Pets at Home have made the following announcement today about their Year End trading:

For most of our fourth quarter the Group traded in line with market expectations1, reflecting the continuous execution of our proven pet care strategy. In the closing weeks of the financial year we have, however, experienced exceptional levels of demand, both in-store and online, as the COVID-19 crisis has developed, and have seen existing customers increase average basket size by pulling forward purchases as well as new customers access our pet products and healthcare services.

Our previous investments in omnichannel capacity, new customer acquisition channels and subscription services had equipped us to meet above-trend levels of demand and, with disruption in Far East supply stabilising relatively quickly, our product availability held up well.

Accordingly, we now expect underlying pre-tax profit for the full year to be slightly above the top end of the range of current market expectations (see note below)

Balance sheet and liquidity

Our balance sheet is resilient and we maintain strong and supportive relationships with our banking partners. We have extensive headroom on debt capacity and covenants with a significant proportion of our committed £248m Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) remaining available for drawdown pre maturity in 2023. Total liquidity including cash balances is approximately £160m, and we expect to end FY20 with a net debt/EBITDA ratio pre IFRS16 of under 1.0x.

In view of the prevailing backdrop, we remain vigilant across our funding requirements, ongoing measures for cash preservation and prudent allocation of capital.

COVID-19 Update

Our priorities are first and foremost to safeguard the wellbeing and safety of our colleagues, Partners, suppliers, customers and pets, as well as ensure continuity of customer service in our stores, Distribution Centres and support offices, and we have implemented a number of protocols in this respect. These include removing all but essential travel, the adoption of alternative working arrangements for colleagues, procedures to protect the health and safety of our colleagues and customers and advice and support to colleagues on maintaining good health and wellbeing.

Our designation by the UK Government as an "essential retailer", together with the national distribution of our UK store estate, means that we can continue providing those pet products and health care services that are deemed essential to the nation's pet owners, at a time when pets are playing an increasingly vital role in our daily lives.

In seeking to strike a balance between providing essential services to the public alongside safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues, we have closed our Groom Room salons and implemented all Government advice regarding social distancing across our operations. While nearly all of our First Opinion veterinary practices, and all of our Specialist Referral centres, currently remain open to provide urgent and emergency pet health care, in line with industry guidance, we do anticipate reduced customer revenues. This, together with the likelihood of lower store revenues resulting from other necessary measures we have implemented, is expected to have a negative impact on our normal levels of Group turnover as we start the new financial year.

Outlook

Pets at Home is a resilient business with the capability to adapt and respond quickly to changing market conditions. We have an experienced management team who are not only determined to successfully navigate the Group through these unprecedented times, but also to create a stronger pet care business for the future, in line with our previously communicated longer-term strategy.

Given the uncertain backdrop, we do not think it is appropriate to give financial guidance for FY21 and beyond at this stage. Subject to audit completion timelines, the Group currently plans to announce its final results on Thursday, 21 May 2020, although this date will be confirmed in due course.

Peter Pritchard, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented: "While FY20 has undoubtedly ended strongly for Pets At Home during this unprecedented time, the period ahead is uncertain for us all, and Pets At Home will not be immune to these challenges that we collectively face. I am extremely grateful that our colleagues and operations have shown such resilience and flexibility to meet the recent exceptional level of demand from both existing and new customers. As ever, in difficult times consumers turn to trusted brands and advice, and that is why we are working tirelessly to ensure that we continue to provide essential products and healthcare services for the UK's pets.

"The health and safety of our colleagues, Partners, suppliers, customers and pets remains our top priority. We continue to take all appropriate action in line with Government advice and remain vigilant to the potential impact of COVID-19 as we start the new financial year. We are also providing support for the communities that need us through £1.1m of funding to nominated pet charities, a £1m crisis fund for colleagues and discounts to NHS workers as they care for the nation's health. Finally, I would like to thank all our fantastic colleagues, Partners and customers for their amazing support during this challenging period. Amidst an unprecedented backdrop, never has our role as a pet care provider been more important, and never have we been more determined to serve the nation's pet owners".

