Paramount Retail Group (PRG), the owners of Pet Brands and Vital Pet Group, has today announced the acquisition of four major online retailers – Fetch, Medic Animal, Pet Supermarket and Pet Meds alongside two petfood brands; Bob & Lush and K9 Choice from Paws Group. With a combined turnover of over £50m in 2021 alone, the retailers and brands will join a strong stable of pet and lifestyle companies already owned by PRG. 

With over 250,000 regular subscribers, Fetch, Medic Animal, Pet Supermarket and Pet Meds are already well-established online retailers with strong brand heritage and a loyal customer base. The deal will ensure that customers continue to receive their orders in a timely fashion with the benefit of the group’s unique distribution infrastructure and existing networks. 

Ravi Sharma, Director at Paramount Retail Group, comments: “PRG are delighted to have completed the acquisition of these fantastic online retailers and brands from Paws Group. We believe to succeed in the current environment, expertise, scale, and strong partnerships are essential.”

“This is a very natural move for the company because of our existing resources and capabilities within the pet sector. The acquisitions will not only complement our portfolio of existing pet brands, but it will also allow us to scale and drive synergies for the group’s ambitious growth plans.”  

The latest move positions PRG as a major player within the pet industry – a sector that is increasingly attractive because of its relatively recession-proof reputation, humanisation and premiumisation which drives pet product purchases.

PRG owns several core pet sector companies, creating a vertically integrated business model with significant synergies. The portfolio includes Pet Brands – an industry leader in the design and manufacture of accessories and treats for pets and wild birds and leading pet product wholesaler - Vital Pet Group.

About Paramount Retail Group

Paramount Retail Group is owned by the Sharma family and owns several diverse companies, including Pet Brands, Vital Pet Group, Dibor and Bristows of Devon. It employs over 350 people across sites in the Midlands and South-west.

The Paramount portfolio includes a majority stake in Pet Brands – an industry leader in the design and manufacture of accessories and treats for pets and wild birds. As well as producing its own brands and licensed  brands, Pet Brands exports to 58 countries around the world. The company has long-standing partnerships with major retailers and is responsible for producing bespoke and innovative own-label ranges. 

In 2017, Paramount expanded after acquiring a majority stake in leading pet product wholesaler Vital Pet Group, adding to its capabilities in operations and logistics, as well as growing partnerships with a wider network of customers and suppliers that extends throughout the industry.

Further acquisitions of two confectionery companies in 2018 added to the company’s stable of British brands and expertise in export. Over the same period, Paramount’s lifestyle brand and online retailer Dibor has grown incrementally. 

About Fetch, Medic Animal & Pet Supermarket

Fetch was acquired by PAWs Holdings in January 2021, joining Pet-Supermarket.co.uk and PetMeds.co.uk in the UK and Medicanimal.com in Continental Europe with the view creating the number one dog and cat wellbeing business. The Group has over half a million customers and turnover in excess of £50 million. As well as retailing several pet products, the PAWs website offers virtual vet consultations and pet insurance. 

National pet retail chain Jollyes opened its first pet superstore in Cambridgeshire on Maskew Avenue, Peterborough.

The store – Jollyes’ 85th in the UK – is the first to open in 2023 as it accelerates its opening programme.  Its next opening will be at Port Glasgow, Inverclyde at the end of February.

The opening of the new store saw the first-ever Pet Proms with Peterborough-based Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues and her cockerpoo Scamp performing light opera

Gabriella opened the store with deputy mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Nick Sandford and Deputy Mayoress Alderman Bella Saltmarsh alongside Jollyes’ CEO Joe Wykes.

Mandy Adams, Lyndsey Fearnns and Tracy Shippam with the stilt walkers at the official opening of Jollyes pet store in Peterborough.

Store staff at the official opening of Jollyes pet store in Peterborough. 

More pictures taken by Professional Images/@ProfImages below:

A pet shop has raised a GoFundMe appeal as it struggles to stay in business.

The Reptile Shed in Hamsey Green, Croydon, has appealed for financial help to save the shop from closing.

Owner Tim Ashton says on the GoFundMe page: “We are in severe financial difficulty and we are running out of options to stay here and house our amazing, rescued reptiles. 

“If they lose their home they will have to be rehomed again. Some of our rescues have suffered awful abuse and have found a loving, caring home with us. We also can not engage and work with so many amazing groups, customers of all ages, special needs children and adults and our volunteers if we are not here. We need your help to stay open.

“The Reptile Shed started at home where I started to rescue unwanted reptiles. As my collection of rescues grew, I moved them to our premises in Hamsey Green and they live in lovely, large enclosures and they are cared for with love by myself, our amazing volunteers, youth club members and SEN youth club members. I don't want to see this end, so I need to ask for help.

“I saw another Croydon business use Go Fund Me to help save their business and I am hoping that similar kind people can help us.”

Tim added that he needed funds to help pay for rent, electricity, equipment, supplies and food.

A week after launching, the appeal had raised £645 of the £7,000 target.

The shop’s GoFundMe page can be found here https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-the-reptile-shed-hamsey-green

Fluffy, a pet care app helping owners to raise healthy and happy pets through training, vet care and insurance, has secured $450k in its pre-seed funding round.

