Pet product retail website MedicAnimal, Pet Supermarket and Petmeds have gone back on-line following speculation about their future. It had been reported last week that Kokoba had filed a notice of intention to appoint and administrator.
Customers had bombarded on-line forums like Moneysupermarket.com with complaints about the non-arrival of products, and concerns grew when the website were suspended and telephone calls went unanswered.
Disgruntled customers have since had the following statement from the retailers:
"Please accept our sincere apologies that we have not been able to communicate with you sooner. Our Company has undergone a change in ownership, during which time we were unfortunately asked to cease trading temporarily and were legally bound not to communicate with anyone. It has been hugely frustrating for us to not be allowed to communicate with our customers during this time and it has also been disappointing to see some opportunistic competitors exploit the situation for their own benefit and some media speculate on the events.
"We sincerely apologise that during this time there has been a delay with processing your order, especially because we know the products we sell are so necessary and important to your pets. We were unable to take delivery of product while undergoing this process which in turn made it impossible to fulfil your order in a timely manner.
"We apologise that during this time there has been a delay with processing your order. We would like to advise you that your order will be shipped or part-shipped by Monday, with any outstanding items being cancelled and refunded within the next seven days.
"As an apology for the inconvenience we have caused you we are also offering you a 20% discount on your next order.
"Our website will be back online shortly but we first wanted to address you directly as soon as we were able to finally communicate on the situation."
Pet Trade Xtra tried to contact Kokoba but no comment from the company has been forthcoming. It's understood that law firm Taylor Wessing has been representing the business although they also failed to return our calls.
MedicAnimal was founded in 2007 by former-Goldman Sachs broker Retzignac and vet Andrew Bucher and has expanded by acquiring competitors including Pet Supermarket and Petmeds.
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BH Pet Gear, maker of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Calming Coat, has announced a sole distribution agreement with AmPet Products in the UK.
Alex Wilson, Sales and Marketing Director of AmPet, said: “We are delighted to sign an agreement with BH Pet Gear and distribute the AKC Calming Coat collection throughout the UK.
"There’s a real need for products that help pets with stress related issues, and the Calming Coat has had much success in doing just that in a simple and safe way.”
The AKC Calming Coat uses a gentle, hugging technique that could be comparable to cradling a baby. That pressure allows a pet’s nervous system to be relaxed without discomfort.
A product that is completely safe, drug-free and comfortable, the AKC Calming Coat is a great way to ensure a pet is secure, happy and anxiety-free.
Many dog trainers, vets and Tellington TTouchpractitioners recommend anxiety shirts for dogs as they are known to be the most effective solution for stressed dogs.
“Over 23 million dogs are suffering from anxiety or fear issues in the US alone,” said Matthew Dweck, Founder of BH Pet Gear and current president.
“BH Pet Gear is honoured to partner with a passionate company like AmPet Products. This is great opportunity for us and we’re ready to bring a positive and effective solution to stressed pets in the UK."
BH Pet Gear specialises in the design development and manufacturing of quality pet products and accessories. The range includes: dog apparel, dog beds, collars and leads, harnesses, bowls and toys.
For more information visit ampetproducts.com, bhpetgear.com and calming-coat.com
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Green light for pet nutrition from Tribal at PATS Telford
London-based Tribal Pet Foods is celebrating its first anniversary at PATS Telford on September 27-28. Setting a new precedent with its labelling, which ensures the utmost transparency and clear nutritional information, Tribal has gone from strength to strength and has its sights set on continuing its PATS success...
 London-based Tribal Pet Foods is celebrating its first anniversary at PATS Telford on September 27-28.
In its first year Tribal’s ‘three-woman’ team has fused its ‘girl-power’ to buck trends. Setting a new precedent with its labelling, which ensures the utmost transparency and clear nutritional information, Tribal has gone from strength to strength and has its sights set on continuing its PATS success.
Tribal is the first pet food company to embrace the new European standards in labelling introduced in December 2014. Promoting healthier eating and lifestyles for people, Tribal has adopted a similar transparent ‘Traffic Light’ labelling. By incorporating the colour-coded warning system on their packaging, which outlines the fat and fibre content of the food as well as the calories, Tribal allows owners to make an informed decision for their dog’s lifestyle, age, and activity levels.