Note:  As at 26 March 2020, the Company compiled consensus for full year pre-IFRS16 pre-tax profit was £93.7m, ranging from £92.0m to £97.1m. The impact of IFRS16 is expected to reduce Group underlying profit before tax by c£6-7m in FY20

Lily’s Kitchen, creator of proper food for pets, yesterday announced that it has been acquired from Private Equity Firm L Catterton by Nestlé Purina, a world leader in pet care. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Established 12 years ago in founder Henrietta Morrison’s kitchen in London, Lily’s Kitchen has become an internationally recognised £85 million retail brand offering its natural recipes for dogs and cats across 6,000 stores in 30 countries. Last year the company was awarded The Royal Warrant from HRH The Prince of Wales.

Lily’s Kitchen has experienced rapid growth in both international expansion and continued product innovation, and in the last year alone saw a 30% increase in revenue. In its next chapter of growth, Nestlé Purina will help to build upon the Company’s momentum by further increasing Lily’s Kitchen’s brand awareness and supporting the continued expansion of its global footprint to reach more pet parents.

Lily’s Kitchen will continue to operate out of its offices in London as a standalone entity led by Lily’s Kitchen’s CEO, David Milner and the existing management team. Lily’s Kitchen’s employees, both junior and senior, who own a stake in the Company, will also be able to share the success.

“I created Lily’s Kitchen in the belief our pets deserved better, more natural food that would make them healthier. I was inspired to do this by my own dog, Lily, who was ill and is happily now nearly 17 years old,” says Henrietta Morrison. “I’m proud we have been able to bring the business this far and by working with Purina we will accelerate Lily’s Kitchen, becoming truly global so that pet owners worldwide can have access to really healthy, natural pet food. I have always believed passionately in growing the business by doing the right thing by our people, our consumers and the planet. We have created a brand that people and their pets really love. I’m so proud of what we have achieved and know the brand will be taken good care of in its next chapter and beyond.”

“We are greatly humbled to have been acknowledged and backed by L Catterton and now Nestlé Purina,” said David Milner. “From the ingredients we use in our recipes, to the relationships we have built with our partners, retailers and consumers, our Company remains committed to this award-winning formula for our loyal customers around the world. Our vision, purpose and values will always be at the heart of who we are and what we do.”

“Lily’s Kitchen has done a brilliant and unique job of creating a wonderful brand with its ethical approach to business. We are very excited to help bring the brand to the next level and to continue to make a positive impact,” said Calum Macrae, Regional Director, Northern Region, Nestlé Purina.

“We are proud to have partnered with Lily’s Kitchen over the last four and a half years to grow the business and provide more pets and pet parents access to natural and wholesome pet food of the highest quality,” said Michael Farello, Managing Partner, L Catterton Growth Fund. “We are excited to watch the company continue on its exciting trajectory.”

Natural foods represents one of the fastest growing segments in the pet food category, reaching 7% of total pet food with double digit growth of 10%.

With the backing of private equity firm L Catterton, Lily’s Kitchen has recently expanded into the Middle East and Asia and already has a growing presence in France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany. Lily’s Kitchen will continue to be run as a stand-alone business from its base in Fitzrovia, London.

Nestlé Purina is a world leading pet care company that makes many popular and trusted pet food brands, such as Purina ONE, Pro Plan, FELIX and Winalot, and works continuously to enrich the lives of pets and the people who love them.

Founded by Henrietta Morrison in 2008 with the purpose of creating natural, wholesome pet food, Lily’s Kitchen has since grown from Henrietta’s kitchen table to reach the homes of loyal customers across 30 countries with over £85m in retail sales. After noticing a discernible lack of quality, natural and nutritional food options for her border terrier, Lily, Henrietta partnered with vets, nutritionists and farmers to create unique recipes of wholesome, natural ingredients. Today, those recipes – and many more – created the premium natural pet food category in the UK, and can be found in 6,000 stores around the world. Lily’s Kitchen holds the prestigious honour of having been awarded a Royal Warrant in 2019 and was the first pet food brand in the world to become a B Corp, a worldwide group of organisations using business as a force for good. For more information please visit lilyskitchen.co.uk.