The round was led by QVentures and Techstars, and included participation from several further high-profile Angel investors. This funding will be used by Fluffy to build its team, including hiring key personnel in product development, marketing, and customer service.

Founded to provide a more affordable and less stressful approach to petcare, Fluffy’s membership plans offer dog training from world-leading experts, 24/7 chats with vets and comprehensive insurance coverage for a wide range of medical expenses, including unexpected illnesses and injuries, as well as routine care. The company currently has a community of over 20,000-strong pet parents that continues to grow. 

"We're thrilled to be able to bring our vision of more accessible and comprehensive pet care to life," said Pavel Gertsberg (pictured right), CEO of Fluffy. "Our goal is to give pet owners peace of mind by taking the financial burden off their shoulders in case of any medical emergency their beloved pets may have, while also supporting them with their day-to-day pet parent responsibilities. We believe this funding round will help us achieve that goal, and we’re excited to continue growing our product."

Fluffy took part in Techstars London’s accelerator programme where it was guided with one-to-one mentorship from multiple former startup founders, assigned dedicated growth coaches and had access to capital to grow and scale. 

Harveer Bharaj, Principal at QVentures, said: “Fluffy is aiming to redefine how pet care works, ensuring that not only do the customers save money but that they also become better pet parents in the process. Since meeting Pavel and German, we've been impressed by the rate at which they've progressed Fluffy, and having now led their pre-seed round are even more excited to see what the future holds!”

Saalim Chowdhury, MD at Techstars London, said: “Watching our alumni achieve great things post-programme is always a proud feeling. The funding that Fluffy has secured will allow them to access the next step, and bring pet care to the attention of many pet owners around the UK. Under the guidance of Pavel and German, and as a valued member of Techstars’ 2022 cohort, I am incredibly excited to see the progress of Fluffy in the future, especially with the launch of their fair pet insurance launch in February.”

The pre-seed funding comes ahead of Fluffy’s fair pet insurance launch in February, which will be backed by one of the world’s largest insurers. However, pet parents can already join the app and get help with training and vet advice by downloading the app from Apple and Google Play Stores.

Pets at Home, the UK’s biggest pet retail group, has seen group revenue increase by 8.8% to £347.5m in its third-quarter report, with latest financial figures showing record Christmas sales.

Retail revenue increased 8%, or 7.6% on a like-for-like basis, including a record trading day of over £8m on 23 December and growth in all categories. It was helped by an average of over 23,000 new members per week signing up for its Puppy & Kitten Club and owners treating their beloved pets at Christmas.

Meanwhile, the vet business increased revenue by 18%, with sales in general practices recently passing £10m in a single week for the first time. It now has a client base of more than 1.7 million, with new registrations averaging 8,000 per week in the quarter.

This strong performance has led management to increase full-year profit guidance to the upper end of the current market range of £126m-£136m, ahead of previous guidance of £131m.

Lyssa McGowan, CEO, said: “We delivered a really pleasing Q3 with acceleration in sales momentum across the platform. Importantly, the quality of our growth remains strong as we continue to grow volumes and attract new customers through offering compelling value and service, in what remains a challenging inflationary environment.

“Creating a better world for pets and the people that love them lies at the heart of our strategy, and I am proud that alongside delivering for our customers, we also raised an incredible £2.1m for charities through our annual Christmas fundraiser, Santa Paws.”

Key figures in the financial statement:

• Group revenue increased 8.8% to £347.5m, with growth ahead of medium term ambition
• Consumer revenues up 30% vs pre-pandemic underpinned by record number of consumers and pleasing volume growth
• Retail revenue increased 8% and included a record trading day of over £8m
• The Vet Group saw revenue increase by 18.1% - with general practices breaking the £10m weekly sales barrier for the first time
• Puppy and Kitten Clubs sign ups continued at pace, averaging over 23,000 per week, three-fold higher than pre-pandemic
• New client registrations across Vet Group general practices remained strong, averaging 8,000 per week, growing the active client base to 1.7m
• Expect FY23 Group underlying PBT towards the upper end of the current consensus range of £126m - £136m, ahead of previous guidance of c.£131m

Four out of five dogs have some form of dental disease by the time they are three years old, but only 2% of pet owners actually brush their pet’s teeth.

Luckily, WHIMZEES by Wellness all-natural daily dental treats makes dental care easy! Dogs can’t count, we know. But you can. And it really is that easy to keep your dog’s teeth healthy.

MAKE THE FUN AND SMILES LAST

Thanks to the increased dietary fibre, WHIMZEES by Wellness treats have a firmer structure. This firmer texture promotes a longer chew time for increased cleaning time as well as naturally helping to polish your dog’s teeth while chewing. WHIMZEES by Wellness are proven to last 3x longer than the leading competitors: 3X longer chew time = 3 X more fun = 3X bigger smiles!

CHOOSE THE BEST PERFORMING DENTAL CHEW

Whilst the gold standard is always brushing your dog’s teeth, WHIMZEES by Wellness are scientifically proven to help reduce plaque, reduce tartar, freshen breath, and help gum health.  On top of that, WHIMZEES by Wellness are proven to be reducing 2x more plaque than the leading competitor.

