The decision to move PATS 2025 to the NEC in Birmingham has delighted UK pet companies eager to showcase their new products to a wider audience.

PATS – the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show – will take place in Hall 1 of the NEC from Sunday 28th September to Tuesday 30th September 2025 and will be able to accommodate up to 400 UK and international exhibitors.

Pedigree Wholesale is one company that has supported PATS exhibitions over the years and is looking forward to the new venue. The company’s head of buying Melanie Malin said: “We’re thrilled that PATS will be held at the NEC in 2025 – a positive move that gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase the very best of Pedigree Wholesale. This central, larger-scale event allows us to present our own brand and wholesale offerings to a broader audience while creating more opportunities for our buying team to connect with existing suppliers and explore innovative new products. We look forward to welcoming more customers over the three days and making the most of this exciting event.”

Ancol Pet Products is another major company welcoming the new plans. Director Simon Lane commented: “We are very much looking forward to the move to the NEC in 2025 and have decided to invest in a new stand design for the show. With the extra space that PATS now offers we will be able to showcase more of our excellent range in 2025. It’s going to be an exciting show, with more exhibitors and more visitors.”

Danish Design’s director of sales and operations Rob Newsome said: “We are very much looking forward to another three-day PATS show in its new location. We believe the extra day in 2024 made the show even more successful for exhibitors and visitors alike. With the added benefit of such a central location along with the best transport links, we are extremely positive about what we can achieve at the NEC.”

It's a similar story for Petlife International, whose director James Hancock said: “We have always considered PATS to be a focal point in our calendar – the show gives us a unique opportunity to speak with clients old and new, and to showcase both existing and new lines to a wide audience. We firmly believe that moving across to the NEC in 2025 will prove to be a great step for exhibitors and visitors alike, and we can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Many exhibitors are taking advantage of the extra space available in Hall 1 at the NEC to increase the size of their stands.

Scruffs is one company seizing on the opportunity to expand its presence at the show. Owner Dubby Klyne said: “We’re delighted to see PATS move to the NEC from 2025 as it will mean far more accessibility for both UK and International visitors. On this basis we have taken the decision to increase our stand space at PATS 2025 in order to showcase our brand and ranges in a similar manner to the larger international shows we exhibit at around the world.”

Windsor Food Machinery will be taking a stand three times bigger than before, with director Karen Stuart stating: “The NEC Birmingham is ideally located in the centre of the UK, and has great transportation links, so as a result we have decided to significantly increase the size our stand. We’re very much looking forward to exhibiting at PATS 2025 and believe it will be a huge success for the organisers and all its exhibitors.”

Pet Trade Innovations booked its stand early and managing director Steve Driver said: “We have taken more space this year as we think the event will be bigger than ever. The central location will make it easier for both UK and overseas visitors to attend. It’s great to see this great British show growing internationally.”

And William Wong, category manager at Company of Animals, added: “We're thrilled to announce that we've secured a prime spot with a larger stand, which will help us make an even bigger impact with our new product displays. Our team has been working incredibly hard to bring these innovations to life, and we can't wait to see you all at Birmingham.''

PATS 2025 will retain all its popular features: 

• New Product Showcase and Awards
• Aquatics Zone
• New Starter Zone
• Grooming Workshop

Companies wishing to book stands at PATS 2025 should call the PATS office on +44 (0)1892 862848 or visit the website www.patshow.co.uk and click on ‘stand enquiry’.

Award-winning retail group Jollyes opened two new stores on Saturday – one in Scotland and the other in Wales.

The new stores are located at Kingsgate Retail Park, Glasgow Road, East Kilbride, G77 4UN and at City Link Retail Park, Newport Road in Cardiff, CF24 1PQ.

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

At each of the openings, retired service animals supported in their later years by the National Federation of Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) bit 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.

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 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.”

At East Kilbride on Saturday, accompanied by a St Andrews day piper, the store was 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 was 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.

See gallery of pictures below...

Henry Wag has introduced Refresh, a line of premium grooming products designed for a post-activity wash, elevating the everyday care routine for pets and their owners. 

Focusing on shampoos, fragrance sprays, and towels, the Refresh collection offers a perfect blend of functionality and luxury, ensuring pets not only look and feel great but also enjoy the grooming process.

Refresh by Henry Wag features plant-based 2-in-1 shampoos and fragrance sprays, thoughtfully designed to suit a range of coat types and skin sensitivities. Enriched with natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals, these shampoos provide a thorough cleanse while preserving your pet's delicate skin pH balance.

The fragrance sprays, crafted with essential oils, offer a light, long-lasting scent that’s both safe for pets and kind to the environment. With a variety of scents and formulas available, the collection ensures there’s something for every pet’s unique needs.