How do you feel about the sale of Lily's Kitchen?  Please use the comments button below or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Vital Pet Group company directors, Ravi and Sunny Sharma, are keen to support the trade in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak and have now set up a dedicated Lifeline Fund that will enable them to offer extended credit terms to the loyal retail customers who have supported Vital over the last two years through its testing times.

Ravi explains that it seems like the right thing to do, "While the government has made promises to help the self-employed and employed workers, there's still a great deal of anxiety over what the future holds for the pet trade. The supply chain has been recognised as an essential business and we are still working to fill the need, as well as service the demand created by panic buying. It's a time when we all need to pull together and think of others."

He continued, "While we can't promise to support everyone, we'll do our best to support as many loyal customers as we can with extended credit lines. Both retailers and suppliers have been hugely supportive of us as we've made the changes we needed to turn Vital into a business fit for the 21st Century. Now it's our time to recognise that and support them."

Retailers who want to apply to the Lifeline fund should send their account number and reasons for needing an extension to simon.shaw@vitalpetproducts.co.uk and add Vital Lifeline Fund to the subject line. The Vital team will aim to review the application and respond in no more than five working days. The fund will be available to access for the next 90 days and will be reviewed thereafter in light of what is happening in the external environment at that time.

Many suppliers are also facing difficulties with distribution and Ravi says Vital is working hard to fill the gaps where suppliers have been let down on the transport front, "We've invested heavily in our infrastructure and right now we are seeing the benefits of having in place new technology and vehicles and a robust approach that allows us to flex capacity. If suppliers are experiencing difficulties with their delivery, we encourage them to speak to their Vital Buyer to enable us to help them complete the supply chain and get their products to the point of sale."

Customers are encouraged to follow Vital on social media for the latest updates and can contact Vital on 01837 883000 or visit www.vitalpets.co.uk.

Interzoo has now been postponed beyond 2020.

The following statement has been posted on the Interzoo website: https://www.interzoo.com/en/news/press-releases/beyond-2020-dyyw0dk0ph_pireport

Given the exceptional circumstances regarding the COVID-19 pandemic WZF has decided to postpone the world´s leading trade fair Interzoo to beyond 2020. This decision follows intense consultations between WZF and its organizing partner, NürnbergMesse.

Due to the current worldwide consequences of COVID-19 Interzoo can no longer be realized in 2020. The organizers are instead working on a new time-slot beyond 2020. This approach was agreed upon by the organizer of the world’s premier trade show for pet supplies, WZF Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH, after careful assessment of the current situation and in consultation with NürnbergMesse as its assigned partner, and with representatives of the industry.

“Interzoo attracts leading companies of the pet supplies industry from around the world. Against the background of the current situation involving health hazards, travelling restrictions and constraints of movement, large-scale economic damage and other adverse factors we consider it impossible to still offer a trade show in 2020 which lives up to the expectation the industry at large associates with a global premier event such as the Interzoo“, says Norbert Holthenrich, President of the German Pet Trade and Industry Association, ZZF, the honorary sponsor of Interzoo. “As we are speaking, the majority of companies are finding themselves in crisis mode and certainly not geared to plan and prepare the presentation of their products and services at a trade fair“, Holthenrich continues.

Search for a new trade fair date

WZF is working with caution at finding the best possible date for the postponed 2020 Interzoo. In doing so, WZF is in constant dialogue with the Interzoo Advisory Committee as well as other industry experts and event organisers. “Our primary objective is to find a solution that serves the interests of our exhibitors and visitors“, states Dr Rowena Arzt, Director Exhibitions at WZF, “because Interzoo’s status as the world’s leading trade fair for pet supplies depends hugely on the exhibitors´ commitment, their well-focused preparation and presentation at the show and, of course, on the ideal mix of trade visitors.“

After an incredible launch, Wilsons Pet Food have now released their new range of delicious Whitefish Skin Dog Treats online and in stores!

Having produced pet food for over 150 years, Wilsons Pet Food currently offer a range of Cold Pressed and Raw Frozen Dog Food which is made and pressed in their purpose-built factories in Scotland. Their new Dog Treats compliment these ranges by continuing to follow their ethos of being 100% natural and healthy.

