Birmingham Dogs Home, which cares for over 2,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year, hosted its first-ever ‘Festive Feast’, giving homeless dogs the chance to share a special Christmas meal together at the centre. 

The event, which was organised as part of the centre’s annual Christmas appeal and in partnership with Birmingham-based marketing agency Leopard Co, saw pups from the centre gather around the table with their Canine Carers to enjoy a delicious three-course meal, made possible by donations from the public, as well as generous contributions from Miraculous Meals, Pooch & Mutt, and Frozzys. 

The team looks to ensure as many magical moments for the pooches as possible, especially those like Stockton, Shadow, and Lorna, who are among the pups set to spend their second Christmas at the home, as well as raising vital funds to help keep the charity’s kennels open through the winter months. 

Rachel Frost, Events & Community Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Dogs Home, said: “Our first ever Festive Feast was a huge success! We’ve wanted to host a Christmas dinner for our dogs for years, so to finally see this happen was incredible.  

“Our dogs might be waiting for their forever homes, but it’s so important to us here at Birmingham Dogs Home that while they’re with us, no dog dines alone and that their time is fun and full of care. For a lot of our dogs, this is the second Christmas they’ll be spending here, so it’s activities like these which help the dogs stay social and, importantly, keep them prepared for life in a loving home once they get there.” 

Rachel added: “We’re so grateful for all the donations we received which made this possible – from the funds from the public, to the products from Miraculous Meals, Pooch & Mutt, Frozzys, Petface and Mountain Paws.  

“The festive season has only really just begun, but we already can’t wait for next year’s Festive Feast.” 

Running alongside the charity’s seasonal fundraising events - including a Christmas Jumper Day, Boxing Day Walk, and community quizzes and craft fayres - the Festive Feast campaign hopes to raise awareness of the £6,000 a day it costs to keep Birmingham Dogs Home running. 

To learn more about how you can support Birmingham Dogs Home and donate to help make a dog’s Christmas extra special this year, visit: https://birminghamdogshome.org.uk/xmas-2025/

See gallery of pictures below...

After the overwhelming success of award-winning Happy Gut Yogurt Squeeze, Frozzys has added to the range with Happy Gut Yogurt Squeeze – Chicken.

Designed for daily use, the new variety maintains the same commitment to quality and transparency that made the original range a favourite among retailers and pet owners alike. 

Happy Gut Yogurt Squeeze is 0% fat, contains no added sugar and is lactose free. It has been developed to:

• Support a healthy gut
• Help strengthen the immune system
• Support nutrient absorption
• Prebiotic effect
• Reduce poo odours

As pet owners continue to demand treats that do more than satisfy cravings, the market for functional pet products has grown exponentially. Responding to this shift, Frozzys has developed a formula that combines irresistible real chicken flavour with key nutrients known to support joint health - including collagen, chondroitin and essential omega fatty acids.

“The response to our existing range has been incredible,” says Jackie Kirk, Head of Frozzys. “Consumers are looking for treats that are not only delicious but beneficial. Our Happy Gut Yogurt Squeeze - Chicken brings together the taste dogs love and the functional support owners appreciate - especially for breeds prone to joint issues or ageing mobility concerns.”

Retail partners can expect strong demand, with early trials showing high repeat purchase behaviour – especially among owners of medium-to-large breeds and senior dogs.

The new flavour is available to order now, with point-of-sale materials, promotional support and digital assets provided to retailers. 

For more information reach out to Frozzys directly at sales@frozzys.com

Pet firm boss Zoe Heard, who runs three successful businesses, has been shortlisted for Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the UK Small Business Awards.

The 26-year-old looks after Posh Paws Dog Grooming, Posh Paws Dog Training, and natural pet products firm Natri-Pet, based in Timberscombe, Somerset.

Zoe, who has appeared on the ITV’s This Morningprogramme with her show dog Kali, is a qualified dog groomer and certified dog trainer.

Her natural pet product company, Natri-Pet, is growing rapidly and will soon be supplying local businesses and pet shops, with a dedicated website launching shortly.

“Running three businesses and continually developing my skills has taken a lot of dedication,” she told the West Somerset Free Press. “Being shortlisted for this award is a great acknowledgment of that work.”

Picture taken from Natri-Pet's Facebook page.

Faithful canine companions who stand on pitches alongside Big Issue vendors are receiving their own version of the iconic red Big Issue tabard ahead of the Christmas period.

The social enterprise has partnered with Animal Friends Insurance to kit out their vendors’ canine companions with specially designed dog tabards, created to turn heads and kickstart conversation between vendors and customers over the festive season and beyond.

The tabards also recognise the valuable contribution of those dogs who endure long spells in wet and cold weather to provide companionship to their vendor owners. They’ve already been distributed to a trial group of vendors across the UK, including Ian Duff, who sells the Big Issue in Bath with his dogs Trigger and Marlene.

