Pets at Home has opened a store within a Tesco Extra in Durham, and the news has already raised concern among independent pet retailers.

One pet shop in ther North-East told Pet Trade Xtra: “This is a worry for independent pet shops which have relied on lines not in the supermarket to draw customer into their shops.

“Products that have never appeared in Tesco are now on the shelves inside the supermarket.”

Pets at Home have yet to confirm whether this new store inside the Tesco Extra on Dragonville Industrial Estate will be repeated throughout the rest of the country but independent retailers fear it could be the first of many.

The store was officially opened by Lisa and Thomas Dixon from Dogs for Good and their assistance dog, Vito, on Saturday.

Store manager Jill Allen has been with Pets at Home for over two years, having previously worked at the Alnwick branch.

She said: “What a fantastic start! Our opening weekend went even better than we had hoped and it was great to have Lisa, Thomas and Vito attend the launch and show them all the products we have on offer at the store.

“Our new store features thousands of dedicated pet products for not only local dogs and cats but small animals, fish and local wildlife too.”

According to Pets at Home, all staff at the new store receive extensive training on pet care and pet knowledge which is endorsed by City & Guilds, providing a stamp of approval that demonstrates the value of its training. Colleagues at the Durham store are dedicated to providing the highest levels of customer service, and are trained to offer great pet care tips and product knowledge.

The store includes a pet pharmacy which will provide a large range of health care products including supplements, first aid, dental care and flea and worms treatments.

The new store opening hours will be 8am-10pm Monday – Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

Despite suffering from Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis, 28-year-old Lauren Pavey, launched a successful dog grooming and pet shop in Eltham, London, and her efforts have been rewarded with a Young Entrepreneur of the Year. And she hopes her success will help to inspire other disabled people to branch out into the business world.

Lauren picked up her honour at the Thames Gateway Business Awards organized by publishing company Archant.

“I couldn’t believe I’d won such a prestigious award,” Lauren told Pet Trade Xtra.

“I wasn't even sure about attending the Awards evening because I didn’t think I had a chance of winning. When my name was called out I just sat there for a while because I wasn’t sure it was my name I’d just heard announced.”

The judges were clearly impressed by here entrepreneurial spirit, saying: “Lauren impressed us with her in-depth knowledge and understanding of her industry. She has built a business based on excellent customer care, motivational staff management and a personal passion for the care and well-being of animals. Her plans to take the business forward are well thought through and highly achievable given her drive and ambition. A well deserved winner.”

Lauren opened The Doghouse in January 2012 after leaving her in London working in TV post production.

“After a second operation on my knee I was being given weekly drug infusion so commuting into London wasn't really possible. I had always noticed a gap in the market for a well run and friendly dog groomer, and upon leaving my job I decided just to be brave and give it a try. I never expected it to be so popular and to make so many amazing friends along the way.”

So what sets The Doghouse apart from other salons and pet shops? “I like to think its the amazing team we have,” said Lauren. “Everyone cares deeply about every pet who comes to us and understands they are more than a dog – they are a member of someone’s family.”

Pet lover Lauren, who shares her life with a rescue border-cross called Betty and three cats Jerry, Lily and Lola, has the following advice for other disabled people thinking of starting their own business.

“Just go for it. At first it might seem impossible, and there will be times when you are struggling and in tears and just want to stay at home but you must push yourself.

“Because something might be limiting you physically doesn't mean it has to limit your imagination and ambition.

“The hardest thing I have learned is ask for help when I needed it – you will be amazed at how many people prepared to support you that you didn't even realise.

“I owe a huge debt of thanks to my mum and dad for all their support and encouragement over the years. Without the support of my family, friends and staff none of this would have been possible.”

Lauren has a simple approach to business. “As long as I’m happy and able to do a job that I love that is all that matters,” she said. “It doesn't matter how much money you have the most important thing is you want to get up every morning and get excited to see what the day will bring.

To find out more about The Doghouse visit www.the-doghouse.org

It is now eight months since Kennelpak launched its YAKERS Himalayan dog chew range, and sales continue to exceed all expectations.

Made in the hills of the Himalayas using a mixture of Yak and Himalayan cow milk, these long-lasting, natural, gluten free, vegetarian chews are a hard cheese, that slowly softens as the dog chews on it.