Wilsons launched their new Whitefish Skin Dog Treats at Crufts last month and were thrilled at the response from customers, as well as the positive reactions from the many taste testers that visited the stand! Due to popular demand, they decided to make their new range available to the public straight after the show.

Their new Whitefish Skins are 100% natural fish skins, all sustainably caught MSC fish from Grimsby in the UK and is rich in extra vitamins and nutrients found naturally in fish. Its natural rough texture aids reduction in tartar build up on dogs teeth, making it a natural dental aid, is low in fat to support weight control and helps support a healthy coat and skin. These treats are perfect as a training aid or as a healthy snack.

As well as being a great opportunity to launch their new product, Wilsons enjoyed a busy and positive first experience at Crufts 2020 – while meeting a wide range of new customers and clients, Wilsons were able to see first-hand dogs enjoying the entire range of Wilsons dog food.

Head of Sales, Dan Griffin, is excited to extend their range “At Wilsons, we are so proud that everything we sell is made in the UK and 100% natural, this is why it has taken some time to select the right treats. Wilsons Whitefish Skins are sustainably sourced, 100% Whitefish cubes from Grimsby which have great benefits for your dog’s teeth and all-round health from its natural oils. At a very affordable price we see this product becoming a staple on many pet shops shelves and in homes across the UK.”

To find out how you can stock our new range of Dog Treats, or to enquire about becoming a stockist of our Raw Frozen and Cold Pressed, please contact Dan on 07969514143 or email dan@wilsonspetfood.co.uk.

Find out more about Wilsons Pet Food and their new Dog Treats online at www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition has combined their Science Plan Small and Miniature and the Mini ranges to create a brand new Science Plan Small & Mini range.

Thanks to urbanisation, small and mini dogs make up 56% of the UK dog population[1]. But just because they’re small in size, doesn’t mean they have a small appetite for life – they win hearts wherever they go!

Small breed dogs are very special and because of their size they live longer. Hill's Science Plan Small & Mini foods are made with the ingredients and nutrients that work with a small dog’s biology. Hill’s cutting-edge nutrition, using predictive biology, supports small dogs at every life stage and helps keep them healthy for years to come. The right nutrition can make small transformations each day that lead to a happy and healthy life.

Hill’s Science Plan Small & Mini, for dog’s under 10kg, provides easy-to-digest nutrition tailored for small dogs and offer benefits including:

● High levels of clinically proven antioxidants to support immunity for a healthy long life

● Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat

● Crunchy kibbles with calcium for strong teeth

● Controlled minerals to help maintain healthy vital organs

● High-quality proteins to support lean muscle

Size and shape matter too. Hill’s Science Plan Small & Mini comes in a smaller disk-shaped kibble that’s specially designed to fit a small dog’s delicate mouth.

The Hill’s Science Plan Small & Mini range includes products for all life stages and also those that address specific needs including sensitive digestion, weight and anxiety & stress.

To show what life is like for smaller dogs, Hill’s has introduced its small and mini hero Benny, the feisty Yorkshire Terrier. Follow his adventures to see what it’s like being a small dog in a big world on the Hill’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

See additional information, benefits and the product range here: https://www.hillspet.co.uk/small-breed-dog-food.

A husky belonging to a Crufts-winning breeder was recently rescued after running into four lanes of 70mph traffic thanks to the quick actions of two motorists – one was a member of the Royal Canin PRO Club and another was a Royal Canin merchandiser.

Naomi March, of Trailhunters Siberians, had been walking three of her huskies, but they managed to barge their way out of their crates. They ran five miles onto the A38 near Exeter.

Colin Wills, a breeder and a member of the Royal Canin PRO Club, pulled over as the dogs were running towards the M5. Meanwhile, Justin Lett, a Royal Canin merchandiser, also stopped to help. Fortunately, one of the huskies, 11-year old Mumble, turned back and approached them and Colin was able to put a lead on her.