Duff said: “It's really important that those tabards stand out, they're in the Christmas colour as well. My customers already love them and I've got new people are coming up every day, saying they're fantastic.”

Another recipient of a dog tabard is Bella, a Yorkshire Terrier belonging to Martin McKenzie, who sells the Big Issue in Victoria. Big Issue ambassador Chris Packham visited his pitch and heard how the tabard talking point conversation was already translating to sales.

McKenzie said: “A five-minute walk can take an hour with Bella, we have to stop and say hello to so many people. These tabards mean she’s getting even more attention and bringing customers my way.”

Big Issue ambassador Chris Packham said: “Many Big Issue vendors are social people who enjoy interaction. And with Martin, he’s got the greatest asset in Bella. She’s just absolutely delightful, and she's got her own fan club, as we saw. 

“We were with him for around half-an-hour, and there must have been at least six people that came up and petted Bella that she knew. These adorable dog tabards will create another talking point and help Martin build that loyal customer base that he’s reliant on to make a living.”

Since 1998, Animal Friends has donated over £9 million to more than 830 animal welfare and conservation charities across the world – including more than £110,000 to the charity StreetVet, which provides free essential veterinary care and services to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.

StreetVet is one of a number of charities whose work is spotlighted in this week’s pet special of the Big Issue, on sale now from street vendors across the UK.

Richard Mills, CEO at Animal Friends Insurance said: “Animal Friends was created with a simple wish: to bring more kindness and compassion into the lives of all animals, no matter their size, species, or home. Supporting positive change in animal welfare and conservation is at the very heart of what we do, so it feels incredibly meaningful to be working alongside The Big Issue. 

“These tabards not only show recognition to the valuable contribution of those who endure long spells in harsh weather to provide companionship to their vendor owners, they also highlight the pivotal role these furry friends play in their owner’s lives.”

Russell Blackman, Managing Director of Big Issue, said: “We’re grateful to Animal Friends for enabling us to create such an adorable talking point for our vendors as we arrive in December, their most important sales month of the year.

“Please support your local Big Issue vendor as they sell round the clock on cold and wet winter days. And remember to always take the magazine you buy – much like their canine companions, our vendors are working, not begging. Selling the Big Issue gives people in extreme poverty a way to earn an income through trade, with all the respect and dignity that comes with that.”

This week’s Big Issue pet special is on sale from vendors now. If you can’t reach your local vendor, visit bigissue.com to buy a Vendor Support Kit which equips them with tools and support to sell through the tough winter months.

EzyDog has launched its newest travel safety accessory – the Heavy-Duty Adjustable Dog Seatbelt. It's designed to bring professional-grade, and law-compliant restraint to everyday dog travel. 

The Heavy-Duty Adjustable Dog Seatbelt has been engineered to meet the demands of safe, comfortable travel with dogs of all breeds. Key features include:

• Robust automotive-grade webbing: made from genuine seat-belt style webbing for excellent strength and durability in vehicle environments.
• Adjustable length: allows the belt to be adapted to the vehicle and to give the dog an appropriate range of safe movement.
• Simple “click-in” mechanism plugs directly into the car’s seatbelt socket, then attaches to the dog’s harness, or the D-ring of an EzyDog harness, to minimise driver distraction and hold the dog securely.
• Travel-ready: a smart, clean solution that integrates into the vehicle’s back seat rather than adding bulky aftermarket fixtures.
• 7075 Aluminium Swivel Carabiner featuring an auto-lock safety gate for maximum security.
• Hardened Steel Seat Buckle Clip to create a secure, reliable connection via your car’s seatbelt plug

In short, the Heavy-Duty Adjustable Dog Seatbelt offers dog owners a practical, reliable way to keep their pet safely restrained in the car, reducing risk and promoting better behaviour in transit. 

With increasing consumer focus on pet travel safety and regulatory interest in animals in vehicles, pet retailers and accessory specialists are looking for quality, trusted solutions.

The EzyDog Heavy-Duty Adjustable Dog Seatbelt brings a premium, performance-led product into this marketplace, offering:

• A strong value proposition: differentiating on build quality and materials compared with generic dog car-leash products.
• Margin opportunity: an accessory that complements harness and travel-gear portfolios and encourages cross-selling of travel-safety bundles.
• Credibility: EzyDog’s long heritage in dog-gear design positions the brand as a specialist supplier in the pet travel category.

While some birds are bold, brash, and easy to spot, others are much more elusive. Simon Smethurst, who is head of sales at Honeyfield’s, reveals how they can be welcomed into gardens with some clever tactics.

“The nature of the more secretive species makes them challenging to see,” said Simon. “But with a little extra effort your customers will soon know all the tricks about how to attract them and their gardens will be adorned with numerous of the lesser known, but equally beautiful garden birds.”