Henry Wag is dedicated to sustainability, and the Refresh range of shampoos and sprays reflect this commitment. Proudly made and manufactured in the UK, these products are crafted with the goal of reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

Completing the Refresh collection are the ultra-absorbent towels, engineered to make drying pets effortless. Made from super-soft microfiber (50% bamboo and 50% GRS recycled polyester), these towels are lightweight, durable, and quick-drying. Available in various sizes, the towels are perfect for pets of all breeds and sizes.

Refresh by Henry Wag reflects the brand’s commitment to creating pet care products that combine style, performance, and practicality. With this collection of products, Henry Wag aims to make grooming a stress-free and enjoyable experience for both pets and their owners.

Speaking about the new Refresh range, Grant Rogers, Managing Director at Henry Wag, said: “Refresh is all about enhancing the everyday experience of pet care whilst being kinder to the planet. Our shampoos, fragrance sprays, and towels are designed to provide practical solutions that keep pets comfortable, clean, and happy while making life easier for their owners.”

The Refresh Collection is now available for purchase online at www.henrywag.com and in select pet retailers nationwide.

National family-owned garden centre group, Notcutts, has been recognised at the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards for its high quality and diversity of pet and wildlife products in store and online.

Notcutts was presented with the award for ‘Best Garden Centre Pet Department’ at the annual PIF Awards ceremony, hosted in early November in Stoke on Trent.

Judges praised Notcutts for their creative displays and extensive range of pet supplies, food, accessories and healthcare products. The team were recognised for their “exceptional customer service” and “commitment to animal welfare” by promoting responsible pet ownership. Judges were also impressed by Notcutts’ wildlife focus beyond domestic pets, offering a “significant range” of products for wild birds, insects and hedgehogs to promote ecological awareness and encourage customers to welcome wildlife into their gardens.

The award was judged by an independent panel and mystery shopping in store. Notcutts was among five other finalists for the award category.

Duncan Kazakevics, Category Head for Pet and Wild Bird at Notcutts, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised for ‘Best Garden Centre Pet Department’ at the Pet Industry Federation Awards in November. Congratulations to all our Pet Teams for demonstrating exceptional customer service, knowledgeable assistance and education on animal care.

“Across our garden centres and website, we are proud to offer an extensive range of pet products alongside resources and guidance to support customers to make informed decisions about pet care and animal welfare.”

For more information about Notcutts and their award-winning pet and wildlife range, visit www.notcutts.co.uk/pets-wildlife 

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has launched a new guide outlining the law around the use of antibiotics when it comes to treating fish, corals and other invertebrates.

The guidance note will help the industry understand its responsibilities around the use of these important drugs and ensure trade plays its part in combating anti-microbial resistance (AMR), a growing concern for both human and animal health.

The guide was researched and drawn up by Scientific Support Officer Emily Maunder as part of her work updating and creating new position statements for the trade association to help the industry stay up to date on legal requirements. It looks at the current regulations around antibiotics, in particular that they can only be used if prescribed by a vet, whether that is for fish, corals or other invertebrates.

Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee explained: “This new guidance document is part of our work started last year where we have reviewed all our industry and customer information and identified areas that needed new or updated material.

“Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is a growing health concern so we felt it was a good time to release this guidance document so that businesses have a clear understanding of how they can use antibiotics within the aquatics industry.

“This is another example, along with our Biosecurity Guide and Risk Assessment tool, where OATA can help aquatic businesses play their part in acting responsibly. We all have a part in play to safeguard these important medications for both humans and animals into the future.”

The new guidance document (complete with a useful Q&A section) can be found here: https://ornamentalfish.org/wp-content/uploads/UK-Antibiotic-Regulations-an-explainer-Nov-2024.pdf   

Northampton-based Animal Focused’s pioneering Dogs in Schools course has been shortlisted for a Business Awards UK award in the Pet and Animal Products category.

This recognition highlights the course’s innovative approach to supporting schools in integrating dogs into educational settings while prioritising the welfare of the dog and the safety of the children. The Dogs in Schools course has already made a significant impact by providing headteachers and educators with comprehensive training and resources to create structured, safe, and rewarding environments for dogs and students alike.

Animal Focused Founder, Vicky Skinner, expressed excitement about the shortlisting:"We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to improving standards in canine-assisted education. This course was born out of a desire to help schools work with dogs in a way that is safe, legal, and rewarding for all involved, with the dog’s welfare at the heart of it. Being shortlisted for this award is a testament to the impact we’re making in the sector."

The course stands out as the only one of its kind, addressing all aspects of having a dog in the classroom, from detailed risk assessments to session management and creating dedicated spaces for the dog. Schools benefit from expert guidance, saving valuable time and gaining confidence in their practices.

Vicky continued: “We deliver canine assisted education in schools and take the welfare of the pupils and our dogs very seriously. There are increasing numbers of schools using teachers' own dogs in the classroom and we want to arm teachers and school leaders with the knowledge to prepare for and manage these sessions to ensure best outcomes for everyone involved."