Justin dialled 999 and a Highways Patrol was despatched to stop the traffic because the other two dogs were still running in the road.

In a remarkable coincidence, Rachael was also a member of the Royal Canin PRO Club.

Rachael Smith, of Trailhunters Siberians, who jointly owns the dogs with Naomi March said, “I am so grateful to Justin and Colin. It was a truly terrifying experience. If they hadn’t been there, I dread to think what would have happened. It was such a strange coincidence that all three of us had links to Royal Canin!”

Colin Wills, said, “My heart leapt when I saw the dogs running towards the motorway. I thought it was not going to be a happy ending. It was a very frightening experience. I think the husky was curious about my pug Ruby, who I had with me at the time, so the husky approached us and I was then able to get a lead on her.”

Justin said, “I was driving on the A38 and spotted three huskies in the road. I pulled over and met Colin who had already stopped to help. It was only later when we had got the dog to safety that I realised Colin and Rachael were both members of the Royal Canin PRO Club!”

The two other huskies – Bella and Mimi - were found safe and well five miles away and were reunited with Rachael and Naomi later that evening. Both Bella and Mimi have one Challenge Certificate each and Bella got Best of Breed at the Scottish Siberian Husky Club last summer and Mimi took a third in veteran at Crufts this year.

PATS has announced that it will support exhibitors wherever it can with a series of marketing measures designed to help UK pet product suppliers get through the challenging times ahead.

PATS Telford, the UK’s National Pet Industry Exhibition, takes place in six months’ time – 27th-28th September – and the organisers have written to more than 130 exhibitors who have already booked their stand.

“We recognise that with the potential impact of coronavirus this is a challenging time for all, including the pet Industry,” said Gordon Thomas, of organisers Impact Exhibitions and Events Ltd. 

“We want to reassure our exhibitors that over the coming weeks we will do as much as possible to support them at a time when face-to-face meetings with customers is difficult.”

PATS will be using its large database or more than 13,000 contacts, including pet retailers, wholesaler, international distributors, garden centres, farm shops, groomers, kennels and catteries, and other pet professionals, to send targeted communications. Details of new product launches, deals and discounts, and other newsworthy items will be included in a series of e-shots, as well as being posted on the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk. Information supplied by exhibitors will also be used in future press releases.

In a further marketing move PATS has also committed to a comprehensive advertising campaign in the trade press to keep exhibitors and the Telford show at the forefront of pet retailers’ minds.

Gordon Thomas added: “By helping and supporting the pet industry in this way, it will mean that retailers and buyers will be more aware of our exhibitors and their product ranges when PATS Telford takes place in September. By working together, we can ‘weather’ this difficult and hopefully short-term situation.”

Gordon added that the PATS team will be working extra hard to attract more visitors to the show in an effort to beat last year’s attendance figure of 2,103, and also on plans for next year’s PATS Sandown, which takes place on 14th-15th February 2021.

For all the latest information on PATS visit www.patshow.co.uk

Wildlife Rescues have been really struggling to get hold of food and supplies during the recent panic buying despite being inundated with unprecedented amount animals in their care.

Brambles Pet and Wildlife are asking people to continue sending food and essential supplies to these Rescues who continue to do their amazing work saving British Wildlife. In a bid to help, Brambles Pet & Wildlife have ramped up their donations of food to Rescues with many Giveaways over the last few weeks which have been really well received.

Gail Tracey of Brambles commented: “People are living under extreme circumstances during this Covid-19 outbreak and donations to Charities & Wildlife Rescues are not at the top of many people’s priority list. In addition, Wildlife Rescues have had to cancel all of their fund-raising events that they desperately need to keep open and many will be in danger of closing for good, and so, donations are even more important to the Rescues than ever before”

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Pet shops are allowed to open under the restrictions introduced by the Government last week (23 March) for the sale of essential items only.

According to guidance on gov.uk here these are the shops that can remain open: supermarkets and other food shops, health shops, pharmacies including non-dispensing pharmacies, petrol stations, bicycle shops, home and hardware shops, laundrettes and dry cleaners, bicycle shops, garages, car rentals, pet shops, corner shops, newsagents, post offices, and banks.

