Pets at Home opened its first one-stop store in Dorking, Surrey, last Friday. Whiskers ‘n Paws by Pets at Home is said to be a new concept in convenience shopping and could be the first of many to be rolled out throughout the UK.

The store has a particular focus on the needs of cats and dogs, and contains a Groom Room, offering a wide range of services, including full grooming, bath and blow dry, puppy grooming and nail clipping.

Wayne Kemp, group development director at Pets at Home, said: “This store opening in Dorking is the first of our new concept stores to launch, providing a convenient way for pet owners to grab the essentials they need to care for their animals.

“Whiskers 'n Paws by Pets at Home makes it easier for our customers to pick up the items they need on-the-go and means visits can be combined with other high street shopping.”

Area manager, Nick Roberts, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open a brand new, store in this convenient high street location, making purchasing everyday pet supplies simpler than ever for Dorking pet owners. We look forward to meeting Dorking’s pets and their owners, who are all welcome to shop in our store!”

Store manager, Dan Peacock, has been with Pets at Home for over 10 years and is also a nutrition consultant.

Dan said: “It’s been a busy few months and now my team and I can’t wait to open the doors and welcome our new customers and their pets to the store.”

Whiskers 'n Paws by Pets at Home will provide thousands of dedicated pet products, catering primarily for local cats and dogs, although essential items for pets including aquatics, reptiles, birds and small furry animals will also be available.

The store was opened by Councillor Margaret Cooksey, Chairman of Mole Valley District Council.

The company, founded in 1991, has more than 400 sites across the UK.



Above: One of the first dogs to receive a groom at the newly opened store.
Below: The Leader of the Council tours the store's Groom Room.