Using traditional methods, the chews are slowly smoke dried over a 28-day period, to give them a unique flavour that dogs love.

Launched in three sizes – Small, Medium and Extra Large – the demand has been such, that in December three new YAKERS skus will be available – Crunchy Bites, Crunchy Strips and Crunchy Bars.

For more information, please contact your wholesaler, or Kennelpak direct on 01159 399077, email sales@kennelpak.co.uk or visit the website www.yakers.co.uk

Pets at Home has launched five new, functional, dry dog foods – all gently baked to produce a highly digestible kibble that retains natural flavours and preserves goodness.

The five new Wainwright’s ‘Gently Baked’ products, each contain carefully chosen ingredients that focus on various dog needs.

Gently Baked Skin and Coat may help to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat condition while Gently Baked Joint and Mobility contains carefully chosen ingredients that may help to support joints and aid movement.

For those dogs that have sensitive tummies, Gently Baked Digestion and Wind contains ingredients that may help soothe your dog’s stomach and reduce odours and Gently Baked Calm and Relax contains ingredients that are linked to calming behaviour.

Finally, for any dogs that just love the taste of Wainwright’s, a simple Gently Baked Turkey and Potato flavour is also available.

Claire Gavin, Director of Private Brands & Innovation at Pets at Home, said: “The launch of the new Wainwright’s Gently Baked dog food is a fantastic addition to a growing range of diverse food on offer at Pets at Home.

“We are extremely proud of the new range that not only tastes great but looks to support any dogs suffering from mobility, skin or coat, stomach and those that are a little excitable and we are looking forward to hearing our customers’ feedback.”

The products, which are suitable for dogs over three months old, are now available at Pets at Home for an introductory price of £8 (1.5kg) and the company is so confident pets will love Wainwright’s Baked it will refund any customer if they or their dog are less than satisfied.

For further information, visit www.petsathome.co.uk

Pet food company Lily’s Kitchen has been recognised by a global organisation for its continued commitment to ethical behaviour, responsible corporate governance and employee integrity. 

The company has been awarded B-Corporation status for the second time, thanks to its strong belief in using business as a force for good.

Lily’s Kitchen, which has recently retained its leading position as one of the UK’s top rated ethical pet food companies for a 9^th year running by ethical consumer comparison company The Good Shopping Guide, was one of the founding members of B Corp in the UK in 2015 and was the first (and currently only) pet food company in the world to certify as a B Corporation.

B Corp is a global movement that is redefining success in business. Regular companies exist for the interests of their shareholders. B Corps are companies where the interests of employees, communities and the environment rank alongside those of shareholders. B Corps are also required to change their legal documents so that employees, communities and the wider environment, rank alongside shareholders in decision making processes. B Corps formally commit to the B Corp community principles through signing a declaration.

The B Corp accreditation, which must be reapplied for every two years, highlights the company’s continued commitment to ethical behaviour, responsible corporate governance and employee integrity. 

Henrietta Morrison, CEO and founder of Lily’s Kitchen (pictured above), comments: “We’re part of the B Corp community because we believe in using business as a force for good. It’s perfectly aligned with our values and the way we’ve always conducted ourselves. Acting in a responsible and respectful way as a business is the right thing to do morally and also contributes to the quality of our recipes, the happiness of our stakeholders and our efficiency. It just makes sense.

“This is reflected in our mission statement which is all about the ‘three Ps’ – Pets, People and Planet. That means Lily’s Kitchen is dedicated to providing proper food for pets, with a commitment to tread carefully on our planet and actively engage with our community. Having a successful and profitable businesses allows us to be even more for people, pets and the planet.”

As Lily’s Kitchen heads towards its 10^th year, the company has published its first ever ‘Paw Print for Progress Report 2017’ which outlines exactly how the business ensures it has an ongoing positive impact on society and the planet, which is at the heart of all Lily’s Kitchen does.

The Our Paw Print for Progress 2017 Report can be found on the Lily’s Kitchen website: www.lilyskitchen.co.uk/social-responsibility

The Fox and Hounds Theale has earned the title of Dog-friendly Pub Award 2017, in a nationwide competition organised by leading online dog-sitting platform, DogBuddy.com.

Now in their second year, the awards recognise the deserving pubs across the UK that truly embrace ‘paw power’ and welcome not just two, but four legged customers too.