It is of course up to each individual business as to whether you stay open to the public. You know your personal circumstances and those of your staff and how practical it is to stay operating some kind of service within your premises to enable your customers to get essential supplies for their animals, like food and medicines/treatments.

Shops must stop selling livestock immediately if you haven’t already (unless there is a very good animal welfare reason) – they are not considered an essential item. Limit your sales to food or other essential supplies such as medicines/treatments or replacement kit that has broken down. This will help to keep the flow of customers moving in your premises where the priority should be to deal with them as quickly as possible.

If you decide to close to the public totally we believe you can still travel to your shop to look after the animals under your care. You should carry some kind of proof of where you work to explain to officials should you be asked.

Below are some ideas on what to think about to safeguard your staff and customers if you stay open.

• Remember to keep safe and well – follow the latest advice from Gov.UK and the NHS on ways you can protect your and your staff if you are open to the public e.g. regular hand washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds etc, wiping down surfaces regularly.
  Place tape markers on shop floors 2 metres apart and tell customers to use these markers to keep a safe distance from each other. Place such markers near to tills so those queuing to pay 2 metres distance apart.
  Use markers to introduce a one way lane around your store so that customers avoid being within 2 metres of each other
  Take payments via contactless card payments and clean/wipe down card machines regularly
  Limit the number of customers who can be in the shop at any one time. Have a clear sign on the door that explains your system eg knock and wait before coming in or what is your limit on customer numbers in the shop at any one time.
  Introduce a ‘click and collect’ system so people can order ahead. This will enable you to package items up and leave it in a place before customers approach to pick it up.
  If possible sort out a home delivery for customers in your area which will also help to ensure people are going out infrequently. Set out a defined geographical area for such deliveries and communicate this clearly with customers.
  Make a clear list of the essential products you will sell so customers know what they can purchase. We would suggest this is limited to food, medicines/treatments and replacement equipment that has broken down.
  Think about supply chains to ensure you can help as many customers as you can. We would suggest you do not let people ‘stockpile’ so establish buying rules on numbers if you think that is appropriate. We are currently working with other pet trade associations to ensure supply chain businesses can still work to ensure you remain stocked.
  Keep your websites up to date! Tell customers what you are doing to protect public health. Make sure you have information prominently on your home page about whether you are open, what people need to do to when they visit your shop to buy essential supplies, what you will sell (make clear what you won’t sell as well), if they can buy online and if you are operating a home delivery service in your town
  If you have social media channels keep these up to date as well. ‘Pin’ a post at the top of your feed explaining how you are selling and what – eg online, home delivery etc. Seek out local Facebook groups for your town and post information on that.
  Make a short video explaining what you are doing in your shop, what you will sell, how and to whom and post this on your social media channels and relevant local Facebook groups.
  Post offices are still open but think about how you can safely visit these to send items through the post.

We have other ideas on our Covid-19 information hub for businesses which can found at https://ornamentalfish.org/what-we-do/advice-information/covid-19/

With many charities struggling during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, Northern Pet Trade are making donations to five bird rescue charities to help them out during this difficult time.  The charities are: 

• All Star Parrots Rescue and Rehoming
  Joan’s North Wales Parrot Rescue
  Birdline UK Parrot Rescue
  Safehaven Parrot Refuge
  Problem Parrots

In an ideal world, Northern Pet Trade would love to help out all bird welfare charities, however they have specifically chosen their nominated charities who they have worked with and supported previously.  

Each charity will receive a voucher which they can exchange for essential Parrot supplies, to assist them through these challenging times.  

For more information about Northern Pet Trade visit www.northernpettrade.com 

Eleven pet trade and welfare bodies have come together to call on Government to consider pet welfare during Coronavirus crisis planning, particularly focusing on the need for specialist pet shops to be exempt from any mandatory retail closures. 

In a letter to Defra, they urged Government not to overlook the needs of the nation’s pets. 

Letter to Lord Gardiner

The pet care sector stands in solidarity with the measures recently taken by Government to protect the public against the coronavirus pandemic.