Winners of the Business Awards UK will be announced on the 17th of December.

For more information about the Dogs in Schools course, visit www.animalfocuswed/dogsinschools or contact Vicky@animalfocused.

In a bold move that reflects their commitment to delivering for customers, Vital Pet Group has launched a new Extended Credit Terms incentive running this week until Sunday (8th December 2024). All orders placed in the timeframe will qualify for extended credit terms and will not be due for payment until week commencing 13th January 2025. 

The Budget, announced in October, sees retailers facing a significant jump in costs following a hike in both National Insurance and minimum wage unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves’, the first by a Labour government in 14 years.

The industry is set to pay an additional £2.3bn in National Insurance when the increase in employer contributions comes into force in April next year.

BRC Chief Helen Dickinson said the hike was “yet another case of piling taxes on an already overburdened industry – a decision which will reduce investment in shops and jobs”.

Whilst the Budget also plans to address business rates, this will not come into effect until 2026/27.

Vital wants to do what it can especially around Christmas time and offer a life raft to independent retailers facing these challenges.

Peter Brame, Group Trading Director, said: "Vital is committed to supporting the independent pet trade and are dedicated to going above and beyond especially in challenging times. We understand that with the recent new Budget, some of our customers might have concerns around cash flow, the busy Christmas period and what the New Year might bring. We hope that the scheme this week will be a support to our customers and are exceptionally proud of being able to offer it for both existing and new retailers."

www.vitalpetproducts.co.uk

Pets at Home has unveiled its newly designed flagship Pet Care Centre in New Malden – a game changing destination that sets a new gold standard for pet care.  

This £2.2 million+ transformation marks the single largest investment in Pets at Home’s estate history and delivers a world class experience for pet owners and their beloved companions. 

At an impressive 27,360 sq.ft, this cutting-edge centre offers a completely reimagined experience for pet owners.  

Featuring an increased range of services (such as a newly refurbed and extended veterinary practice), premium facilities (such as a luxury Pets Grooming Salon with 50% more capacity) and thoughtful touches at every turn, it’s more than a store – it’s a one stop destination for animal lovers across New Malden and beyond.  

Pets at Home’s impressive £25 million investment in estate interventions this year alone highlights its commitment to refurbishing, enhancing, and futureproofing its facilities. 

The New Malden Pet Care Centre is a key example of this strategy, forming part of the company’s ambitious expansion programme. By opening new Pet Care Centres, modernising existing ones, and collaborating with veterinary practice owners, Pets at Home continues to deliver outstanding pet care services to communities nationwide. 

To celebrate the new look Pet Care Centre, the Veterinary Practice Owner Michelle Akande and Store Manager, Bart Kemal, held a ribbon cutting ceremony and launch event on Friday (29th November). which continued into the weekend.  

This new look flagship Pet Care Centre boasts a host of new features and innovative spaces tailored to meet the evolving needs of pets and their families:  

• 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 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. 
• An expanded cat area which will feature premium and own brand products typically only available online.  
• The largest live Pet Zone in our estate, combining small animals, aquatics, and reptiles in an interactive space. It features a small animal village, a children’s workshop for feeding demonstrations and talks, and digital experiences like games and quizzes to promote responsible pet ownership. 
• A pet adoption centre and pet food bank donation point, in partnership with Blue Cross, to support local pets in the community.  
• A new community zone at the front of the store, featuring a designated recycling and charity donation area, along with a multifunctional 'Paws Point.' This space is designed for workshops, new pet advice, or simply relaxing and charging a phone while waiting for pets in the Pets Grooming Salon or Vet Practice. 
• Seven new tills to accommodate shopper’s needs – the most in any Pets at Home..  
• Digital and interactive screens to help educate customers with their pet choices. 

Additionally, the Pets Grooming Salon has expanded and now features six spacious grooming tables and three baths, meaning a 50% increase in capacity to accommodate the high demand in the area. The Pets Grooming Salon will also have a new check-in area, known as the Check Point, to allow groomers to give pets a thorough examination before commencing with the groom.

Store Manager, Bart Kemal at Pets at Home New Malden, said: “We’re incredibly excited to unveil the transformed Pet Care Centre right here in New Malden. This isn’t just a store – it’s a haven for pet lovers and their furry friends. With a fresh look and feel, an enhanced range of top-tier services, and a shopping experience like no other, we’ve created a space that truly celebrates the joy of pet ownership. What makes this transformation even more special is our incredible team, some of whom have been part of this journey for over 20 years! We can’t wait to welcome customers to explore, connect, and see how we’re raising the bar for pet care. Whether you’re here for your dog’s next adventure, your cat’s favourite treat, or expert advice for your small animals, we’ve got everything you need to keep tails wagging, whiskers twitching and hearts full!” 