Wrens, Dunnocks, Treecreepers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, and other Summer Warblers 

Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs are traditionally Summer visitors, spending the winter in Africa but they are starting to overwinter in the UK, especially in the south of England. 

All the birds in this group are naturally shy and secretive, preferring the thick understory or deeper vegetation, which makes them less visible in the garden. However, their distinct behaviours and movement patterns can bring joy to those fortunate enough to spot them.

They generally prefer an insect-based diet and are more likely to be attracted by suets, fats, mealworms, and calciworms than by seeds. They tend to avoid standard hanging feeders, as they dislike competing with more aggressive birds and do not like the exposure of a typical feeding station. The key is to be inventive with feeding strategies.

• Paste suets on exposed logs or tree trunks. 
• Smear peanut-based butters into gaps in fences. 
• Hide fat balls and suet blocks amongst the twigs in shrubs. 
• Set up a small, flat-surfaced feeding station low down and out of sight from larger, bolder birds. 

Bullfinches and Hawfinches

• Secretive by nature these beautiful birds tend to feed alone and prefer secluded spots but with some clever planning and persistence they can become regular visitors.
• Hang a feeding tray at head height in a tree with plenty of foliage
• Provide longer perches for seed feeders, but exercise caution as this can make the feeders more accessible to larger, more aggressive birds.
• Experiment with different locations in your garden to discover which areas are most attractive to these elusive species. 

For all birds

• Protect against rodents or squirrels by using a cage or a squirrel-resistant feeder and feed little and often to keep food fresh.
• Always provide fresh water and keep water bowls clean to maintain a healthy environment for all your avian guests.

“Attracting these special and secretive birds requires a bit more effort and persistence,” said Simon. “However, with dedication, your customers may be rewarded by the appearance of new and fascinating visitors in their gardens, perhaps even a species they have never seen before. Once these birds discover a reliable food source, they often remain loyal, provided the food is kept topped up.” 

Honeyfield’s offers an exceptional range of wild bird feeds designed to support wildlife throughout the changing seasons. From high-energy sunflower hearts and nutritious seed mixes to suet treats and mealworms, there’s a feed for every species and dietary requirement.  An innovative variety of feeders are also available to help your customers create a thriving, natural environment where birds and other wildlife can flourish.

The ranges are competitively priced for consumers to be able to feed the best, while retailers can benefit from good margin structures and introductory stocking incentives.

To find out more about the Honeyfield’s range visit: https://www.honeyfieldswildbird.co.uk/

Waita Pets' new Freeze-Dried Complete Food for dogs and cats, which was previewed at PATS, is now available to stock.

Waita Pets’ products stand out from the crowd due to their commitment to quality, transparency, and innovation in pet nutrition. At the core of their range is freeze-dried technology, which preserves the natural nutrients, flavours, and textures of real ingredients without the use of high heat or artificial preservatives. This process ensures that pets receive the full nutritional benefits of raw food, in a safe, convenient, and shelf-stable form.

“Our product development is grounded in rigorous research and a strong commitment to nutritional integrity. We began by thoroughly studying species-appropriate diets, focusing on the natural nutritional needs of dogs and cats. This involved reviewing current scientific literature on raw and freeze-dried feeding, consulting veterinary nutrition guidelines, and analysing ingredient functionality to ensure our formulations deliver balanced, bioavailable nutrients,” says Bolun Li, co-founder of Waita alongside his business partner, Wendy Wang.

The new complete freeze-dried dog food and cat food is made with 99.2 % meat and is available in 3 different proteins: rabbit, duck, and chicken. It provides complete nutrition for dogs and cats in all life stages.  

Available in 400g bags for both cats and dogs. The duck variety contains 100% duck meat, bone, organs, blood, and functional pumpkin – this single-protein recipe is rich, digestible, and naturally irresistible.

The chicken is made from 100% chicken including meat, bone, egg yolk cubes, heart, breast, liver, and gizzard – this single-protein recipe is highly digestible and nutrient-rich. The rabbit variety is made from 100% real rabbit – including meat, bone, lung, liver, and blood. Again, it is highly digestible and nutrient rich.

The new complete food can be served as a complete meal, as a topper but it also makes excellent dog training treats as well. RRP. £27.76 - £29.99 depending on variety.

For further information on Waita Pets’ products visit: www.waitapets.co.uk

For trade customer visit: www.waitapets.co.uk/pages/wholesale-contact

Lily’s Kitchen has launched its new limited edition offering to bring festive joy to furry family members this Christmas. The range features specially crafted recipes with seasonal ingredients like turkey, cranberry, and sweet potato, packaged in beautiful seasonal-themed designs that ensure all the family can join in the celebrations.  

From advent calendars to baked treats, pet parents looking to treat their beloved four-legged family this year need look no further than the B Corp pet food brand.  

And to spread even more joy this holiday season, Lily’s Kitchen is donating £20,000 from the sale of their Christmas recipes to Dogs Trust and London Inner City Kitties (LICK). 