MAKE IT A DAILY ROUTINE

Implementing a daily dental preventative routine can result in veterinary bills being eliminated or greatly reduced. Plaque can accumulate in as little as 24 hours so just like us it is important to support your dog’s teeth with a dental chew every day to keep their teeth healthy. Thanks to its 100% natural ingredients, WHIMZEES by Wellness are perfect for daily use: they are vegetarian, hypoallergenic & low in fat and calories.

Don’t forget to choose the right size! 

Available in four different fun shapes – Toothbrush, Hedgehog, Alligator & Stix. 

WHIMZEES by Wellness Puppy Chews are also available for puppies aged over 3 months. Did you know that Waiting until a puppy is 6 months to brush their teeth is like waiting until a child is almost 8 years old?!

WHIMZEES by Wellness were voted Must Stock Product of the Year 2022 by retailers and Pet Parents also voted WHIMZEES by Wellness as being the Pet Oral Healthcare Product of the Year 2022, in the Daily Mail newspaper supplement – Healthy Pet Guide. 

As a brand committed to innovation and dental health superiority, the WHIMZEES by Wellness Toothbrush has achieved VOHC Acceptance for Tartar and Plaque Reduction in Dogs.

If you don't stock WHIMZEES by Wellness, there are FREE samples available. FREE instore POS and digital content for websites and social media are available for all. Email info@kennelpak.co.uk for more information.

Brits have become a nation of overweight pet owners, with more than one in three pet owners (36%) admitting their dog is overweight, according to a new study. 

Research by Burns Pet Nutrition found that 28% of owners admit to feeding their pooch leftovers such as bacon, chicken, chips and even pizza. One in five (17%) regularly feed their pet from the table, while more than half (52%) never bother to measure the amount of food they give them.

And nearly a quarter (22%) of all owners say they spoil their animals, leading to Britain becoming a nation of porky poodles, chubby Chihuahuas, waddling wolfhounds and pudgy Pekes.

Leading veterinary surgeon and founder of Burns Pet Nutrition John Burns (above) warned: “Obesity is one of the biggest killers in dogs. Owners may think they are being kind by spoiling their pets but in reality, they could be killing them with kindness.

Mr Burns added: “It is vital we do all we can to make dog owners aware of the right type and amount of food to feed their pet and the importance of regular exercise.”

The research, ahead of January being weight loss awareness month, also found that almost one in five owners say they leave food down for their dog all the time so they can help themselves to it. 

Mr Burns has revealed the healthiest weight for dogs for the most popular UK breeds, outlined below, including Labradors, Cockapoos, Poodles, Staffies and Jack Russell’s. Obviously, this varies for males and females.

• Labradors – 25kg - 36kg
• Cockapoos – 5.4kg - 11.3kg
• Poodles – 18kg – 31.7
• Staffies – 10.9kg - 17.2kg
• Jack Russell’s – 5kg - 12kg

This comes as new research from Burns Pet Nutrition reveals that 1 in 2 (52%) pet owners don't always weigh out the correct amount of food for their dog, and 28% admitted to feeding their dog leftovers such as bacon, chicken, chips and even pizza!   

No wonder dogs are putting on weight with 22% say they spoil their pooch and often feed them from the table. And rather surprisingly, almost one in five (17%) say they leave food down for their dog all the time so they can help themselves to it.

Obesity in pets is one of the biggest killers, and with January being weight loss awareness month, John Burns, founder of leading healthy pet food company Burns Pet Nutrition, is keen to raise awareness around pets health, diets and how to ensure dogs are eating healthy. 

Burns has also put together a list of tips for people on how to help your dog lose weight:

How to help your dog lose weight

Exercise your dog regularly

With so many time constraints we know there aren’t always the hours in the day to fit in several dog walks, but depending on the breed, your dog often needs them. Even if it means you have to drop one of the things from your to-do list, it is your responsibility to take the dog out and get it moving. If your dog is very overweight, this might start with slow and steady steps.

Be mindful of portion sizes

It is so easy to simply pour the dog food into the bowl and let your hungry pup go for it. Though, often when owners do this, they have little idea how much food their dog actually needs which can lead to dogs easily becoming overweight. So, next time before you fill the bowl, work out exactly what your dog needs.

Give treats when they are warranted

When your dog gives you those puppy eyes, we know it’s so hard to refrain from giving them a treat, or, if they have already had a few, another can’t hurt, right?

Despite what our hearts and their eyes tell us, our dogs don’t need more treats. They will still love you even if you only give them one treat and it is well-earned. Cut back their food to account for any treats given and vegetables are also great to give as a healthy alternative.

Regularly weigh your dog

Monitoring your pet’s weight over time is very important and helps you to spot weight gain so that you can make any necessary changes before it goes too far.  

You can often weigh your pet in the waiting room of the veterinary practice or in some pet shops and groomers.

https://burnspet.co.uk/

There is a national shortage of dog groomers, and experts are looking for dog lovers in Kent to help plug the skills gap.

Thanks to the pandemic puppy boom there are 13million dogs in the UK, and this has led to a skills shortage in the grooming industry which is putting pets at risk.

Many popular cross breed dogs such as cockapoos and labradoodles require regular coat care to stay healthy, and with many salons struggling to keep up with demand, the industry desperately needs new recruits.

Anyone considering a career change is being asked by industry bosses to consider pet grooming, and become qualified in the skill to ensure that the industry is safe and well regulated.

