standards are not compromised, and profits do not come before welfare.

 

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO said: "Many kennels and catteries have invested huge sums of money to improve their facilities, but are only able to reach lower star ratings, because of the imbalance between the number of optional and mandatory higher standards in the guidance.

 

"In addition, kennels and catteries are subject to two sets of guidance, with their overall star rating is determined by the lower rating obtained by either licensed activity."

 

He continued: "For the higher standards to work and reach the overall objective of improved animal welfare, they need to be both commercially viable and aspirational, and not wholly unachievable.

 

"It may not be possible for businesses to achieve some higher standards without a rebuild, which could require planning permission and a large capital investment.

 

"With the changes to the home boarding guidance, home boarding businesses are still able to achieve a high star rating in a domestic environment without a large capital investment."

 

Through its work with the Canine & Feline Sector Group PIF has, however, been successful in making some guidance changes which will have a positive effect on the kennel and cattery sector:

  • Higher standard unit sizes for catteries can now include raised platforms
  • The minimum temperature in kennels and catteries can be ‘in some part’ rather than ambient
  • The need for an attached kennel run has been removed, as long as the kennel can offer at least four opportunities for taking the dogs out of the unit.

In addition, PIF has developed a range of regulated Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, as well as online courses such as canine first-aid and behaviour, to help business meet the training obligations of the new licensing regulations. Discounts on these qualifications are available to its members.

 

The Ofqual regulated qualifications include:

  • Pearsons BTEC Level 3 – Pet Services Qualification
  • City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Animal Health, Husbandry and Handling (Canine Unit)
  • City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Animal Health, Husbandry and Handling (Feline Unit)

PIF members additionally gain access to templates, policies, advice and help on licensing issues.

 

The Pet Industry Federation will be attending PATS Sandown where it will be delivering a seminar on both days on the new Animal Activities Licensing regulations.

 

Visitors can talk to the team about PIF membership at PATS; by emailing info@petfederation.co.uk or by telephoning 01234 273933.

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