The full range includes:

Lily’s Kitchen Advent Calendar for Dogs, 68g – RRP £10.50   

There’s nothing quite like the run up to the big day. Sparkly lights illuminating shop displays. The hustle and bustle of passers-by. A visit to a Treat Shop filled with delights to nestle under your tree along with your dog’s delicious treats. What better way to ignite that magical feeling in our furry family than with their own advent calendar filled with festive baked treats?  Inside you’ll find Breaktime Biscuits with peanut butter and banana, and Bedtime Biscuits with a sprinkling of chamomile and passion flower. A daily treat for dogs to countdown to Christmas - talk about tasty! 

Lily’s Kitchen Christmas Advent Calendar for Cats, 25g – RRP £8.50 

Now your cat can enjoy a daily festive treat in the lead up to Christmas. These delectable grain-free* treats are made with turkey for twinkly eyed cats counting down to Christmas. The Festive Treats with Turkey are irresistible bites filled with turkey, served up with a soft centre and a crunchy shell. 

Christmas Dinner Turkey with Ham and all the trimmings, 400g – RRP £3.70

How to make your best bud feel included in the festivities? Simple. Serve them up their very own Christmas dinner.  A brand-new grain-free recipe complete with all the trimmings (of course)! This limited edition festive supper is crafted with freshly prepared turkey (an excellent and delicious source of protein) with ham and a touch of parsnips (a known source of fibre to help support digestion) and cranberries (containing vitamin C).  

Christmas Feast Turkey with Salmon Paté, 85g – RRP £1.25

Say hello to a limited edition Christmas dinner just for your cat. This grain-free recipe* is made with natural ingredients and proper meat, offal, and fish, with freshly prepared turkey and salmon. Providing complete and balanced nutrition, you can rest assured knowing that your precious companion is getting everything they need to be their best fluffy self.  

Cracking Meaty Treats Selection Tin, 300g – RRP £18

Rummaging through the Christmas treats tin in search of goodies is an essential part of the festive season for many of us. But what about your little buddy?  Presenting a festive selection keepsake tin just for dogs filled with three meaty treats, each made to a grain-free recipe* with tasty natural ingredients, including proper meat and offal including: 

• Chomp-Away Chicken Bites – a grain-free recipe, with freshly prepared chicken, a sprinkling of quinoa and a dash of ginger 
• Festive Turkey Jerky – with a sprinkling of cranberries and cinnamon 
• Cracking Pork Sausages with Apple – made with a satisfyingly chewy texture

Lily’s Kitchen Festive Turkey Jerky Dog Treats, 70g – RRP £3.50 

The popular Turkey Jerky treats are back with a new look! Let your dog join in the annual festivities with this delicious jerky, made with natural ingredients, including proper meat and offal, for a proper treat. The grain-free recipe* includes a sprinkling of cranberries and cinnamon for that added seasonal taste. Santa, step aside.

Lily’s Kitchen Festive Treats with Turkey for Cats, 60g – RRP £2.50

Has your cat been naughty or nice this year? Who are we kidding – they’re a rebel through and through. Regardless, they deserve a treat this festive season.  Do irresistible grain-free bites filled with freshly prepared turkey sound good to you? Made with natural ingredients, we’ve added a touch of sweet potato and cranberries for that additional festive flavour.  

Charlotte Henderson, Head of Marketing at Lily’s Kitchen, said: “There’s nothing quite like the excitement building in the run up to Christmas, and this year, with the nostalgic design of our Treat Shop-inspired range, we've captured that magic. At Lily’s Kitchen, we know that pets are part of the family, and that involving furry family members in all those special festive moments is so important to pet parents. “We’ve crafted these recipes with high-quality, natural ingredients, perfect for treating your mischief makers this holiday season, and our brand new treat selection tins are ideal for getting in the festive spirit with your beloved pets. My cocker spaniel, Polly, has already learned that these tins have got the most delicious goodies inside!” 

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Leading Nordic pet care company Musti Group has acquired 100% of the shares of Zu, a retailer of pet food, accessories and vet services in Portugal.

With the acquisition of ZU, Musti extends its network to 474 stores, 54 vet clinics, and 196 spas in seven countries with 22% of sales online.

David Rönnberg, CEO of Musti Group, said: “I’m extremely excited about what we can achieve together. Adding ZU to the Musti Group is a next step in our expansion outside the Nordics and Baltics. 

“We look forward to working with the ZU team to replicate Musti’s Nordic market leadership in Portugal. They join us on our journey to humbly understand the high needs of pet parents and our commitment to the continuous evolution of our offer to meet those needs – top quality, good value food and accessories, supportive pet care and vet services, and a fast and easy to use integrated online platform.”