In Ashford Kent the Four Paws Groom School offers iPET Network qualifications which are regulated by Ofqual, meaning that learners on any extended level 3 qualification can start their own businesses as soon as they qualify.

The school also offers taster courses, so that those curious about the profession can try it out before taking the plunge.

Sarah Sturley of Four Paws Groom School in Kent, said: "We really hope that 2023 is the year of dog grooming, as there really is a shortage of qualified groomers in the UK.

"Pet grooming is a fun and rewarding career, and you can earn in excess of £50,000 a year if you set up your own business. For many people working with animals is a dream career, and now is the perfect time to go for it. The dogs of Kent need you!"

To find out more about becoming a dog groomer the iPET Network has created a definitive guide which can be found at: https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/guides/a-guide-to-becoming-a-dog-groomer/

To find out more about Four Paws Groom School Kent go to: www.fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk 

WagIt's RuPaws Drag Race invited dogs and their owners to strut their stuff, and as these pictures show the constants didn't disappoint.

From brightly coloured wigs, to satin dresses and fluffy co-ords, the pampered pooches channeled their inner Baga Chipz, Cheryl Hole or Trixie Mattel.

The pups were guided under the watchful gaze of guest of honour drag star Shaar Cooterie, who hosted the fun event at Kraft Dalston Bar and Restaurant in East London.

Winning pup on the day was simply stunning Gimparella (aka Tofu), a two year-old Italian Greyhound owned by Anthony Kuomi.

 "She is the queen of the resting b*tch face. She has huge ears, like huge. We get excellent phone signals in our house because of them, she’s the best.

"Everything about her is unconventional, from her ears to her personality, she's beautiful inside and out and she brings joy to everyone she meets." Said Anthony, who dressed Gimparella in a series of colourful outfits for her winning performance.

The event was organised by WagIt, an online database which helps dog owners find venues, and hospitality services which will accept them and their pets.

Nadia Leguel, founder of WagIt, said: "The atmosphere was amazing. A real example of how dogs can bring people together.

The great thing was that the manager of the venue was a bit hesitant when we first met, but by the end of the event he was having such a good time!

"The reason I organised this event is the same reason I created WagIt.

"For people to spend more time with their dogs, being able to have fun on a Sunday without having to leave your dog behind is really important for dog owners. I hate leaving my dog Lola at home!"

To find out more about WagIt go to https://wagit.uk/

Images credit: Sue Thatcher/ Animal News Agency 

Purina has opened applications for its BetterwithPets Prize (BWPP). The new edition of the Prize will identify and support organisations across Europe that harness the power of the pet-human bond, and this year has a new focus on improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and/or society at large. 

The winning organisation(s) will win a grant of up to £175,000 (€200,000) over a two-year period. The total prize fund may go to one organisation or be shared between a number of entrants and will provide crucial funding and resources to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals, pets and their communities.

All participants (successful or not) will be invited to collaborate, share best practices, foster initiatives, network, and fundraise - all to build knowledge, scale impact and demonstrate how health and wellbeing can be improved by harnessing the power of the pet-human bond. 

The BetterwithPets Prize initiative is part of Purina’s new commitment to help 1 million people in vulnerable situations improve their health and wellbeing through the power of the pet human bond by 2030. Purina recognises it cannot achieve this commitment alone and so is encouraging organisations to enter the Prize and join the community to make a difference.

To help raise awareness of the BetterwithPets Prize and encourage organisations harnessing the power of the pet-human bond to apply, Purina has partnered with Dr Amit Patel, a qualified doctor, best-selling author, and disability rights campaigner. Amit is registered severely sight impaired (blind), having lost his sight to keratoconus in 2013. He has a close relationship with his guide dog, Kika, and is hugely passionate about the power of the pet-human bond.

Calum Macrae, Regional Director of Purina UK&I, said: “We know there is strength in the pet-human bond and that it has the power to be a positive force for change in society. We are proud of what we have achieved so far through the BetterWithPets Prize but know there is more to be done and so urge organizations or social enterprises working to support people in vulnerable situations by the power of the pet-human bond, to apply for the Prize and join this community.”

Purina launched the BetterwithPets Prize back in 2018. Previous UK winners include StreetVet, which was awarded the resources to develop their first accredited hostel scheme to provide shelters for homeless people and their pets at the height of the pandemic when accommodation for the homeless was a key issue. A grant was also previously awarded to UK charity Medical Detection Dogs, which trains dogs to detect human disease with the aim of developing faster, more efficient and less invasive diagnostics that lead to better patient outcomes.

Applications for Purina’s BetterwithPets Prize are open until 3 March (23:59 CET). For further details on the application process, eligibility criteria as well as the terms and conditions, please visit the website here.

The British Veterinary Association has renewed calls for greater enforcement around irresponsible dog breeding, a clamp down on unregulated canine fertility clinics, and a ban on imported dogs with cropped ears.

The BVA responded to hard-hitting BBC Panorama and Disclosure investigations, which revealed the links between organised crime and the breeding of dogs with extreme features. 

In light of these investigations, the BVA is calling for urgent action on better enforcement and regulation of dog breeding and selling.

The two documentaries, broadcast on Monday 23 January, showed how the growing popularity of breeds like American and French bulldogs has led criminal gangs to resort to cruel and dangerous breeding practices. The investigation also uncovered the impact of extreme breeding on the health and welfare of dogs, including links to the recent spike in unregulated canine fertility clinics and the trend for cropping dogs’ ears for fashion.