Tribal’s Director, Fatima Maktari explained: “We’re a nation of animal lovers, and we’re encouraged to read labels, to make the best choices for our pets. With an expanding network of over 350 stockists and distributors nationwide, Tribal is proving to be a successful addition in-store by fulfilling consumer demand.”
Nicki Hamilton, Sales Director from Pedigree Wholesale enthused: Consumers like Tribal’s super clear ‘traffic light’ labelling. It appeals to discerning dog owners, seeking to make an informed choice for their individual dog. We’re regularly replenishing our stock to cater for the demand.”
Fatima added: “We’re aiming to expand our range based on clear principles to enable owners to treat their pets with a clear conscience. We’re also committed to help counter the growing pet obesity problem in the UK, by making the range accessible.”
Tribal treats are baked at low temperatures to ensure the natural moisture content and mouth-watering goodness of ethically sourced nutritious ingredients are simply sealed in. Choose from Tribal’s ‘Natural Health’, ‘Natural Care’ and ‘Natural Support’ range.
All seven flavours in Tribal’s treat range are available from Pedigree Wholesale, Vital Pet Products and Trust Pet Products for an RRP of £2.99.
Visit Tribal at PATS on stand no: H1 or find out more: www.tribalpetfoods.co.uk
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Horse shows a galloping success for Harringtons
It was another weekend of sunshine and smiles at the Festival of British Eventing in Gatcombe, part of a tour of the leading horse shows this year by Harringtons with record numbers visiting the stand, which won an award in the ‘Best Small Stand’ category, presented by The Queen’s grandson, Peter Phillips...
It was another weekend of sunshine and smiles at the Festival of British Eventing in Gatcombe, part of a tour of the leading horse shows this year by Harringtons with record numbers visiting the stand, which won an award in the ‘Best Small Stand’ category, presented by The Queen’s grandson, Peter Phillips.
Taking Harringtons’ Yorkshire roots on tour to places like Bramham and Hickstead with a new branded trailer, the response from both two-legged and four-legged visitors to the stand has been particularly rewarding as more and more people say they’ve switched to feed their pets on Harringtons. David Nash, who heads up the shows for Harringtons, says: “Horse shows, events and trials are a perfect match for Harringtons; outdoors, countryside and animal lovers who just want the best for their pets. “It’s just been so busy which is great. Of course the weather has helped, we’ve been lucky on that front, but the shows have had strong numbers visiting and with our new trailer we are able to show our full range of dog, cat, small animal food as well as treats." The roadshow continues with Harringtons attending the Cheshire Game and Country Fair over the August bank holiday.
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What started as a tongue-in-cheek complaint about the cleanliness of a pet shop has gone viral with tens of thousands of people joining in the debate.
Carol Hobbs wrote a letter to Pets at Home on Facebook after returning from a visit to the Workington store with her husband Chris and four-year-old springer spaniel Jasmine.
She said the shop was “too clean” so Jasmine was unable to pick up left over biscuits from the floor, resulting in a very unhappy pooch.
But the post, ‘written’ by Jasmine, now has more than 20,000 people liking it and thousands of others commenting. It has been shared all over the world and Carol, who lives at Crosby Villa, is getting hundreds of friend requests on a daily basis.
Carol, who works for Cumbria Highways, said: “It all started as a joke after we had been to our local Pets at Home store. I did my usual wandering around buying the things we needed while my husband Chris walked Jasmine to the dog food area so she could do her favourite thing – act like a police dog and search the store, not for drugs or devices, but something more interesting, biscuits.”
But within minutes Chris and Jasmine had returned to Carol, as Jasmine was unhappy because there wasn’t any biscuits left to find. “When we got home we thought it would be funny to write the letter as it would have been written by Jasmine – from a dogs point of view,” said Carol.
“We sat having fun thinking of what she would say and what her reasons for the complaint would be, and it just grew into a funny complaint.”
In Jasmine’s “complaint” she says she considered herself an “honorary employee” who worked really hard to clean up all of the loose biscuits in the store.
“To my dismay today there were no biscuits laying in between the food bags or on the floor next to the self serve treat area ...
“After checking and then rechecking the store and discovering there were no biscuits I had to resign myself to the fact your store was very clean which I was not impressed with,” she wrote.
And because the visit was cut short it resulted in Jasmine not receiving as many treats and toys.
But Pets at Home have now resolved that issue by sending gift vouchers to spend in store, as well as a “letter of apology” to Jasmine.