Encouraging hound-lovers and pup parents up and down the UK to show some well-deserved appreciation of existing dog-friendly establishments, the Dog-friendly Pub Awards also promote dog-friendly values across all pubs nationwide, inspiring UK dog owners to discover and visit their local pubs. 

The winner was selected by the RSPCA, Snuffle Dog Beer, The Morning Advertiser, Your Dog Magazine and founder and CEO of DogBuddy, Richard Setterwall.

Jayne Tilsley, The Fox and Hounds Theale’s general manager, is delighted with the results.

“Dogs are not pets, they are family, and to us this means that they should join you everywhere, be it just for a drink or dinner too,” said Jayne.

“We have one regular guest, Cookie, who is a rescue dog. When Cookie first joined us he was very nervous and would bark when we were anywhere in the vicinity of him. Now, just two years on, he even lets us stroke him. Our neighbour’s dog, Lord Dobbington of Sunnyside, regularly brings himself to the pub for a solo visit.”

The Fox and Hounds Theale beat 11 other regional finalists – voted for by dog lovers across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales - in this year’s nation-wide Dog-friendly Pub Awards.

The full list of regional winners for the awards is as follows:

1. The Fox and Hounds Theale (South East) 
2. The Fox and Hounds (South West)
3. The Hand in Hand (London)
4. The Three Tuns (East of England)
5. The Fullerton Arms (Northern Ireland)
6. The Caledonia (North West)
7. The Keel Row (North East)
8. The Lion Inn (East Midlands)
9. The Bryntirion Inn (Wales)
10. The Old Glen House (Yorkshire)
11. Failford Inn (Scotland)
12. The Bailey Head (West Midlands)

Richard Setterwall, founder and CEO of DogBuddy, said: “For the second year running, DogBuddy – with the help of dog lovers up and down the country - has been searching for the best of the best when it comes to dog-friendly pubs, with The Fox and Hounds Theale, we’ve found just that.

“The superb service demonstrated shows a real consideration for dog welfare and happiness, which we at DogBuddy.com value above all. The whole DogBuddy pack is proud to congratulate The Fox and Hounds Theale on their achievement, and hopes that the Dog-friendly Pub Awards will inspire dog owners country-wide to discover and support their local pubs.”

Pet-loving music stars Kaiser Chiefs, Jessie J and The Vamps are all taking to the stage for a new charity festival to celebrate the nation’s love of pets and raise funds for their care.

PDSA PetLife Festival ’18 is a festival in a day, designed for both music fans and pet-lovers alike, combining great music, entertainment and attractions. Staged in Cheltenham on Sunday 6 May next year, all proceeds will go to PDSA, the UK’s leading pet wellbeing charity.

PDSA, which is marking its 100-year anniversary, provides life-saving vet care to more vulnerable pets than any other animal charity in the UK. It relies entirely on public support to fund the annual £60 million cost of providing this service to poorly pets in need.

Multi-platinum-selling Jessie J, whose new album R.O.S.E. is released next year, said: “Pets are a wonderful part of our lives. My French Bulldog, Jackson, makes me smile every day. As well as raising funds for a great cause, PDSA PetLife ’18 combines people’s love of pets and music; two of my favourite things! I simply can’t wait.”

Kaiser Chiefs, who are back in the studio recording their seventh album, will also be performing.

The band’s frontman Ricky Wilson, owner of Labradoodle Norman Reedus, said: “Two things the UK loves are pets and music, so why has no-one thought of this before? We’re all looking forward to PDSA PetLife ’18 and raising funds and awareness for PDSA to continue its great work.”

James McVey, from The Vamps, whose album Night & Day topped the album charts in the summer, added: “My cat Mickey means the world to me. I know I can provide the vet care he needs, but not everyone is so fortunate and that’s why PDSA is so important. We’re all looking forward to this special gig and raising much-needed funds for such a great charity.”

PDSA PetLife ’18 takes place on Sunday 6 May 2018 at Cheltenham Racecourse and promises to be a great day out with music and entertainment for all the family. And as pets are such an important part of so many families, there are also a limited number of places for dogs to join in all the fun of the festival too*.