BVA Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said: “It is horrific to see unscrupulous individuals breeding dogs to meet the demands of fashion without any consideration for the health or welfare of the animals. Sadly, this BBC investigation doesn’t come as a surprise to vets and animal welfare organisations. BVA has long raised concerns about irresponsible breeding and its links to unregulated canine fertility clinics and illegal ear cropping.

“This investigation is a wake-up call to government to take urgent action to protect the welfare of these animals by introducing regulation for fertility clinics as well as banning the importation of dogs with cropped ears through the Kept Animals Bill. Such a ban would close the legal loophole that allows this trend to continue despite the procedure being illegal in the UK.

“The public also has an important role to play in stemming the tide of irresponsible breeding. Responsible pet ownership begins even before you get a puppy, so we’d encourage anyone looking to buy a dog to pick health over looks or the latest fashion and always speak to your vet for advice. Use the free Puppy Contact http://puppycontract.org.uk  to help guide you on the questions you should be asking a breeder, to ensure you’re getting a healthy, happy puppy from a responsible source. We encourage people to report concerns around dogs with cropped ears and unregulated fertility clinics to their local government authority.”

BVA is calling on vets and members of the public to download its template letter https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/kept-animals-bill/ and send it to their local MP, urging them to call on the Government to deliver its promised commitment to animal health and welfare by ensuring the continuation of the crucial and long-awaited Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill through Parliament.

An expansive new training programme for veterinary care assistants has been launched this month by IVC Evidensia. 

Around 500 recruits are expected to go through the online VCA training in the first year alone, with the 12-week course, also available for all VCA staff, set to have a major impact on clinics. 

As the largest veterinary employer in the UK, IVC Evidensia are taking a leading role in using online elements to make the VCA training even more accessible and attractive. 

It’s just part of a dynamic new strategy involving the IVC Evidensia Academy which is ramping up for 2023. 

It includes a new intake in January of satellite training for aspiring RVNs as well as a hugely successful Confidence in Consulting training programme. 

The new VCA training has been adapted from a well-established programme run by Vets Now and tailored by IVC Evidensia to fit all their first opinion and referral establishments. 

“Everything we have put in place is designed to support our amazing nurses and provide a career structure for the support team,” said Liz Cox, IVC Evidensia Group Nursing Advisor. 

“VCAs play a hugely important role, taking on non-clinical tasks to free up veterinary surgeons and RVNs. This will help our practices provide comprehensive VCA training internally, when finding training time within practice can be a challenge.  

“The aim is to give all new employees a comprehensive grounding in the basics, completing their induction before they go on to do the full VCA apprenticeship.” 

The VCA course covers a whole range of aspects including animal handling, patient safety and infection prevention control. 

It is supported by an in-clinic mentor as well as the online learning.  

The satellite training for student veterinary nurses offers a real alternative to the traditional model of in-practice training with one day per week in college. 

“The satellite model gives an opportunity for wider access and increased diversity of learning methods and access to quality teaching and learning provision,” said Ms Cox.  

“Our students can learn live via online lectures with no need to travel. That reduces time, cost and the environmental impact as well as making it easier geographically. 

“Where you live can be a real barrier to learning and we are trying to do things differently. 

“The traditional college approach is still very much available, but we want to offer all the support possible by providing this alternative format.” 

Those undertaking small animal studies will attend between eight and ten sessions annually at one of five regional IVC Evidensia centres across the country.  

The company are the only employer making the same online offering available for equine, with three clinic locations available. 

Through a collaboration with the College of Animal Welfare, the appealing and flexible training is available to both IVC Evidensia staff and those outside the company. 

The programme began in September 2022 and has been so successful the number of intakes throughout the year is being increased. 

Most satellite sites will now be offered up to four times a year, with one intake this month and the next at Easter. It’s anticipated there will be up to 150 nurses per intake throughout the sites. 

The Confidence in Consulting training has already been undertaken by 400 nurses and a further 200 have signed up and are awaiting training. 

Open to all IVC Evidensia nurses, it supports the confidence in their ability to consult and teaches communication skills, reflection and how to structure a consultation. 

“Veterinary nurses are an integral part of the clinical team, and these training areas support the Nurse Evolve programme where we encourage all our nurses to utilise their skills to the fullest,” said Ms Cox. 

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Pets at Home has announced the appointment of Kathryn Imrie to the newly-created role of Chief Consumer Officer. 

Kathryn joins Pets at Home following 18 years at TV and communications giant Sky. Kathryn was a key member of a team that delivered a track record of consistent growth and transformation. 

In her most recent role as Chief Consumer Officer at Sky Deutschland, she helped lead the repositioning of the consumer business, implemented a data-led marketing approach, and enabled the business to reach its highest ever subscriber numbers.

Lyssa McGowan, CEO, said:  “I am also delighted to welcome Kathryn Imrie as our new Chief Consumer Officer. She will play a key role in the next stage of our journey in building a consumer-focused, omnichannel, pet care platform.”

Kathryn Imrie said: “Pets at Home is a business that I have watched closely and admired from afar for some time, and I am thrilled to be joining at such an exciting time with so much growth ahead. Having grown up in a family of animal lovers in County Durham, I’m also delighted to be joining a business with Northern roots that puts pet welfare at the heart of everything it does – it feels like I’m coming home.”