ZU operates 65 retail stores of which 24 include veterinary clinics in Portugal. The aggregated statutory turnover of Zu was EUR 27.6 million in FY 2024 (21.1 million in 2023) and the adjusted EBITDA (pre-IFRS) was EUR 0.8 million (0.8 million). In FY 2024 ZU had assets amounting to 13.7 million (11.8 million)  and liabilities amounting to EUR 10.3 million (7.5 million). ZU has a committed team of c.340 employees (as of 25.11.2025) supporting thousands of Pet Parents in Portugal.

Musti acquires the shares of ZU from from MCRetail, a Sonae Group company. As MC is a part of the Sonae Group, the acquisition is a related party transaction. The provisional purchase price of the transaction amounts to  EUR 12.9 million, paid in cash at closing.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has appointed Ameila Morgan as its new CEO.

Amelia has over 20 years of leadership experience in the charity and public sectors. She’s passionate about animal welfare and believes every dog and cat deserves to be loved, safe and happy.

She joins the charity at a time when demand for its services is higher than ever. Already this year, the home has received around 40 calls a day from owners needing help, taken in more than 300 animals, and provided over half a million pet meals.

“With Amelia leading the way, we’re ready to do all we can for the animals and their families who need us most,” said the charity.

A new study led by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has verified that lop-eared rabbits are more prone to hidden and potentially painful ear disease. The findings address evidence gaps from previous research and highlight the importance of routine veterinary otoscopic ear checks to help owners protect the health and wellbeing of pet rabbits.

Ear disease is widely recognised in rabbits, but many problems can go unnoticed because rabbits rarely display clear signs of discomfort. In particular, issues like excess ear wax, narrowing of the ear canal or the early stages of an ear infection can stay completely hidden unless the ear canal is examined with veterinary equipment.

Although previous research has suggested that lop-eared rabbits may be more susceptible, these studies relied on small samples, retrospective clinical records or owner reports. By conducting a large, systematic assessment of how ear shape and head shape relate to ear abnormalities, this study provides veterinarians and owners with a more robust and nuanced understanding of the condition.

Conducting the study, RVC Rabbit Welfare Research Assistants, Maria Jackson and Michaela Betts, examined 435 pedigree rabbits volunteered by British Rabbit Council (BRC) breeders. Between October 2023 and February 2024, the team travelled to BRC shows and breeding studs to record each rabbit’s ear type, head shape, estimated adult bodyweight, age and other features before performing a structured otoscopic examination. This involved assessing the outer ear, a small inner ear pocket called the diverticulum and the full length of the external ear canal for signs of inflammation, narrowing, discharge or crusting. By combining these detailed observations with multivariable statistics, the team was able to compare ear health across 49 breeds and identify which conformations were most strongly associated with specific ear abnormalities.

The results show that ear shape plays a central role in predisposing rabbits to hidden ear disease. Lop-eared rabbits were more likely to show 9 of the 11 abnormalities assessed, including ear canal narrowing, abnormal colour, flaky and wet discharge, behavioural reactivity to ear examination, dermatological changes to the pinna and crusts in the diverticulum. These abnormalities can indicate painful inflammation or infection in the outer ear canal, which can have a serious impact on a rabbit’s welfare.

The shape of a rabbit’s head was also associated with the types of ear problems they were likely to develop, but not in a consistent manner. Brachycephalic rabbits, which have short and flat skulls, had narrower ear canals, while dolichocephalic rabbits, which have longer skulls, were more likely to have crusts in the diverticulum. Body size mattered too, with heavier rabbits more likely to show problems such as redness, narrowing, flaky discharge and traumatic pinna changes, as well as stronger behavioural reactions during examination. Other physical and signalment factors showed mixed results, highlighting the complexity of ear health across breeds.

Importantly, the study provides clear evidence that certain rabbit conformations pose significant hidden welfare risks, offering a stronger foundation for both breeding and clinical decisions. For breeders, the findings highlight the need to avoid breeding from rabbits with ear canal redness, crusting, bleeding or early narrowing or whose parents had this, while for vets and owners, the study reinforces the importance of routine otoscopic examinations, as early detection can prevent chronic inflammation, discomfort and self-trauma.

Maria Jackson, Rabbit Welfare Research Assistant at the RVC, Registered Veterinary Nurse, and lead author on the paper said: “Our findings have once again shown that rabbits with lop ears are more likely to develop ear problems – specifically, signs of otitis externa – than rabbits with upright ears. Rabbit owners should take their rabbit for regular veterinary examinations, where the ears will be checked with an otoscope for hidden signs of disease. Anyone owning a lop-eared rabbit must be especially vigilant for subtle signs of ear pain, such as scratching the ears or shaking the head more than normal, and general lethargy or withdrawal.”