The Companion Care veterinary practice in New Malden has now completed its rebrand to Vets for Pets and continues as a locally owned practice, run by Practice Owner Michelle Akande and her team of 24 highly skilled vets, advanced veterinary nurses and experienced client care advisors offering a range of veterinary services. The newly refurbished vet practice has almost doubled in size and now features: 

• Six spacious consultation rooms which will be fully air conditioned throughout for increased patient comfort (two more than previously). 
• Separate waiting areas and separate wards for cats, dogs, small animals and exotics.  
• Upgraded imaging suite, including a state-of-the-art digital x-ray machine as well as a new ultrasound machine and a new rigid endoscope to enable more in-depth procedures. 
• A second operating theatre for complex and routine procedures. 
• A brand new separate dental suite which will include new dental radiography.  
• A dedicated nurse consultation room to provide more nurse clinics including laser therapy. 
• A dedicated pharmacy featuring a convenient service window for quick and efficient access to pet prescriptions and healthcare products. 

Practice Owner, Michelle Akande at Vets for Pets New Malden, said: “We’re over the moon to announce the opening of our newly extended and refurbished veterinary practice in the new look Pet Care Centre; and can’t wait to continue the journey with our loyal clients and welcome new faces. Being part of this community means a lot to us, and we’re dedicated to supporting the pet owners of our local area. With our enhanced facilities and services, we’re dedicated to delivering top quality pet care every day.” 

The new look Pets at Home Pet Care Centre is open seven days a week and pet owners in New Malden can keep up to date with the latest news and offers via the website.  

New customers can sign up to Pets at Home’s free Pets Club for tailored offers, advice and news.

Gallery of pictures from the new Pet Care Centre below...

Hyper Pet has announced an extension of its innovative pet toy range, featuring durable and high-quality toys crafted using reinforced plush, EVA foam, ballistic material, and firehose fabrics, all designed to elevate playtime, wellness, and convenience for dogs and their owners. 

With an impressive portfolio of toys, Hyper Pet’s latest toy additions cater to dogs of all sizes, promoting play, whilst each product is created with pet wellness in mind, emphasising safety, longevity, and fun. The Hyper Pet range extension includes 9 new toys that dogs will love, with RRPs ranging from £6.99 to £24.99, ensuring there is something for every pet and every budget. 

The new range includes the Firehose Friends Frog, a vibrant bright-green toy crafted from durable firehose canvas with an internal squeaker for added excitement. The Grab Tabs Beaver, Duck and Soccer Ball are all crafted with durable nylon tabs for easier gripping whilst chasing, tugging, and retrieving. The Kettlebellz Gorilla is crafted with soft, ballistic material and a durable braided nylon rope, making it perfect for tugging, and an internal super squeaker. Finally, the FETCH₂O range features four Chewz Eva toys - a bone, stick, ball and bumpy ball - all created for water play.

These new innovative toys are available to the specialist pet trade exclusively through Pedigree Wholesale. Each product has been created with fun in mind while providing a diverse toy range and high profit margins for retailers. 

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

Lily’s Kitchen is donating £20,000 from the sale of their Christmas recipes to Dogs Trust and London Inner City Kitties (LICK).

A whopping 67% of pet parents admit their four-legged family bring them more joy than Christmas2, so what better way to spread the joy than an advent calendar made especially for your little one. Lily’s Kitchen launched the first ever pet advent calendar in 2014 so that the whole family could join in on the festive fun!   

Charlotte Henderson, Head of Marketing at Lily’s Kitchen, comments: “Christmas is a wonderful time to bring friends and family together and pet parents love to include their furry family in the festivities too. With nearly half of pet parents admitting to spending more time picking out a present for their beloved pet than family members, at Lily’s Kitchen, we know how to make our four-legged friends feel extra special. Let's countdown to the big day together! Our Christmas recipes are made using top quality natural ingredients for our mischief makers to enjoy over the festive season.”

Lily’s Kitchen Advent Calendar for Dogs, 100g – RRP £11.99

Your lucky woofer gets to enjoy a daily treat (or two) in the countdown to Christmas – a selection of three delicious meaty recipes made with top quality ingredients. Just remember, don’t give in to the puppy eyes, no matter how powerful. 

• Turkey Bites – tempting treats made with proper meat, offal and natural ingredients to a grain-free recipe3. Perfect for getting your woofer’s attention on wintry walks.  
• Chicken Bites – made with freshly prepared chicken with a sprinkling of quinoa and a little dash of ginger, these treats might even distract your dog from whatever festive nibbles you’re eating.  
• Chicken with Beef Training Bites – a recipe made up of freshly prepared chicken with beef with a touch of butternut squash and dusting of turmeric. Christmas just got tastier.