Ceva Animal Health, the animal health company present in 110 countries worldwide, has restructured its global commercial operations with the appointment of two new high-profile vice-presidents – Andras Bolcskei new Executive Vice-President for Global Commercial Operations and Loïc Jégou, Area Vice-President for Europe.

Ceva has appointed Andras Bolcskei to its Executive Committee as Global Commercial Operations Executive Vice-President. He will take over the sales area from Gabriel Rshaid, who joined Ceva's Board of Directors on January 1, 2023. As such, he will lead the business development and activities in the 6 zones where the company operates.

Andras Bolcskei graduated in veterinary public health from the University of Utrecht (Netherlands). An executive MBA program from the European University of the Hague complements Andras’ academic background.

A Hungarian citizen with an impressive international career, Andras Bolcskei has joined Ceva from Covetrus, a global animal health technology and services company, where he was President for International Business. 

He also has extensive experience with two major animal health companies. He spent 19 years at Pfizer Animal Health and more recently 9 years at MSD Animal Health. 

Andras Bolcskei is committed to build on the successes obtained by Gabriel Rshaid, reinforcing our partnerships with our customers to continue delivering efficient solutions and services that meet their needs.

As part of this new organisation, Loïc Jégou will join Andras Bolcskei’s team on February 20th as Area Vice-President for Europe, covering the entire European Area (European Union and United Kingdom).

Graduated from the French National Veterinary school of Alfort, Loïc Jégou also holds an MBA from the Paris ESSEC Business School. 

He has 20 years of experience in the animal health industry, successively holding positions as Marketing Director, BU Director, Country Manager and Zone Director at Sanofi, Pfizer, MSD and Covetrus.  

In a challenging period, Loïc's mission will be to boost growth in Europe through a wide range of products, equipment and services.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College explores the reasons for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in dogs in the UK, as well as the factors influencing how it is managed clinically.

The research also identifies which breeds are most at risk of CCL, with this list including popular breeds such as Rottweilers, Bichon Frise and West Highland White Terriers.

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the knee may be most commonly known for its major impact on the lives of footballers such as Alan Shearer or Roy Keane, but it is also a common and serious problem for dogs. Most cases in dogs are characterised by gradual degeneration of the cruciate ligament, often resulting in sudden onset pain and lameness. The findings from this new RVC research will help owners and vets to identify dogs at most risk of CCL rupture and it also highlights the clinical rationales used in first opinion veterinary practice to decide between surgery or not for the injury.

Led by the RVC’s VetCompass Programme, the study included 1,000 CCL rupture cases and a random selection of 500,000 other dogs without CCL injury. The research found that the breeds at most risk of CCL rupture, compared with crossbreeds, were Rottweiler (x 3.66 times risk), Bichon Frise (x 2.09), West Highland White Terrier (x 1.80) and Golden Retriever (x 1.69). Conversely, the breeds with the lowest risk were Cockapoo (x 0.26), Chihuahua (x 0.31), Shih-tzu (x 0.41) and German Shepherd Dog (x 0.43).

Treating CCL often involves deciding between surgical and non-surgical management. However, until now, the factors affecting this choice of clinical management of CCL rupture have not been epidemiologically analysed. The findings from this study show that insured dogs and dogs weighing over 20 kg were more likely to receive surgical management, while dogs older than 9 years and those with another major clinical problem at the time of diagnosis with CCL rupture were less likely to receive surgical management.

Additional key findings include:

• The average age at first diagnosis of CCL rupture was 7.4 years, showing CCL rupture as mainly a disease of middle aged and older dogs.
• Dogs aged 6 to < 9 years had the greatest risk (x 3.24) of CCL rupture diagnosis compared with dogs < 3 years.
• Neutered females (x 1.46) and neutered males (x 1.42) were more likely to be diagnosed than entire females.
• Dogs weighing more than 30kg (x 2.19) and insured (x 2.79) were most likely to have surgery.
• Dogs over 12 years (x 0.26) and with a comorbidity (x 0.38) were least likely to have surgery.

Camilla Pegram, VetCompass PhD student at the RVC and lead author of the paper, said:

“This study has used the power of “big data” to robustly address the risk factors for cruciate ligament rupture diagnosis and management in dogs. The factors affecting the decision to surgically or non-surgically treat dogs with cruciate rupture are now clearer, with future work underway to address the clinical outcomes of this decision.”

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and co-author of the paper, said:

“After centuries of reshaping by mankind, dogs now come in over 800 distinct and recognisable breeds that each has its own unique pattern of health and disease. This new study helps owners of breeds such as Rottweiler, Bichon Frise and West Highland White Terrier to understand that sudden lameness in a hindleg could indicate a ruptured cruciate ligament that needs urgent veterinary care. VetCompass studies are empowering owners to understand their dog’s health better than ever before.”

Dr Anna Frykfors von Hekkel, Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery at the RVC and co-author of the paper, said:

“This study helps to confirm suspicions we have held in the clinic, with recognition of breeds such as the West Highland White Terrier and Rottweiler being at increased risk of developing CCL disease. It offers a valuable insight into how these patients are managed in general practice and factors that might influence that challenging decision.”