Pets provide a source of comfort and joy during challenging times

As a nation of pet lovers with almost half of UK households owning a pet (41%), it is important that we consider the wellbeing of the pet population too. The pet population includes an estimated 9 million dogs, 7.5 million cats, 2 million small mammals, 1 million pet birds, 800,000 reptiles and around 4 million aquaria.

Many people will have to stay at home and limit their trips for a period ahead. In these difficult times, and more than ever, their pets will be a source of comfort and bring them many benefits both physically and psychologically.

The risk of unintended consequences 

We are aware that retail closures are a potential emergency measure under consideration and are concerned about the unintended consequences for animal health and welfare should pet businesses be subject to closure. We acknowledge the need for social distancing and self-isolation but are concerned about the additional challenges this will create for many vulnerable people in caring for their pets.

Vital to safeguard the health of the nation’s pets

To safeguard the health and welfare of the nation’s pets, the continued provision of key supplies of feed, medicines, bedding and husbandry supplies is vital for fish, birds, reptiles and small mammals, as well as for cats and dogs. In the possible instance of business closures, we urge you to consider sufficient flexibility for suppliers of essential animal care products and to ensure that all businesses that provide products or services for the care of pets are able to remain operational throughout any emergency closures.

Whilst food stores/supermarkets may be permitted to stay open, they only partially meet the dietary needs of some pets, however, not all pets and all needs. The vast majority of specialist pet food, supplements and even some medication required to keep pets healthy is sold to pet owners via specialist pet shops.

Surging in demand 

One major UK retailer is experiencing 50% higher demand than the same period last year, which clearly demonstrates the consumers need for pet food and other care items at this challenging time.

Forcing these specialist shops and veterinary practices to close will shut down access to vital supplies and this could have major consequences for animal health and welfare. The pet care sector therefore calls on Government to ensure flexibility in the provision of vital services and to exempt pet care suppliers from any mandatory closures.  

The organisations included:

• Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA)
• Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA)
• British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS)
• Canine Feline Sector Group (CFSG)
• Companion Animal Sector Council (CASC)
• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH)
• Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA)
• Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA)
• Pet Industry Federation (PIF)
• Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA)
• The Pet Charity

The Times and other financial websites were reporting this morning about the 18% share price rise for Pets at Home.

While other share prices are falling through the floor, the increase for Pets at Home ranks them alongside other retailers including supermarkets, discount stores and Marks & Spencer as businesses that are best placed to weather the Coronavirus crisis.

In The Times article they say: "According to analysts at Peel Hunt, who spoke with bosses this week, sales so far this month have been “profoundly Christmassy” as owners stockpile pet food, treats and accessories.

Other retailers, such as Ocado, have struggled to keep up with this spike in demand, but Pets at Home is thought to be holding up well."

You can read the full article using this link.

Pets at Home were unable to comment on COVID-19 related issues when Pet Trade Xtra contacted them today.

In these unprecedented times Pawfect Pet Foods is keen to do its bit to lift the spirits by providing free product to isolated elderly dog owners times, who are some of the most vulnerable people in the current Coronavirus landscape.

At a time when small sections of society are panic buying and product hoarding, it’s also refreshing to see truly thoughtful examples of social responsibility, be that people collecting shopping/running errands for their elderly neighbours, prominent high street names like Waitrose, Sainsbury’s & Nationwide extending their opening hours to create ‘bespoke’ over 70 time-frames OR food businesses offering up their kitchens to councils who’re looking to make meals for the truly disadvantaged. 

At Pawfect Foods we’re a small, premium-leaning dog treats business that can do very little to ease the growing swirl of anxiety and apprehension.  What we can do however is implement our own random act of kindness to support vulnerable elderly dog owners whose 4-legged companions would benefit from some nutrient-rich/longer life treats.

Unfortunately Pawfect isn’t big or sophisticated enough to have an online shopping system that can create a standalone over 70 database, so we’ve decided instead to adjust the back end gubbings (technical phrase) of our online shop so that every order automatically doubles at no extra cost, in the hope that both loyalists/new recruits can continue to purchase product whilst passing the extra free product on to elderly friends and local neighbours whose pets would REALLY benefit from receiving some free dog treats.