PDSA’s Group Head of Marketing, Carroll Hutchings, said: “PDSA PetLife ‘18 will be a great fun family event. We have a fantastic line-up and we’re grateful to Kaiser Chiefs, Jessie J and The Vamps for supporting us to make this festival-in-a-day possible. As well as being a brilliant day out for music and pet-lovers alike, there’s also the very serious aspect of raising funds for, and awareness of, the important work PDSA does.

"We help more pets and their owners than any other charity in the UK. But there’s so much more to be done and PDSA PetLife’18 is a wonderful way for new supporters to help us to improve the wellbeing of pets in our society. By joining us on the day, you’ll not only have an amazing time, you’ll also be helping us to spread the word about PDSA and our vital work.”

Jan McLoughlin, PDSA Director General, added: “As long as there are pets in need, there is a need for PDSA. Since we were founded 100 years ago, the world has changed so much. Yet we remain a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of the UK’s most vulnerable pets – and their loving owners. Throughout our incredible history we have relied on the generosity of the public to support our invaluable work in saving, protecting and healing pets. The money we raise from events like this, alongside all of our other fundraising and awareness activity, will help ensure we can be here for vulnerable pets for the next 100 years.”

Lee Moulson, Regional Head of Sales at Cheltenham Racecourse, said: “Everyone at Cheltenham Racecourse is so pleased to be working with PDSA to put on PetLife ’18 and we are looking forward to hosting this fantastic event.  With such a strong line-up it is going to be a wonderful event and one that all the family will be able to enjoy.  As well as being a great day for all involved, it is an opportunity to generate vital funds for a much-loved charity that carries out very important work.”

Tickets for PDSA PetLife ’18 are on sale now at PetLife.org.uk.

PDSA has been providing free and reduced-cost veterinary treatment to some of the UK’s most vulnerable pets for 100 years. The charity receives no Government funding and relies on public support to run its service, which costs more than £60 million every year.

Kaiser Chiefs picture – Credit Danny North

PATS Sandown is set to be a must-visit event for pet retailers and buyers as the industry’s leading companies show their commitment to the exhibition on March 20-21, 2018.

Bookings for the Sandown Park showpiece are impressive, and previous exhibitors Anco, Beaphar, Danish Design, flexi, IPN, Hills, James Wellbeloved, Kong, Merial, Pedigree Wholesale, Pettex, PJ Pet and Royal Canin have already committed to the event. For a full list see the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk.

“It will be the 10^th PATS Sandown in March next year and it’s great to know that the pet industry continues to get right behind the exhibition,” said organiser Annie Foord.

“Visitors to the show can be assured they will get to see and speak to the leading names in the industry. Early indications point towards lots of new products being launched at the show.”

PATS regular Danish Design admitted it was really looking forward to the show. General manager Rob Newsome said: “PATS Sandown is a fantastic annual opportunity for Danish Design. The excellent location places us right in the heart of our Southern customer base and gives us a great opportunity to showcase our latest products.”

And Steve Bolton, of Pettex, commented: “It’s always a pleasure to attend PATS Sandown where we can meet up with potential new customers and catch up with existing clients in a professional but relaxed atmosphere.”

One of PATS Sandown’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which continues to grow in size. Because of its importance the Showcase will take pride of place in Surrey Hall’s Brasserie Bar in 2018.

All entries in the Showcase will be judged by a panel of pet retailers for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show.

Sky Pet Products is one company that knows the importance of winning a New Product Award, having won the Bird Product category at Sandown in the past. Lee Gardiner said: “We were delighted to have our products recognised by the industry. PATS is a great environment to see an award celebrated. The accolade has helped to ensure we are seen at the top of our sector with award winning products.”

There will be a series of free seminars during both days of the show, and the free-to-attend talks will cover a wide range of topics.

To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, both the Surrey and Esher Halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue and many special offers.

For all the latest news about PATS Sandown visit www.patshow.co.uk

Pooch & Mutt's best-selling Tube Treats have a special Christmas addition…and this year they've gone international. Stockists currently span across the world with countries including The Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Portugal, Italy and China.

The Christmas Dinner Tube Treats have returned following incredible sales from previous years, and are back reaching global success for Pooch & Mutt. 

Customers have said:

• “Ideal packaging for the dogs Xmas presents, good value for money”
• “Excellent product with added cranberry. Good for the urinary tract. Suits my Husky's sensitive tummy as well. She also loves them”.