The British Independent Retailers Association has reacted to the chancellor's plans to help lift the UK's economic growth and called for him to give 'clarity'.

On Friday, the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made his first major speech since the Autumn statement, and said that his focus would be on growing the economy.

BIRA, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has been calling on the government to focus on growth as well as containing inflation after recent figures highlighted that consumers reduced their spend on the run up to Christmas and in January.

In his speech, the chancellor announced his framework for growth, and also said his  strategy would focus on four pillars, or "four Es": enterprise, education, employment and everywhere.

BIRA CEO Andrew Goodacre said: "At last we have some idea of how this government will grow the economy. Unfortunately it is only words at this stage, and we can only hope that the Chancellor will use his Spring Statement in March to provide more of the details.

"There is a general acceptance that inflation will fall this year by virtue of the previous inflationary factors naturally decreasing. This should allow the government to devote time to developing meaningful plans to provide growth and increase consumer confidence. I hope that the E for everywhere includes the high street businesses that are feeling the brunt of the reduced consumer expenditure," he added.

Purina signed Robbie Williams to record a new song to promote its cat food brand Felix. The new song 'It’s Great To Be a Cat’ premiered on FelixandRobbie.com. 

The internationally acclaimed recording artist unveiled the new exclusive track written and recorded specifically for a new Europe-wide Felix advertising campaign, ‘It’s Great To Be a Cat’.   

Taking inspiration from Robbie’s own adored cats, as well as the mischievous antics of Felix, the global superstar wrote and created an iconic track especially for Felix, celebrating the glorious life of cats. 

The musician took a theatrical turn when he co-starred in a short film alongside (who some might say is the real start of the show) the infamous cat, Felix. The cheeky duo is captured getting up to mischief as they team up for the grand premiere of their new collaboration.  In the film, Robbie plays second fiddle to Felix as he tries to record the CATchy earworm, with an accompanying orchestra.    

Robbie Williams said: “The cat is out of the bag, I’m the new voice of Felix. I’ve been a long-time fan of cats, I’ve had many feline friends over the years and after studying their fascinating behaviour, I can confidently say, It’s Great To Be a Cat.”  

The new track shines a light on how cats really do live their best lives, just like the one and only Felix. Focusing on their independence, cheekiness and ability to always land on their feet, the song will be available to stream on Spotify from tomorrow (Friday).   

Fabio Degli Esposti, Group Marketing Director at Purina, said: “Combining our much-loved FELIX food and treasured Felix-the-cat character, with the one-and-only Robbie Williams, gives us our best recipe yet. The two being mischievous together in their very own film premiere, shows exactly why they’re the perfect fit”.   

Rebecca Marshall, Senior Brand Manager at Purina UK&I, said: “I’m so excited to be launching our latest It’s Great To Be a Cat campaign with Robbie Williams. The two truly are the pURRfect match and the new track is one that will definitely get everyone in a playful mood.”  

To find out more and to stream Felix and Robbie William’s new song head over to FelixandRobbie.com. 

UK pet wellness brand HOWND appeared on TalkTV featuring an item on how the cost-of-living crisis was affecting the nation’s pet owners.

Jo Amit, product and brand director of HOWND, discussed with host Vanessa Feltz how nutritionally complete plant-based dog food like the brand’s Superfood can reduce vet bills during challenging financial times.

The show claimed that a third of owners feared the crisis was threatening their ability to care for pets.

You can watch Jo’s interview with Vanessa by  clicking on the following link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr5dtolI_CI&t=44s

Nutriment has negotiated leaner raw material pricing for key products to provide instant savings to customers.

The pet food industry has not been immune to the raw ingredient, manufacturing, distribution, and operation cost hikes most industries have experienced in recent months. Unfortunately, some of these costs have had to be passed on to customers, with particular raw ingredient pricing increases being more intense than others.

Nutriment’s Core range Chicken Formula, for example, has recently seen unprecedented raw ingredient pricing increases due to a combination of factors directly effecting the poultry industry.

Strong supply relationships and transparency up and down the supply chain have both been crucial to the success of the Nutriment Raw brand to date. With that considered, raw ingredient pricing negotiations have been secured in order to improve customer pricing for the Chicken Formula – which is a long-standing favourite and best-seller in the Nutriment portfolio.

The savings on RRP are 30p per 500g tray (from £2.59 to £2.29); 60p per 1kg chubb pack (from £4.79 to £4.19) and 80p on 1.4kg chubbs (from £5.79 to £4.99).

“We think it’s really important for our loyal customers to know that we continuously assess our pricing (and the wider marketplace) and are committed to supporting raw feeders with high-quality products during more financially difficult times,” said Ryan Winwright, Hhead of commercial at Nutriment.

Nutriment has also recently launched their products in convenient new 1kg chubb packaging, in response to consumer feedback. Nutriment now offers their key raw food products in 500g trays, 1kg chubbs and 1.4kg chubbs to suit all dog sizes, feeding frequencies, storage facilities and packaging preferences.

Jollyes, the nationwide pet superstore, has issued a warning against buying a bunny just because Sunday, 22 January, marked the start of the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rabbit. 

As millions of people around the world prepare to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, Jollyes is urging people to think twice about buying a pet bunny on impulse. 

Instead, it wants them to think hard about why they want a pet and to think about what they will need to make a pet comfortable and how much time they can devote to it. 