Dr Charlotte Burn, Associate Professor in Animal Welfare and Behaviour Science at the RVC, and senior author on the paper, said: “This is the first study to have directly and systematically examined rabbit ears outside a clinical context, and it confirms that the seemingly endearing shape of lop rabbits’ ears really do risk deeper ear disorders. Alongside the physical changes we observed, we documented rabbit behaviour, such as avoidance, shaking their heads and scratching at their ears, and found that the lop-eared rabbits reacted significantly more to having their ears examined than rabbits with ‘up’ ears. To me, this indicates that their ears were not only physically affected, but they also hurt more, highlighting the animal welfare burden of this hidden problem.”

Julian Kupfer, Chair of Trustees at the British Veterinary Association’s Animal Welfare Foundation, said: “This is another excellent paper from these authors which once again furthers our clinical knowledge of rabbits and shows the invaluable nature of proper research. Consequently, the results are significant for the veterinary profession and owners when it comes to the health and welfare of rabbits.”

Nadja Hale, Head of Fundraising at the Royal Veterinary College’s Animal Care Trust, said:“Supporting research like this is central to the work of the RVC Animal Care Trust. These findings not only deepen scientific understanding of rabbit health, but also equip the veterinary community and owners with practical insight that can meaningfully improve welfare on a national scale.”

This study was funded by the British Veterinary Association’s Animal Welfare Foundation and the Royal Veterinary College’s Animal Care Trust.

A leading independent retailers association has welcomed the Government's Winter of Action initiative to crack down on crime in town centres across the country.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which represents over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, has given its support to the nationwide crackdown that will see police, councils and businesses unite to protect shoppers and retail workers during the crucial Christmas trading period.

The initiative builds on the Safer Streets Summer campaign, which delivered visible policing in over 640 town centres and resulted in over 16,000 arrests and fines, primarily for shop theft and antisocial behaviour.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Bira welcomes this new initiative. We all want to see our high streets made safer. We support the particular focus on repeat offenders of retail crime - removing these perpetrators will make a positive difference to shop owners. In the longer term we hope that these events will be replaced by a significant increase in police on our high streets during the whole year."

The Winter of Action will see police use hotspot patrols, quick visible enforcement and locally tailored approaches in partnership with businesses and community groups to tackle shop theft, street crime and antisocial behaviour.

The Government has also announced that from spring next year there will be 3,000 additional officers in neighbourhood policing roles, with new powers to tackle shop theft through the Crime and Policing Bill, including a specific offence of assaulting a retail worker and ending the effective immunity for theft of goods of and under £200.

Despite being one dog short at the WSA Dryland World Championships 2025 Vickie Pullin came home Double World Champion.

To compete in Maserada sul Piave, Italy on 29-30 Nov 2025 Vickie had planned to take seven dogs, but a paperwork error meant she couldn’t take Azora abroad and thought the chance at a medal was gone. 

Suddenly there were just six dogs for three races and the fight was on!

As she was competing in the two most competitive classes of the entire championship - scooter and 4-dog - the plan had to change so Sky was moved from ‘bike’ to ‘team’, and Mocha from ‘team to bike’.

On the first day Vickie crossed the line in 1st place and couldn’t believe it - how was it possible with only three dogs? Then Italy came and pushed her down to 2nd. She knew how hard the dogs had dug for her and was worried they might be tired on day 2.

However, Vickie’s pride in her team and all her dogs is always evident, saying, “Every dog that has been part of my life is part of this journey. I owe everything to every dog who’s been part of my life. I owe so much to my soulmates—each and every one of them.”

Proud sponsor CSJ commented: “That love and dedication shows time and again (being consistently top 10 in the world across all disciplines is a massive feat) and was clearly evident again amongst the stiff competition in Italy.”

Back to Vickie, “We left on Sunday, and I scooted everywhere I could, trying to be the “fourth dog” and help the team. When we crossed the finish and they shouted 1st place, I was stunned. These are the dogs I watched come into the world from River and Apollo — dogs I care for, train, feed, love, and have the privilege to race with. It makes the heart grow even bigger.”

See the Pullin Power race team at https://www.arcticquest.co.uk/pages/pullin-power, Canactive - Hydrotherapy for small animals at www.canactive.co.uk and Arctic Quest - Sled dog adventures at www.arcticquest.co.uk

and all about CSJ products at www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470

The Nutriment Company – a European leader in premium, fresh, natural pet nutrition – has put together a team of leading veterinary and research experts dedicated to advancing the science behind natural pet nutrition. 

The initiative, called the Science Board, strengthens TNC’s mission to improve pet health through natural, minimally processed food that supports their biological needs.

The Science Board brings together TNC’s internal specialists in animal nutrition with internationally renowned external experts. Together, they will provide strategic scientific guidance, advise on product development, and strengthen the company’s research collaborations in the field of pet health and nutrition.

Comprised of people representing veterinary science, research, and business, the Science Board features two specialists – Dr Christine Nees and Dr Anna Hielm-Björkman – with extensive scientific and veterinary expertise who will play an essential role in shaping future innovations.