The treats combine a blend of turkey, parsnips, stuffing, peas and gravy, with sage and thyme stuffing for a delicious authentic festive flavour. Ethical and natural, each treat is only three calories, so dogs all over the world can enjoy Christmas with all the trimmings – and without the sprouts.

Available from: Vital, Pedigree, NVS and Pooch & Mutt direct: buy 6 tubes for £17.99 and save £3.

Film footage from this year’s PATS exhibtions can now be viewed on video. Reaction to PATS Sandown and PATS Telford is captured in a special film commissioned by organisers Impact Exhibitions.

The short video sums up what people thought of the two shows at Sandown Park in March and at the Telford International Centre in September. There has been some great feedback from both visitors and exhibitors, and the film captures the positive mood of the pet industry towards the exhibitions.

Both shows recorded an increase in visitor numbers. A total of 2,148 visitors went through the doors of the Telford International Centre, 7% higher than in 2016, and 1,917 visited PATS Sandown, an increase of 3% on the previous year.

The video can now be viewed on the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk or by clicking here

One hundred years ago on Friday (17 November 1917) a sign was hung outside a dingy east London basement, inviting impoverished local people to bring their sick and injured animals for treatment. Inside, a single vet worked throughout the day, dressing wounds, fixing broken bones and dispensing medicine.

A century later, PDSA is the UK’s leading pet wellbeing charity, with 48 pet hospitals, from Aberdeen to Plymouth, dedicated to helping the country’s most vulnerable pets. In that time it has provided an astonishing 100 million treatments to 20 million family pets – supporting hard-pressed households throughout the land.

Without a penny of Government funding, the charity’s hospitals now see more than 5,000 pets every day (that’s 13 every minute!). Its dedicated vet teams not only treat illness and injury but help prevent pets getting sick in the first place. They also educate owners – and the wider public – to ensure their beloved pets stay healthy and happy.

Reflecting on an astonishing century of progress, PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “This charity was founded on the vision of one incredibly strong and determined woman: Maria Dickin. With few resources and precious little support, she set up our first dispensary amid the poverty and chaos of World War I.

“With an unswerving commitment to helping the most vulnerable animals – and their hard-pressed owners – Maria built upon these humble beginnings to spread the good work further afield, eventually creating a truly national charity.

“The world has changed beyond recognition since our inception, and we have to change too, to ensure our work remains as effective and relevant as possible. But our core values remain the same as on Day One. We are here to protect that most precious bond between owners and their beloved pets.”

For more information, or to support PDSA’s vital work, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pdsa100

PDSA at a glance:
PDSA provides 2.7 million free and reduced-cost treatments every year
PDSA treats 470,000 sick and injured pets every year
PDSA runs the world’s most prestigious Animal Awards programme: This includes the world-famous PDSA Dickin Medal. Known globally as the animals’ Victoria Cross, this award is presented for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving with the armed forces.
PDSA’s charitable work is supported by a UK-wide chain of high street shops and thousands of volunteers.
PDSA runs several high profile research and publicity campaigns designed to improve the wellbeing of UK pets. These include Pet Fit Club – the national pet slimming competition which addresses the issue of pet obesity; Pet Survivor – the annual search tor the UK’s pluckiest pets, who survive against all the odds; The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – which provides invaluable annual insight into the state of our pet nation.

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Armitage’s Good Boy Advent Calendar was the third highest re-entry in a nationwide bestsellers Christmas products chart, returning to the Top 50 at No 33 after increasing sales by 50% on the previous week.

The Good Boy Advent Calendar for Dogs has entered the GTN Bestsellers Christmas Products chart, which lists the top 50 bestselling festive items in garden centres.

The success of the God Boy product is testament to the fact that more pet owners are buying advent calendars for their animals as well as their children.

Most of the pet calendars are packed with treats and there's even a reusable calendar, which owners can restock for many Christmases to come.

The Welsh Enterprise Awards 2017 were created to cast a spotlight on SMEs which really stand out from the crowd and in the SME Welsh Enterprise Awards 2017 the Best Dog Food of the Year Award for Best Dog Food Manufacturer went to CSJ.