"On one level, I appreciate that this sounds like an odd offer," said Pawfect founder Prash Patwardhan, "but as someone who lost his own mother in 2019, I think anything that raises a smile, or eases some anxiety is worth considering.  In addition we are also looking at how best to get some FREE product to StreetPaws, a fantastic charity that provides free veterinary assistance to the four-legged companions of the homeless."

Pawfectfoods.co.uk.

ChickenGuard, the automatic chicken coop door opener manufacturer, is today issuing advice for all chicken owners, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As supermarkets across the UK continue to experience shortages of many food items, demand for fresh eggs has reached an unprecedented high. As a result, the British Hen Welfare Trust has already reported a surge in people interested in rehousing its rescued commercial-laying hens.

There are currently over 1 million chicken-owning households in the UK.  As interest in acquiring hens continues to spike, many may find themselves at increased risk of their eggs- or even their beloved pets - being stolen.

In light of this, ChickenGuard is issuing some safety advice for chicken owners, in a bid to help keep their flocks safe. As well as following standard welfare practices, and taking the usual precautions against predators, it’s important for chicken owners to take extra precautions in order to keep their birds secure, particularly at night and in the event that they have to leave the house:

• Increase visibility – the majority of us will be staying in for large parts of the day so it’s a good idea to position your chicken run somewhere that is easily visible from the majority of the house, if possible.
• Collect eggs regularly – removing your girls’ eggs as soon as possible will leave left for wandering hands to steal.
• Lock securely. Bolts may keep hens from escaping, but they are not adequate in deterring thieves.  Make sure to use padlocks, or something similarly secure, when locking your hens in for the night.  If you’re concerned about being there to let them out in the morning and prefer using an automatic coop door opener, such as a ChickenGuard, just make sure that their run is securely locked to keep your birds safe.
• Consider Motion Sensor Lighting. Motion detection lights will turn on when they detect any motion near the coop, deterring any potential thieves. They can also be modified to send you an alarm when the lights are activated.

ChickenGuard is currently operating as usual, whilst taking every possible precaution to ensure the health and wellbeing of its staff and their immediate families.

The company’s office and website is still running as usual, so if you have any enquiries, please do get in touch via the website https://www.chickenguard.co.uk/contact-us-2/ or call 01223 855636.

For any chicken owners who are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of their birds during the current outbreak, please do keep an eye on the company’s blog for regular advice and updates. https://www.chickenguard.co.uk/blog/

Vital Pet Group has launched a new survey entitled ‘We hear you!’. The UK wholesaler will be asking retailers to take around 10 minutes out of their day to complete the online survey to gauge confidence in the future of the pet trade and to find out what retailers really want and need from wholesalers and suppliers.

Retailers can take part at http://bit.ly/2U1CaWJ or can visit the Vital Pet Trade Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/vitalpettrade/ where the survey is posted at the top of the page. One winner drawn at random will win a £100 voucher to use against an order placed with Vital.*

Vital Sales and Marketing Director, Heather McManus (above) says too often the needs of pets and their owners are considered but not the needs of retailers, “There’s a vast amount of untapped knowledge in the trade. We want to find out what retailers expect of a trade launch, what products they need to help make their business successful and what matters ‘at the coalface’ of British retailing.”

The survey results will be shared with suppliers to help them better service retailer needs and inform Vital’s future strategy so that retailers receive the service they deserve and that is so important to their profitability and long-term sustainability. 

Heather is asking as many retailers of pet products as possible to fill in the survey, “We’d like this to be fully representative of the trade – so it doesn’t matter if you are a one man (or woman) band, a multi-chain outlet, a grooming parlour with a small range, or a garden centre with a pet section, or which wholesaler you use. The more responses we receive, the more accurate the results. The future is in the hands of all of us and the team here at Vital is determined to do all we can to make it a bright one.”

The survey is open until 5pm on the 20^th April.

*Terms and conditions apply: https://www.facebook.com/notes/vital-pet-trade/terms-and-conditions-for-we-hear-you-survey-competition/2955782837844708/