With its Science Board, TNC aims to deepen scientific understanding in the field of natural nutrition, develop advanced formulations backed by research, and work closely with veterinarians to promote responsible, evidence-based feeding recommendations. TNC will continue to collaborate with academic institutions, including the DogRisk Research Group, to support ongoing studies and bring forward meaningful new insights for the pet-owning community.

“We are honoured to welcome such highly respected experts to our Science Board,” said Anders Kristiansen, CEO of The Nutriment Company. “Their experience and dedication to advancing natural nutrition will shape the future of our industry.”

The PetFellas, a fast-growing distributor committed to supporting independent pet retailers with premium, innovative brands, has announced a strategic partnership with Boost Pet UK, a leading name in pet nutrition and wellness. 

This collaboration marks an exciting milestone in The PetFellas’ mission to deliver exceptional brands and products to the independent pet trade. 

Boost Pet UK has built a strong reputation for creating high-quality, science-backed pet nutrition solutions that prioritize health, vitality, and sustainability. Through this partnership, from January 2026 The PetFellas will bring Boost Pet UK’s outstanding range of products to independent retailers across the UK, helping them meet the growing demand for premium quality pet care.

Gerard O’Mahony, Director at The PetFellas, commented:  "Boost Pet UK is a fantastic brand that truly understands the needs of pets and their owners. We love what they are bring to the UK market, great food that uses human quality ingredients with clean and simple recipes and minimal processing. We are thrilled to partner with them and look forward to building a strong, long-term relationship that delivers exceptional value to independent retailers, their customers and is loved by their pets." 

Patrick Nestel, Cofounder at Boost Pet UK, added: "We are excited to join forces with The PetFellas, a company that shares our passion for quality and innovation. This partnership will allow us to better serve independent retailers and ensure pet owners have access to products that promote health and happiness for their pets."

The partnership will focus on: 

• Expanding availability of Boost Pet UK products in independent pet stores nationwide.
• Providing tailored instore support to retailers.
• Driving innovation with an extensive new product roadmap that promotes pet health and sustainability.

This collaboration reflects The PetFellas’ commitment to empowering independent retailers with access to leading brands and ensuring pet owners can choose products that combine quality, care, and trust.

Retailers interested in stocking Boost Petfood can contact The PetFellas team directly at hello@thepetfellas.co.uk or visit www.thepetfellas.co.uk for more information.

Online retailer Direct4Pet is celebrating the accelerating growth of its business following major investment in a 40,000 sq ft logistics centre in Lancashire. The move marked the latest stage in its transformation from a small surgery-based operation into one of the country’s fastest growing pet care businesses.

Direct4Pet – whose motto is to make pet healthcare more accessible and affordable – evolved from within an established veterinary practice where the growing need for online, accessible, affordable, and professionally overseen pet care products was soon recognised. As demand quickly increased, it became clear that the business needed its own dedicated structure. In 2013, Black Cat Medicines Limited was established, laying the foundations for what would become a leading name in the pet market. 

In 2020, Direct4Pet.co.uk was launched, providing a new digital home designed to reflect a broader vision: a modern, easy-to-use platform offering pet owners nationwide, a trusted source for everything that their animals would need.

Garry Howard, Director of Direct4Pet, said: “Although Black Cat Medicines Limited remains our registered company name, Direct4Pet has become our flagship brand – the face of our commitment to quality, convenience, and customer care. What began as a veterinary-led online pharmacy has evolved into a multi-channel retail operation, serving customers not only through our own website but across numerous major marketplaces.”

As a UK-based, RCVS-registered veterinary pharmacy and pet-care retailer, Direct4Pet provides a full range of products – prescription medicines, food, supplements, accessories and everyday essentials – all overseen by qualified veterinary professionals.

“We live and work surrounded by animals – from family dogs and cats to horses, small furries, and rescue pets – giving us daily reminders of why we do what we do. This hands-on experience shapes everything from the products we stock to the advice we share with our customers. We understand pets and their owners on a personal level,” added Garry.

As the business has grown, so too has the infrastructure. In January 2025 Direct4Pet moved into a new 40,000 sq. ft logistics warehouse, a major investment that reinforces the businesses commitment to efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. The facility features state-of-the-art conveyor picking and belt packing lines, enabling the team to process and dispatch thousands of orders each day with precision and speed. 

“Every product is handled in-house by trained staff under veterinary supervision, ensuring that the quality standards we uphold in clinical settings carry through to every order that leaves the warehouse,” said Garry.

In addition to their own website, Black Cat Medicines also retail through a network of trusted marketplaces, including Amazon, eBay, Tesco, OnBuy, and B&Q. This approach allows customers to buy from their platform of choice, making pet care more convenient and accessible than ever.

“Beyond retail, our advanced fulfilment capabilities enable us to support partner brands and manufacturers through a bespoke integration developed in collaboration with Storefeeder, our Warehouse Management System (WMS) provider.