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The new Orbiloc Dog Dual Safety Light, which keeps owners and their dogs visible in the dark, will be shown at PATS Telford in September.
It has got at new user friendly design with the same unique specifications. It is made in Denmark, visible from a distance of five kilometres, waterproof to a depth of 100 meters and can withstand a load of 100 kg.
The makers trust in the product's durability that they have given it a three-year warranty. The light comes in five colorways and the RRP is £21. See the new Orbiloc Dog Dual at stand B52 at PATS and get a free sample. More info on www.orbiloc.com
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Hundreds of rabbits have been abandoned by owners bored with looking after them, according to the Scottish SPCA.
The animal welfare charity rescued 728 rabbits in 2014 and has already taken 550 into care this year.
The Scottish SPCA, which is holding its annual rabbit awareness week, said it was concerned hundreds more were living lonely lives in small hutches.
It said they are intelligent, social animals, requiring lots of care and interaction from their owners.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: "One of the most common excuses we hear is that the children in the family, who asked for the rabbit in the first place, have become fed up now that the novelty of the new pet has worn off.
"Another reason is that the owner simply doesn't have the time to look after their rabbit.
"One of the biggest issues is rabbits being left in a hutch with no interaction other than a brief visit from their owner to bring food and water."
He added: "These poor rabbits are literally suffering in silence, living a miserable and lonely life."
The Scottish SPCA hopes to rehome many of the rabbits it has taken in.
Last year, an animal welfare scientist said the pets needed better legal protection against neglect.
James Oxley said that unlike some EU countries, the UK does not have legal requirements on the size of hutches, or that rabbits be kept in pairs.
Writing in the World Rabbit Science Association's journal, he said rules in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 were "non-specific".
He has also suggested a review of how existing law impacts on rabbits.
Scottish organisation Rabbits Require Rights has also been calling for greater legal protection for the pets.
It said rabbits were the UK's third most popular pet, but were the most neglected.
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Cat and dog owners have been warned to stay alert this summer after reports of a ‘population explosion’ of venomous snakes.
This year has been the highest on record for sightings of adders, Britain’s only native venomous snake, which have been known to attack pets.
The warning comes after several incidents where dogs were bitten – including one, last month, where a dog died after approaching a snake.
Dog walker Anna Crampton, who regularly spots the four-foot-long reptiles while out on forest walks in East Sussex, is urging everyone to be cautious.
She said: “Take care of your pets folks, it’s the worst year on record.”
Dog-lover Nikki Blight, 48, was devastated to find out snakes had badly injured her terrier Alfie – and killed her other pooch Roxy.
She said: “We had to put Roxy to sleep as her body couldn’t cope with the venom.
"I can’t believe it. Roxy has been in my life for ten years – I can’t believe she’s gone.
"The snake also bit Alfie on his cheek and the venom destroyed his skin – he was seeping blood from his face.”
She added: “I think it’s important for everyone to be aware of, for other dog-owners and people with young children who walk in the woods.”
While humans are likely to dodge snakes – and, as a result, avoid being bitten – curious dogs may approach them, often with devastating consequences.
According to the Forestry Commission: “Adders have the most highly developed venom injecting mechanism of all snakes.
"Adders will only use their venom as a last means of defence, usually if caught or trodden on.”
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Ceva hosts firework webinars
Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of Adaptil and Feliway, is hosting a live webinar series on firework fears and sound sensitivities to help retailers offer advice to customers on preparing their pets for the firework season...
 Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of Adaptil and Feliway, is hosting a live webinar series on firework fears and sound sensitivities to help retailers offer advice to customers on preparing their pets for the firework season.
Entitled ‘How to advise pet owners this firework season with Adaptil and Feliway’ the free webinars will offer SQPs the opportunity to learn more about advice they should be giving customers in the run up to the firework season. This will include the signs and impact of firework fears in cats and dogs, the preparations that pet owners should put in place to prepare their home environment for the fireworks and the correct use of pheromone support with Adaptil and Feliway.
The one-hour online seminars are presented by Emma Wright BSc(Hons) E-SQP, retail trainer and SQP advisor at Ceva Animal Health, and take place at 7.00pm on Wednesday 23 September, 1.00pm on Wednesday 7 October and 7.00pm on Wednesday 21 October. Each webinar will be followed by a question and answer session and accounts for three accredited AMTRA CPD points. To register your interest in a webinar email sqp-group@ceva.com and Ceva will send you a form to complete to register with your SQP number.