It follows Jollyes’ move in previous years to stop selling rabbits over Easter and prevent the risk of unwanted bunnies being abandoned. 

Jollyes’ Phil Turner-Naylor said: “Rabbits are one of the country’s most popular pets, but people should be prepared to look after them for life and shouldn’t be tempted to get one just because they’re in the news. 

“They make wonderful pets, but they can live for more than a decade, so would-be owners should read up on what’s involved and be prepared for the commitment of looking after them.” 

Jollyes top tips for looking after rabbits include: 

• They need room to hop, stretch, play and exercise 
• Feed them a healthy diet and make sure they have fresh, clean water 
• Rabbits are sociable animals and need the right kind of company 
• Check their bedding every day and clean regularly 
• Give them something safe to nibble on to keep their teeth healthy. 
• In each Jollyes’ store that has rabbits for sale, colleagues spend time each morning giving each of them a bunny cuddle ahead of opening.

UK pet companies are gearing up for 2023 with plans to unveil their new product launches at the industry’s Spring pet industry exhibition, PATS Sandown, in Esher, Surrey on Sunday 26th March and Monday 27th March.

Stands at the Spring showcase event have been selling out fast with more than 130 companies and brands having already booked their space.

“We are almost sold out, which is great news and proof that the UK pet industry is fully behind an event where manufacturers and suppliers can meet up face to face with retailers under one roof at a major venue,” said organiser Gordon Thomas.

“We also know that visitors to PATS value the opportunity to touch and feel new products, which is a huge consideration when buying stock for the new season.”

It’s for these very reasons that leading companies and brands like Burns Pet Nutrition, Cotswold Raw, Danish Design, AATU, Just 6, Barking & Meowing Heads, Johnson’s Veterinary Products, Pet Trade Innovations, Su-Bridge Pet Supplies, Trixie, and we.pet choose to exhibit at PATS. A number of businesses, including Earthbound, Long Paws, Proflax and Westland Pet, are also returning to the Sandown exhibition after a short break in order to take full advantage of what the show has to offer.

PATS Sandown 2023 has also attracted almost 40 new exhibitors.

The Animal People Recruitment Company is excited to be exhibiting for the first time at PATS throughout 2023. Chris Whatling, the MD and founder, has been visiting the show for the past few years as his company recruits for many brands within the pet industry.

Chris said: “PATS is such a great show for us, it’s a chance for us to meet with our clients, new and existing, and to keep ourselves up to date on all the products within the industry that we love so much.

“The pet industry is where it all started at The Animal People, and it will always be my first love. The people who work within this industry are amazing. We feel lucky to be a part of these companies and to be surrounded by the talented people who care just as much as we do. Together with our clients we are part of an industry that is bettering the lives of our pets every single day.”

Another first-time exhibitor looking forward to showcasing its products at PATS Sandown is PetFocus. The company’s Libo Zhou commented: “Our brand is currently focusing on cat corrugated-cardboard scratchers. Our aim at the show is to expand our business from online (Amazon) to retailers, wholesalers, as well as importers.”

PATS Sandown is also attracting international exhibitors like Belgian company Coucour, whose founder Robert Huygh discovered the idea of healthy dog treats on a trip to the Himalayas. He noticed the Sherpas and locals were chewing on something hard and small throughout the trip. Further investigation revealed they were cheese bones, which he then developed into all-natural pet treats.

Coucour’s sales manager Jorge Aguilera said: “Coucour is exhibiting at PATS because we believe the UK market is more progressive than the EU continental market – it’s often three years ahead. We believe it’s the best place to launch new products. We will be introducing two new products at PATS, where we will be able to get direct feedback.”

Here’s a quick summary of popular visitor attractions at PATS Sandown:

• The biggest and best showcase of new pet products
• The opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with suppliers
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• Top groomers giving insightful demonstrations, workshops and talks
• Free parking, free entry, free show catalogue

You can register online at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors and information on how to reach the venue.

PAIKKA is a multi-awarded dog clothing and accessories start-up from Finland known for its human-grade quality standards and highly innovative materials.

PAIKKA is run by two strong Finnish women, Tea Kainu and Bee Backlund, with backgrounds and degrees in fashion and physiotherapy combined with special interest in dogs’ anatomy and biomechanics.

“We believe every product designed for your dog should be designed as well and profoundly as quality products for human beings,” says CEO Tea Kainu. 

PAIKKA was born in 2019 from the need for products being designed from the dog’s perspective – and being long-lasting even in the hardest seasonal conditions of the Finnish nature.

“Our mission is to create only meaningful products for our customers and their human companions. As an example, our fully reflective raincoats keep dogs safe and visible in the dark,” added Tea Kainu.

It is important for PAIKKA also to respect our shared environment. Hence, each PAIKKA design is created with the best and most durable materials together with respected partners famed for outdoor apparel, fashion and awarded designs for humans. 

PAIKKA’s mission is to re-invent important daily moments in dogs’ lives through inventive sustainable products which are safe to use and equipped with uncompromised ergonomic and functional features. 

The PAIKKA collection consists of home and outdoor products for all seasons to improve the lives of dogs and their human companions.

PAIKKA is exhibiting at PATS Sandown on 26-27 March 2023 on stand S3 in the Esher Hall.

For more information visit https://paikka.pet/