“This provides a full 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) solution, allowing our partners to connect their e-commerce websites directly to our warehouse systems. Because we already stock their ranges, we can efficiently pick, pack, and dispatch their website orders as if they were our own – saving time, reducing costs, and ensuring a consistent customer experience.

“This combination of veterinary expertise, multi-channel retailing, and integrated logistics has positioned us as both a trusted retailer and a reliable logistics partner within the UK pet-care industry.”

As well as pet owners, Direct4Pet also serves breeders, shelters, pet insurance companies and animal charities, who value their reliability, product authenticity, and veterinary support. Every product Direct4Pet sells is authentic, product tested, high-quality, and sourced from trusted UK suppliers.  

Alongside qualified veterinary surgeons and registered SQPs Direct4Pet employs Product Managers, Buyers, Merchandisers, and Customer Service specialists who work closely together.

Their Customer Service team plays a key role in listening to the voice of the customer, gathering feedback, and identifying trends or unmet needs. This insight directly informs decisions about which products to stock, new innovations to introduce, and improvements to existing lines.

They also collaborate with industry experts, manufacturers, and animal nutritionists to ensure that every product that Direct4Pet offers meets the highest standards for pet health, safety, and wellbeing. This combination of professional expertise and direct customer insight ensures their range is both trusted and tailored to what pet owners really want.

Since the website rebrand to Direct4Pet in 2020, has served hundreds of thousands of UK customers.  The customer base continues to grow rapidly as more pet owners discover the convenience, trust, and breadth of products offered by this veterinary-led online pet store.

Garry concluded: “We aim to expand our range, introduce new exclusive brands, pushing later cut off times for next day delivery and explore international shipping in the future. We’re also investing in technology – improving our website experience, adding educational pet-health resources, and developing tools to help customers manage orders and deliveries more easily. We may even do a bit of TikToking, sharing tips, guides, and fun content to connect with pet owners in new ways!

“Our long-term goal remains to become the UK’s most trusted online veterinary pharmacy and pet store, combining professional care, affordability, and convenience in one place.”

 For further information visit www.direct4pet.co.uk

Following the success of its award-winning Roolo enrichment toy, Play9 is back to shake things up once again with the launch of Tuki’s Treats, a new range of 100% raw, all-natural dog treats designed to perfectly complement its flagship treat-dispensing product.

As more dog owners make the switch to raw feeding for its proven health benefits, Tuki’s Treats answer the growing demand for honest, naturally prepared nutrition. Each treat is made from 100% raw, locally sourced ingredients and contains no additives, fillers, or preservatives - just pure, expert-approved goodness.

Play9’s founder, Lee Bridges, explained the inspiration behind the launch: “Since releasing the Roolo, one of the questions we’ve been asked most is: ‘What treats should I use with it?’ 

“The Roolo  works beautifully with all sorts of treats, but we wanted to create something truly special. So we developed Tuki’s Treats: high-value, single-ingredient, raw meat snacks that reflect everything we stand for – enrichment, wellbeing, and quality.”

Named after Play9’s Chief Canine Enrichment Officer, Tuki, a spirited Rottweiler who inspired the brand, the range launches with four delicious and functional options: 

• Ox Heart Training Treats –100% raw British beef heart, apple cider vinegar, and nothing else. Small, mighty, and Roolo-ready.
• Ox Heart Skinny Sticks – 100% raw British beef heart, apple cider vinegar, and nothing else. Serve whole or cut to size for Roolo® playtime.
• Ox Liver Jerky – 100% raw British beef and nothing else. Packed with protein and iron for strength and vitality.
• Venison Chew Sticks – 100% raw British venison and nothing else. Naturally lean and perfect for longer-lasting chewing satisfaction.

Building on the brand’s cheeky and creative legacy - which saw Play9 win ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ at the 2024 Pet Industry Federation Awards - this latest innovation marks their evolution from enrichment pioneers to trendsetters in the raw revolution.

“We started Play9 to help improve dogs’ mental and physical wellbeing through enrichment,” added Bridges. “Now, with Tuki’s Treats, we’re completing that circle - pairing the best play with the best fuel. It’s the perfect match.”

Play9: From Enrichment to Nutrition This expansion represents Play9’s growing influence in the pet care industry as a brand synonymous with innovation, authenticity, and quality. The launch of Tuki’s Treats demonstrates the company’s mission to create products that don’t just entertain - but truly nourish dogs, inside and out.

About Play9 Founded in 2023, Play9 has quickly become one of the UK’s most exciting pet brands. Known for its award-winning Roolo treat dispenser and bold, witty marketing, Play9 champions the wellbeing of dogs through thoughtful design and high-quality ingredients. With the launch of Tuki’s Treats, Play9 continues its mission to redefine modern pet care - one wag at a time.

For more information, please visit: https://www.play9.co.uk