CSJ’s founder Ceri Rundle has also been awarded a Highly Commended certificate in the Women in Leadership category for the Leading Wales Awards 2017.

The Women in Leadership category was open to women in leadership roles in every sector (Public, Private, Voluntary or Social Enterprise) and at whatever level of responsibility in the organisation or business.

The judges were looking for nominees whose leadership is making a real difference in Wales, impacting positively on moving forward their community, business or organisation.

Leading Wales Awards sought people whose leadership is making a real difference, irrespective of their hierarchical role and responsibilities within their business, organisation or community project.

Ceri commented, “As a company proud of our heritage and dedicated to producing our products in the UK it was a lovely surprise to receive the news of these awards!”

Pictured: Ceri starting young in her canine career!

Agria Pet Insurance has announced that Robin Hargreaves, former British Veterinary Association President, is joining the team as Vet Panel Lead.

This advisory role will see Robin supporting the specialist pet insurer from a veterinary perspective on many aspects of its business strategy and product portfolio, while building on Agria’s already established bonds within the international veterinary community.

Born into the farming community in the Yorkshire Dales, Robin has spent over 30 years in the veterinary industry. He is currently director of a busy, Lancashire-based independent veterinary practice and is actively involved in a number of industry initiatives.

Since qualifying in 1985, Robin worked with two smaller practices before joining his current practice in Colne, which, with 18 vets and a large, varied client base, caters for small animals, equine and farm stock. In 2013/14 Robin spent a year as President of the BVA, and is also a past president of the Lancashire Veterinary Association.

In addition to his extensive clinical and industry experience, Robin is passionate about animal welfare and the proven social benefits of pet ownership. He is also a representative of Mind Matters, a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons initiative developed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of those working in the veterinary sector.

“I am very excited to be joining the team at Agria. It will be a wonderful opportunity to apply my clinical knowledge and experience to help an industry so fundamental to positive pet ownership,” said Robin.

“Our practice sees a blend of insured and uninsured clients, so we are very sensitive to people’s ability to pay and the importance of access to pet insurance.”

Managing Director of Agria Pet Insurance, Simon Wheeler, commented: “Having known Robin for many years, I have always been hugely impressed by his commitment to the profession he works in and represents. Robin is one of the UK’s most respected vets and, whether it’s animal or veterinary welfare, he is always immersed at the heart of what’s important.

“At Agria, we always aim to deliver a fantastic product underpinned with unparalleled service for our clients and their vets. To achieve the ambition, it is paramount that Agria has a strong, inclusive relationship with the profession and Robin, as our Vet Lead, will be pivotal in ensuring this happens.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome him on board and look forward to his expert council and guidance helping to shape the future of both Agria and pet insurance.”

WildWash has announced that veterinary clinics can now purchase its products through NVS.

WildWash prides itself on being an honest and trustworthy brand which lists all ingredients on products.

The products are renowned for the wonderful results they achieve, and it is for this reason that the range is stocked in veterinary clinics worldwide.

NVS is a one-stop shop for vets and takes orders up to 8pm seven days a week.

Jane Cooper, for WildWash, said: “We are happy that NVS are now stocking our products. They have amazing customer service and make ordering for our veterinary surgeries very easy and straight forward.

“Hopefully this will encourage even more vets to stock WildWash. We get such great feedback from our veterinary customers and this market is very important to us.”

Patrick Murphy, of Northwich Vets in Cheshire, said: “Since starting to stock Wildwash Shampoos, we have found the range very easy to sell, and clients are loving their 100% pure essential oil natural fragrances.

“The Sensitive and Conditioning shampoos are particularly popular and we have been getting excellent feedback on them from owners whose pets have had chronic skin issues.”

WildWash is exhibiting at The London Vet Show this week on stand S12.

www.londonvetshow.co.uk

Agria Pet Insurance has been shortlisted for the Pet Service Business of the Year award, by the Pet Industry Federation for the Pet Industry Awards 2017.

This year’s record number of entries has made it tougher than ever for the finalists to secure their places, requiring clear demonstrations of exceptional customer satisfaction and staff training plus a clear focus on animal welfare and the wider community.

As winners of the Silver GILT Award at the National Contact Centre Improvements Awards and holders of a five-star Trustpilot rating, Agria is known for their ongoing commitment to providing outstanding customer service and for their close ties with the veterinary industry, charity and welfare organisations.