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Dogs Dogs Dogs, the leading importer and distributor of luxury dog brands from around the world, has launched a new website dogsdogsdogs.uk.com
The company will be appearing at PATS Telford next month and one of the many new products it will be showcasing is the ZippyPaws Splasherz - the squeaky toy that floats.
It is made with two layers of water-repelling fabric that makes the toy float. The outside layer is durable 600D polyester fabric and the inside layer is water-repellent polyester fabric that is used to make life jackets.
Dogs Dogs Dogs, will be offering 10% discount for orders placed at PATS Telford (minimum order £150).
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Antos are continuing to revamp their vegetable based Cerea range with a new small Veggie Ear.
This item will complement the new Toothbrushes, Eurostar, Flat Strips and Rice Bones.
All are gluten free, low in fat and ideal for helping to maintain good dental care. Antos is launching their ever popular Gourmet Sausages in a prepack range. Coming in 200g resealable pouches, these tasty little treats are available in three delicious flavours: Roast Beef and Garlic, Smokin’ Chicken and Liver.
Antos will be exhibiting at PATS Telford next month.
Special Baggee deal on offer at PATS Telford
Baggee is offering a special deal of one free display unit of Mr. Men branded biodegradable poop bags (6 packs) for every £100 order of Mr. Men bag dispensers placed at PATS Telford.
Baggee is offering a special deal of one free display unit of Mr. Men branded biodegradable poop bags (6 packs) for every £100 order of Mr. Men bag dispensers placed at PATS Telford.
These funky come in colourful displays of 12 units and include Mr Bump, Noisy and Happy and Little Miss Naughty.
Tetra launches Aquatics App to revolutionise water testing
Tetr has launched a free Tetra Digital Water Test app, enabling consumers to monitor water quality. The innovative app promises to make the process as easy and precise as possible for fishkeepers by analysing water conditions and recommending appropriate solutions...
 Many consumers neglect to test their aquarium water, either because they find it too daunting or because they are unaware of the need to do so.
However, good water quality is crucial; it is the key to fishkeeping success and if water parameters are correct, then the fishkeeping experience will be simple and enjoyable.
Aquatic leaders, Tetra, have responded by lauching the FREE Tetra Digital Water Test app, enabling consumers to monitor water quality. The innovative app promises to make the process as easy and precise as possible for fishkeepers by analysing water conditions and recommending appropriate solutions.The Tetra Digital Water Test helps to analyse the most important water parameters in an aquarium, which include total hardness (GH), carbonate hardness (KH), pH, nitrite, nitrate and chlorine. For an uncomplicated and accurate reading of these water values, the consumer simply needs to use Tetra’s 6in1 test strips, and carry out the measurement according to the type of test and as described in the app. The need to compare tests with a colour chart is eradicated, which can often be difficult to read and analyse. Additional parameters – namely, ammonia, phosphate, iron and oxygen – can be measured using liquid tests. Once testing has been completed, the app will provide extensive test results, background information and suggest a course of action and an appropriate product, helping the fishkeeper to keep their aquarium in the best condition possible. Although regular tests (done without the use of the app) help to identify the problem, they don’t then go onto provide a recommendation on next steps, which can cause confusion and frustration for a new fishkeeper. Céline Rignault, Trade Marketing Manager at Tetra comments: “At Tetra, we are dedicated to the success of the fishkeeping hobby and as such, we aim to make the journey as simple and enjoyable as we possibly can for all fish keepers. We know the importance of water testing and how bad experiences can be off-putting, hence our latest aquatic innovation. As well as the practical benefits for the user, the app also promotes customer conversations with a more technology focussed and digital-savvy audience and can boost sales of the recommended care products”. The app provides users with future reminders to ensure the aquarium inhabitants are kept in a sustainably good enviromnent, and previous results can be saved to provide a record of previous tests and to enable comparisons. To make things as easy as possible for consumers, there is a ‘how-to’ video to guide them through exactly how to conduct their water testing and analysis. This can be found on the app, and also via the Tetra website. The app provides guidance and help in all areas of fishkeeping with a detailed FAQ and tips section, as well as an integrated retailer search, supporting aquatics stores around the UK by driving footfall.
To promote further sales, over August and September Tetra will be offering 2 free 6in1 test strips and a leaflet about the app with every purchase of TetraMin 250ml and AquaSafe 250ml.
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