Lily’s Kitchen Christmas Advent Calendar for Cats, 42g – RRP £9.99 

These tempting treats might even get them up from their hourly cat nap! These delicious goodies include: 

• Festive Nibbles with Salmon – with a soft centre and crunchy shell, these treats are made with freshly prepared salmon and chicken liver. 
• Cracking Nibbles with Chicken – made with freshly prepared chicken, these are savoury snacks for twinkly eyed Christmas cats!  
• Festive Treats with Turkey – made with freshly prepared, along with a touch of sweet potato and cranberries. 

Lily’s Kitchen The Night Before Christmas Bedtime Biscuits for Dogs, 80g – RRP £3.50 Some may leave snacks out for Santa, but what about the pooch? Oven baked for that delectable crunch, these bedtime biscuits not only taste delicious, they’re packed with, natural ingredients, including a touch of festive cinnamon, chamomile and ginger, which may help your furry companion fall into a restful slumber in the run up to the big day.  

Lily’s Kitchen Festive Turkey Jerky Dog Treats, 70g – RRP £3.75 

Let your dog join in the annual festivities with our delicious Turkey Jerky made with proper meat and offal, for a proper treat. This tempting grain-free recipe is made with natural ingredients – so your furry family can enjoy them throughout the season.

Lily’s Kitchen Festive Treats with Turkey for Cats, 60g – RRP £3.00 

How to make the Head of your Household feel special during the Christmas chaos? These might just do the trick. The Lily’s Kitchen Festive Treats with Turkey are made with natural ingredients and, you guessed it, freshly prepared turkey, with a touch of sweet potato and cranberries. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, simply shake the packet and you might just find Santa Claws!  

Lily’s Kitchen Three Bird Feast with the Trimmings, 400g – RRP £3.70 

We have it on good authority that dogs count down to their Christmas feast every year. So, we’ve made something extra special… A spectacular Three Bird Feast with the trimmings. Freshly prepared turkey with duck and goose with a touch of festive parsnips and cranberries, of course. After all, our dogs are part of the family. They deserve to be served up a showstopping dinner at this time of year. 

Lily’s Kitchen Festive Turkey & Ham Paté Feast for Cats, 85g – RRP £1.35  

Your favourite feline(s) can now enjoy a Christmas Dinner of their very own. Our festive paté for cats is made with natural ingredients, freshly prepared turkey, succulent ham and a sprinkling of cranberries. A feast not only delicious, but made to a nutritionally complete, grain-free recipe, too.  

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Up and coming freeze dried pet food brand Dr Veneta has appointed a new Sales Manager to help fulfil its ambitious plans for growth in the new year.

Created by leading veterinary surgeon and nutritionist Dr Veneta Kozhuharova, who is Director of Associated Veterinary Services based in Rainham in Kent, the brand made its trade debut at PATS, receiving a huge amount of interest from retailers and wholesalers alike.

Jackie Waters, who lives in Calderbridge in the Lake District, joins Dr Veneta from a market leader in the veterinary pet food sector. Having worked in the pet food industry for over 10 years, Jackie trained in a variety of roles including pet nutrition which eventually led to her role as a key account manager to the veterinary sector with her previous company. As a proud owner of two rescue dogs, Jackie will be bringing her love of dogs and veterinary expertise to her new role.

As the new Sales Manager, Jackie will be talking to prospective new clients, will be handling the customer services for existing clients and will be looking to open doors for the Dr Veneta brand in the veterinary and holistic markets where there is a great deal of potential for the brand.

Jackie said,: “I am really excited to be starting this new role with Dr Veneta, To be promoting a new brand in a growing area of the dog food market is both challenging and rewarding. I am particularly looking forward to meeting new customers and spreading the freeze dried message amongst stockists and dog owners.”

Through Dr Veneta Kozhuharova’s work as a nutritionist as well as being a vet, and approving recipes for export to different countries, she became inspired to create her own range of dog food.  Dr Veneta Freeze-dried food is the latest phenomenon in the pet food market. It marries the convenience of a traditional kibble with the nutritional value of a raw diet. 

 The intricate freeze-drying process safeguards both the nutritional structure and shelf life of the products to create a far-reaching range that supports the ongoing health and wellbeing of your dogs whilst providing them with essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is also convenient and easy to use, highly digestible, grain free, is a complete meal, uses human-grade natural ingredients such as raw meat and vegetables and is high in protein. The food is suitable for all sizes and breeds of dogs from 6 months of age. The kibbles themselves also make excellent dog training treats.

Dr Veneta has created a food that does not just support the wellbeing of dogs, but also their microbiome which is responsible for so many physiological functions that happen in dogs’ bodies and where 84% of the all-important immune system resides. Each recipe has been designed to tackle ailments seen in an everyday veterinary practice – elderly dogs, anxiety, joint problems, poor digestion and skin irritations. In addition to herbs and superfoods, a “hero” ingredient, Nutritional Yeast which is fermented and gluten free and very palatable to dogs has been added to support and feed a dog’s microbiome. All meat proteins, vegetables and fruits are British and locally sourced supporting local communities.

