PATS 2026 has been hailed a major success by exhibitors, with the record-breaking show attracting a high-quality audience of pet retailers, buyers and industry professionals with attendance numbers up by 8% on last year.

A total of 6,505 visitors attended the three-day event at NEC Birmingham, compared with 6,021 in 2025, underlining the growing appeal of the UK’s leading Pet and Aquatics Trade Exhibition.

With more than 600 brands showcasing a record number of new products across Halls 3 and 3A, exhibitors reported strong levels of engagement from visitors keen to discover new products, meet suppliers and explore the latest opportunities in the pet market.

There was a real buzz throughout the exhibition, with a host of new features adding an extra dimension to this year’s show and helping to create an upbeat and vibrant atmosphere.

Visitors were wowed by the sheer scale and visual impact of the show, which occupied 20% more floorspace than last year, while a dazzling array of eye-catching stands brought the exhibition halls to life.

Among the new attractions was live entertainment from a saxophonist and caricaturist, while PATS TV took to the show floor to interview exhibitors and visitors and spotlight products and features, with the broadcasts shown live on screens throughout the halls.

The show also had a truly global feel, with new initiatives including the International Pavilion and Hosted Buyers Programme attracting an exciting mix of exhibitors and visitors from around the world.

The Hosted Buyers Programme welcomed senior buyers from international companies including Fressnapf in Germany, Chewy in the US and Pet’s Delight in Dubai. Farah Al Khojai, founder and managing director of Pet’s Delight, summed why the programme had been such a success: “It has been wonderful. It was a great opportunity to see what’s in, what’s new, discover new suppliers and catch up with old ones.”

Other new features also contributed to the success of the show, with Animal Encounters, Aquascaping and an expanded Grooming Zone programme giving visitors valuable insights into a diverse range of topics.

Another highlight was the new Coffee & Connect feature, which provided an informal setting for networking, insight and discussion. Visitors heard about some of the key trends shaping the pet trade before staying on to network over coffee with fellow retailers and buyers.

The show was officially opened by television presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty, who also walked the show floor interviewing visitors and exhibitors for his new YouTube series. He said: “It’s a great place to come and find out what’s new in the industry, and discover what the new trends are going to be. From the innovation in pet food to aquascaping, it’s just so exciting.”

The New Product Showcase and Awards proved more popular than ever, with the presentation of the awards at the drinks party at the end of day one creating a tremendous atmosphere and providing a memorable highlight for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Hound Hose won the Grooming sector award with its Portable Dog Washer, with founder Maisie Osborne saying: “I’m absolutely thrilled. It still hasn’t sunk in. This is our first ever trade show, and the feedback has been incredible. To win this award genuinely means the world to me. I’m so grateful.”

Danish Design picked up the Cat Accessories & Toys award. Director of sales and operations Rob Newsome said: “We’re very grateful that all our hard work has been rewarded in this way. We’ve won a PATS award in the past, so we realise how important it is to get this recognition.”

The show’s packed programme of features offered plenty for visitors to see and do, while also providing opportunities to boost their professional development. Through an initiative organised in partnership with AMTRA and Vetpol, SQPs (Suitably Qualified Persons) could claim valuable self-reflection CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points simply by attending the show.

Visitors could also make the most of an unrivalled range of special deals from exhibitors, with more offers available this year than ever before. The scale of the savings was reflected in the biggest-ever Red Book, bringing together all the exclusive deals alongside entries for the New Products Showcase.

Retailer Laura Palmer, director of Mutleys Pet Supplies in Norfolk, summed up why PATS remains a must-visit event for the pet trade. She said: “I have visited PATS for 17 years, and truthfully this was the best one yet. The show was busy, and the atmosphere was so upbeat. I loved the PATS Café in the centre of the hall. It was a real pleasure to attend the show – I could easily have stayed for all three days.”