Anna Thomas, from Agria, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award from such an influential organisation in our field. As such a close-knit team, being recognised for what we do is always a fantastic feeling; we all have our fingers crossed for the finals!”

The winners will be announced at the Pet Industry Awards dinner on Tuesday 28^th November at Whittlebury Hall Hotel, Towcester.

Pooch & Mutt has enlisted the help of four models body-painted as dogs, a top music producer and an award-winning film director to highlight some of the problems with the pet food industry.

While naked models body-painted as dogs might not be the obvious way to talk about pet health and nutrition, Pooch & Mutt believes there is a need to do something different when 87% of the £34 million spent on pet food advertising in the UK is controlled by confectionery giants.

Pooch & Mutt claims there are 3 key factors the public should know about:

1. The company’s website provides an infographic to show who owns what.
2. Big pet food companies can change what goes in the food, dependent on what is cheapest at the time, without informing customers or even changing the packaging. A link from Pooch & Mutt’s website shows the potential consequences of this for the health of our pets.
3. Some pet foods that say ‘chicken’ or ‘beef’ on the front of the packs could contain as little as 1% chicken or beef. There have been other campaigns showing how big companies use the regulations to only include 4%, Pooch & Mutt takes this a step further to show how the worst offenders only use 1%.

Pooch & Mutt founder Guy Blaskey said: “For years the independent pet sector has been making and selling higher quality foods, but have only managed to reach a small percentage of the population. The mass market is dominated by large companies. We think that the nation’s dogs deserve better and we have to think creatively to get this message out there.

“With consumers becoming more aware of pet food ingredients, the growth in sales of our ‘Health food for dogs’ has been astronomical. We thought it was a good time to do something different to get the message across.

“I’m pretty sure everyone can agree that’s what we have done. Both the track and the video came out even better than expected. A huge thanks goes to Ben and Nadia from the production company HOUND London, as well as the music producer Billy, the makeup artists and all the models who did an amazing job on what we knew was a weird brief.”

Each of the models spent over one and a half hours in makeup to get the look right.

The film can be seen at facebook.com/poochandmutt and www.poochandmutt.com/nothingtohide

Robert Nicklas is closing his family-run Hull pet store after 71 years but has revealed he's staying in the industry to run his successful VIP Engravers business.

Robert firmly denied reports in his local newspaper that he was calling time on Thearne’s Pet Store to take early retirement, and told Pet Trade Xtra: “I am very successful with VIP Engravers so I'm closing to concentrate on that.”       

But he admitted he would be also spending more time on his music interests, which would mean doing more live performances with his band called The Planks.

Exhibitors to the PATS would have been entertained by Robert and his group during drinks receptions at the trade shows.

“It’s sad to be closing the pet store but I feel the time is right to concentrate on VIP Engravers,” said Robert.

“During the war my Grandma opened a horsemeat-for-human-consumption shop. After the war it switched to selling meat for dogs and then my dad Eric took over from there on finishing his national service in 1946.

“He expanded into being a general pet store and we've been in Hull city centre ever since. My son came into the business, but he left to be a chartered surveyor. We are closing after 71 years."

A woman who illegally imported sick border collie puppies from a puppy farm in Ireland and passed them off as a home breed has been ordered to pay £1,630 for running a 'pet shop' without a licence.

Helen Moorey of Ashbury, near Wantage, Oxfordshire, was fined £600 and told to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £1,000 costs.

The sentence comes after the 55-year-old was found guilty of breaching Section 1 of the Pet Animals Act 1951 at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 2.

During the trial, six witnesses gave evidence that Moorey had been involved with puppy sales last year and this year.

Given the frequency that puppies were available for sale and the fact Moorey refused to let anyone into her property to meet the puppies’ mother, it was decided this was a commercial operation and required a licence.

Moorey, who is already serving a jail term for fraud relating to the operation, did not give evidence at this trial.

In sentencing, the District Judge took Ms Moorey’s limited means into account, along with other recent convictions for fraud relating to the sale of puppies, for which she was serving a prison sentence.

A full report of the case can be found on the Oxford Mail website – click here to view

Pictured: One of the puppies being sold illegally by Helen Moorey. (Courtesy RSPCA)