The diet is also extremely good for maintaining a dog’s weight.

The food can be used as an alternative to the raw food diet, a complete meal, as a dog treat and as a topper making it the go to stable for any pet food store cupboard.

The potential of this range was rewarded at PATS with a number of excellent stockists placing orders to sell the range.

Dr Veneta is available in five varieties: STAY MOBILE (Chicken Swede & Blueberry) STAY CALM (Turkey, Pear & Apple) STAY SHINY (Turkey, Salmon, Carrot & Blueberry) STAY WELL (Chicken & Rabbit, Apple & Pumpkin) & STAY YOUNG (Pork, Pumpkin & Pear).

Dr Veneta made the finals of the PETQUIP Awards this year and her veterinary practice sponsored the PIF Awards.

For further information visit:  www.drveneta.com

For sales enquiries contact: Jackie Waters, email:sales@drveneta.com or telephone 07301 964497.

Purdy's Pet Shop in Coventry has set itself the goal of donating 250 pet food parcels to struggling families by Christmas.

The pet shop team put together a week’s supply of pet food given to them by customers willing to help.

The parcels are then sent to food banks to help struggling animal lovers.

Pet shop owner Rebecca Harrington said she wanted to do something to help struggling families.

The latest episode of Bira's 'High Street Matters' podcast takes a look into the psychology of shop theft, exploring why criminals target independent retailers and revealing the complex network behind what many wrongly dismiss as a victimless crime.

In this compelling episode, journalist Steve Dyson interviews Professor Emmeline Taylor, one of Britain's leading retail crime experts from City, St George's University of London, alongside Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, to understand the mindset behind retail crime.

Professor Taylor said: "We need to move beyond the term 'shoplifting' as it no longer represents the scale and severity of the crime we're seeing. We're dealing with three distinct groups: opportunists, drug-affected persistent offenders, and organised criminal gangs who've identified retail as a high-reward, low-risk target."

Professor Taylor reveals shocking insights into criminal motivations, including one ex-offender who needed to steal £1,500 worth of stock daily just to fund their addiction. "When you translate that figure across the country, the level of stock being stolen is shocking."

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre emphasises how criminal behaviour has evolved. He said: "What used to be concentrated in groceries, alcohol and cigarettes has expanded. Everything is now a target. These aren't opportunistic thieves – these are calculated criminals."

The human impact on independent retailers is devastating, as Mr Goodacre describes. He said: "For independent retailers, this isn't just about lost stock - it's their savings being stolen. The mental damage and stress are overwhelming our shopkeepers."

This thought-provoking episode provides crucial insights into criminal psychology and behaviour, highlighting the need for a coordinated response to what has become a national crisis.

The 'High Street Matters' podcast series, which is available on all major streaming platforms, continues to explore crucial subjects impacting independent retailers.

New episodes will be released throughout the year, covering various topics relevant to today's retail landscape.

Peter Laurie is stepping down as secretary of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH), bringing to a close over a decade of dedicated service.

Peter joined the organisation’s Management Committee in 2013 before becoming a member of the ADCH Board of Trustees in 2018. His commitment and contributions have been instrumental in shaping ADCH, and he leaves with the gratitude of all who have worked with him. 

Following a rigorous recruitment process, ADCH announced at its November open meeting that Mike Webb will take on the role of Honorary Secretary from January 2025. Currently the Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Battersea, Mike has been with the organisation for 11 years and is a familiar face within ADCH. He serves on the Legislative Committee and has regularly shared his expertise at ADCH members’ meetings, conferences, and webinars. 

Giles Webber, Chair of ADCH commented: “Peter’s contributions over the past eleven years have been nothing short of extraordinary, and we cannot thank him enough for his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering dedication. While Peter steps down from his formal role, we know he won’t be a stranger and look forward to his continued support in other ways. At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome Mike into this important role. His experience in governance and his deep commitment to animal welfare make him an excellent choice as we look to the future.” 

Mike brings a wealth of governance experience, having served as a Trustee in non-profit sector. His strong background, combined with his passion for animal welfare, ensures he is well-prepared to step into this vital position. 

Peter and Mike will now work closely on the handover, with the transition set to be completed by January 2025. 

A leading trade association has welcomed a major new report from the House of Lords that calls for empowered local leadership and simplified funding to help revive Britain's high streets.

The Built Environment Committee's report, "High Streets: Life beyond retail?", published today (November 28), sets out how high streets can be regenerated and become more resilient, emphasising that retail will remain vital but must be part of a broader mix including leisure, services and community spaces.

The committee found that local authorities often lack adequate resources and skills to support high streets, recommending investment in training town centre managers and highlighting the need for greater coordination between Government departments.

Commenting on the report, Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which represents 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, said: "This report has identified some of the key elements to a successful high street, whilst recognising that each place needs to find its identity and solution to create a vibrant high street.

"For some time Bira has been saying that retail is no longer the dominant feature of high streets, with consumers looking for more services and leisure opportunities. We also agree with the conclusion that high streets need diversity and adaptability, - characteristics often delivered by independent retailers and independent business in general.

"It is also good to see recognition of the need for good accessibility by investing in infrastructure where possible and highlighting the importance of good car parking.

"Finally, we absolutely support the idea of local business leaders and local communities being involved with future plans to regenerate a place. Funding can also then be devolved to a local level, supporting coherent plans. Independent retailer care about their high street and the their communities, and all too often their voice can be ignored," he added.

The report urges the Government to provide local authorities with more targeted support and calls for a radical simplification of the current funding landscape, which it describes as "patchy and uncoordinated." It also emphasises the importance of providing resource funding alongside capital investment to ensure sustainable regeneration.

Multi award-winning business Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding has been put on the market with an asking price of £1,999,950.

The luxury kennels in Pembrokeshire has picked up major honours at the PetQuip Awards, PIF Awards and Dog Friendly Awards in 2024.

But it’s understood that owners Dave and Sian Smith have now put the business on the market due to ill health.

According to the sales literature of agents Kings Business, Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding has “an impressive annual income in excess of £190,000 per year with opportunity for further growth.”

The agents describe it as “one of the country’s most premium kennel businesses, boasting 10.8 acres of premium south-facing land, luxury amenities and a 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom family home.”

The business has 10 luxury kennels in a sought-after location.

It has been an incredible year for Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding, which has been recognised with three presitigous awards.

At the PetQuip Awards, Dave and Sian picked up the gold award in the Business Service of the Year category. The judges described their operation as “the ultimate in dog boarding. Guests spend the minimal amount of time in their suite, instead enjoying day trips, training, stimulating interaction and play.  This company has turned dog boarding on its head by instead focusing on delivering the ultimate doggie holiday – they even send a postcard from your pooch!”

Earlier this month the couple claimed the Kennel of the Year honour at the PIF Awards – their second win in three years – scoring very highly on their customer satisfaction scores.

Then, just last week, the success continued at the Dog Friendly Awards where Millin Brook won the Kennel and Home Boarding category. 

For further information on the dale, contact Steve Croft at Kings Business on 01772 963835 (Reference 50674).

Nottingham-based Our Pets Life is set to ‘unlock its full potential’ after smashing its crowdfunding target of £125,010.

The company had raised £171,021 from 68 investors with still 18 days of its fundraising campaign to go.

Our Pets Life launched the crowdfunding on the Republic Europe website, which is said to be the world’s largest private investing platform.

Stating “we’re on a mission to revolutionise pet care in a £20bn market”, Our Pets Life listed as its business highlights:

• Generated £4m in sales since October 2018
• Annualised revenue of £1.3m + (September 2023-2024)
• 320,000+ direct customer orders
• Partnered with 22 B2B distributors in 23 countries

The company said: "We believe that this investment will help us unlock our company's full potential, reaching more consumers worldwide and driving increased shareholder value.”

Director Debbie White added: “I really believe this company has a lot of potential, and I’m confident we’re on the path to great success I’m thrilled to be a part of our exciting future.”

The crowdfunding page can be viewed by clicking here

Your can also read ‘Why are we crowdfunding?’ on Our Pets Life website by clicking here

A prolific shoplifter who entered Worcestershire to target pet shops has been handed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

David Powell, 41, of Maryland Drive, Birmingham, was given the CBO at Kidderminster Magistrates Court, banning him from the Just for Pets store chain nationally.

Powell is also barred from entering the county of Worcestershire unless attending court or travelling through in a vehicle.

His CBO runs until 18 November 2026.

Powell’s shoplifting spree saw him targeting stores in Evesham, Bromsgrove and Redditch.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Wychavon, Dave Wise, said: “Powell’s prolific shoplifting has led to this two-year CBO which we hope will protect retailers and the public from further criminality from this individual.

“Powell had been coming into Worcestershire to commit his crimes so we hope his ban from the county will reassure businesses and the community that we take such offences very seriously and will take appropriate action where necessary.

“Anyone who sees Powell in the county or committing a crime should report it to police as soon as possible.”

Following a record-breaking year and the most successful period in its 50-year history, Kennelpak has announced a series of strategic leadership changes that position the company for the next phase of growth.

Claire Bayliss, who has served as Chief Executive Officer for three and a half years, will assume the position of Executive Chair of the Board, with Nigel Wright, currently Commercial Director at Kennelpak, promoted to Managing Director, effective 1stJanuary 2025. Further strengthening the Kennelpak leadership team, Ian Dowell has been promoted to Sales & Marketing Director.

These changes follow a period of exceptional performance for Kennelpak, with its carefully curated portfolio of own and global brands, highlighted by the successful sale of the company’s retail business, Pets & Friends to PSR Trading Ltd in August and a record-breaking year for sales and profits. This announcement sets Kennelpak up for its next phase of growth, including a strategic relocation to new premises in the Nottinghamshire area next year.

Claire Bayliss joined Kennelpak in June 2021 bringing with her a stellar track record in board-level transformation roles from across the Endless LLP portfolio as well as extensive Plc experience.   Under her leadership, Kennelpak has gone from strength to strength and is positioned for continued growth, broadening its distributor portfolio and confirming its position as the UK’s leading provider of Himalayan dog chews with Yakers the jewel in its crown.

Claire Bayliss said: “Serving as CEO at Kennelpak over the past three and a half years has been an honour and a privilege.  Looking back, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together during such a transformative time for Kennelpak.

"The successful sale of Pets & Friends, coupled with our record-breaking sales and profits, is a true testament to the dedication, hard work, and talent of our exceptional team of colleagues and partners. My transition into the role of Executive Chair reflects both my deep commitment to our mission and our focus on achieving the ambitious strategic goals we've set for the future.

"This transition is part of our planned evolution to ensure Kennelpak is well positioned for its next 50 years. With Nigel at the helm as Managing Director, I am confident that we will execute on our plans and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers, partners, and investor, Endless LLP. Congratulations to Nigel and Ian on their well-deserved promotions and thank you to all of our colleagues who have supported me throughout this journey.”

Nigel Wright, who joined Kennelpak in 2022, brings a wealth of experience to the role of Managing Director, having a long and proven track record of delivering in commercial leadership roles predominantly in food manufacturing with organisations such as Arla Foods and Frank Roberts & Sons.

Nigel has been instrumental in driving key initiatives at Kennelpak and, in his new role as Managing Director, will focus on positioning the company for continued success.

Nigel Wright said: "I am delighted to step into the role of Managing Director and to continue building on the remarkable journey of growth and success under Claire’s exceptional leadership.  Kennelpak has a well-deserved reputation as the go-to distributor and wholesaler in the UK for quality specialist pet products. The team and I are committed to driving further growth and success for our customers, partners, colleagues and all of our stakeholders.”

 For more information about Kennelpak visit Kennelpak.co.uk

UK Pet Food has unveiled a new communications campaign, ‘Love Them Madly, Feed Them Wisely’, aimed at empowering pet owners to make well-informed choices about pet nutrition and to support vets and pet care professionals in their conversations with owners about nutrition.

The new initiative focuses on introducing more accessible, plain-speaking language into pet nutrition. It aims to remove the complexity around scientific terminology that can often be a barrier to people’s understanding of the best nutrition choices for their pets.

Designed to solidify UK Pet Food’s role as a trusted source in pet nutrition, the campaign introduces a suite of valuable resources, including an updated website, comprehensive factsheets and bespoke training materials for vets and professionals working across the pet food industry.

“Pets are family, and one of the best ways to show our love is by providing them with the right care and nutrition. Getting their diet right from the start helps set them up for long, healthy lives,” says Nicole Paley, Deputy CEO of UK Pet Food.

“Recent research highlights* that while 70% of pet owners believe commercially prepared pet food is superior to a homemade diet, 62% admit they don’t read or fully understand feeding guidelines. Additionally, 70% don’t understand what by-products are, with 22% finding the term ‘off-putting.’ Our new ‘Love Them Madly, Feed Them Wisely’ campaign seeks to close these knowledge gaps by providing clear, accessible information that builds confidence in pet food choices.”

Factsheets are available on a wide range of topics, including new guides, such as ‘The Benefits of Prepared Pet Food,’ ‘Understanding Pet Food Labelling,’ and ‘Understanding Feeding Guidelines.’

UK Pet Food has also updated key factsheets on topics like ‘Additives in Pet Food’ and ‘Explaining Animal By-Products,’ making it easier than ever for owners and those in the pet industry to find reliable, impartial information.

In the coming months, UK Pet Food will actively promote the campaign across social media as well as engaging directly with vets and the wider pet industry itself as well as through its network of over 100 members.

The campaign materials include 15 vet-led videos and engaging digital animations, created to help simplify complex nutrition topics.

UK Pet Food has worked with Cat Henstridge, also known as Cat the Vet, on the videos, which will be hosted on UK Pet Food’s website and Cat’s social media channels. Cat uses her expertise to help make essential topics like labelling, derivatives, and by-products more accessible and understandable for everyone in the free-to-access videos, which are 1-2 mins long. 

Get involved with the ‘Love Them Madly, Feed Them Wisely’ Campaign:

• Access free resources on pet food nutrition
• Follow the campaign! 

*Ref: A Kantar / Soulor Consulting online survey with a subgroup of 2558 households asked about pet ownership and feeding habits, March 2024.