Family-owned PSR Trading Ltd (PSR), owner of award-winning retail chain Just for Pets, has announced the acquisition of Pets & Friends from Kennelpak, the pet specialist wholesaler, brand owner and distributor, for an undisclosed fee.

The move strengthens PSR’s position in the independent pet trade and allows Kennelpak to accelerate its ambition in the development of its Wholesale & Distribution division.

The acquisition includes Pets & Friends’19 stores and 17 grooming salons predominantly across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as well as its thriving online business and subscription service. Pets & Friends will continue under its existing trading name and will operate alongside Just for Pets, as PSR looks to leverage synergies between the two brands to drive investment and innovation within the independent pet trade sector.

Noted for its exceptional customer service and pet nutrition expertise, Pets & Friends will continue to develop its successful proposition that provides pet parents with access to a carefully curated range of products to satisfy all pet needs, and high-quality services such as spa and grooming, nutritional advice, weight checking, puppy play, harness fitting and dog training.  

All Pets & Friends store and salon colleagues will transfer to PSR ensuring that the expertise that Pets & Friends stands for remains.  

Marking a significant milestone in PSR’s growth strategy, the acquisition sees the pet specialist expand its number of stores to 42, predominantly in the Midlands, with the company already on the lookout for new store locations for its brands to bring its proposition and expertise to more communities.

Paul Lewis Managing Director, PSR Trading Ltd said, “We’re excited to welcome Pets & Friends to PSR, it offers something different to customers and complements our portfolio of brands, Just for Pets and DOG by Just for Pets.”

He continued, “All jobs at Store level will remain in place including Store Managers, Store Teams and Groomers and I can’t wait to meet every team member as we look to continue the businesses growth together.”

Claire Bayliss, Chief Executive Officer, Kennelpak, said: “Under our management, Pets & Friends has undergone a significant transformation with investment at every level, evolving from a Midlands-based retailer to a much-loved multichannel pet specialist brand with national reach.  

'Our Wholesale & Distribution division has been the cornerstone of Kennelpak’s heritage for the past 50 years. Our aim is to strengthen its position as the trusted pet specialist, with an even greater emphasis on supporting our distributor partners’ plans for growth and continuing to deliver exceptional service for our customers. 

"We wish Paul and the team at PSR all the very best for the continued success of the Pets & Friends business.”

Pictured: Paul Lewis, Managing Director of PSR Trading Ltd, and Claire Bayliss, Chief Executive, Kennelpak.

The Nutriment Company, a leading provider of premium natural pet food, has announced the acquisition of PETMAN, one of Germany´s oldest and most respected raw pet food companies.

The acquisition of PETMAN marks another important step for The Nutriment Company in becoming Europe's leading player in the minimally processed pet food space, being already its third acquisition in 2024. After the previous acquisitions of Dibo, Barfgold, Aniforte and Haustierkost, PETMAN is now the fifth pet food company in Germany belonging to TNC. With PETMAN on board, TNC now offers a fully comprehensive range of products in Germany – from raw food to natural treats and food supplements – across all sales channels and further solidifies itself as the leading raw player in the German-speaking region.

Founded in the 1990s and headquartered in Wuppertal, Germany, PETMAN is a pioneer in the German raw pet food industry. The company is renowned for its innovative approach to natural pet food, offering a wide range of high-quality raw food products that cater to the diverse needs of dogs, cats, fish and reptiles. Committed to using 100% natural ingredients, PETMAN ensures that all products are free from artificial additives, grains, and fillers. With a strong focus on customers, PETMAN provides convenient product formats and easy accessibility through a broad base of pet specialist retailers. Dedicated to the health and happiness of pets, PETMAN continues to lead the market with premium raw food solutions that pet owners trust – exemplified through innovations such as “BARF-in-One complete nuggets” and their award-winning ice cream for dogs.

Andreas Hundt, CEO of Hundt Tiefkühlprodukte und Dienstleistungen GmbH & Co. KG, commented on the acquisition: "Joining forces with TNC is the best possible outcome for us and PETMAN, since we can look back at many years as partners and joint product development. This deepened partnership now offers a fantastic opportunity for our employees to continue doing what we love most: offering to both new and longstanding customers products of the highest quality and an exceptional service."

Anders Kristiansen, CEO of The Nutriment Company, explained: "PETMAN is a great business that compared to many other companies in the market has always had a rigorous focus on customer satisfaction rather than having a purely product-centric mind-set. This fits perfectly to The Nutriment Company, where we combine both – vertically integrated operations and manufacturing capabilities, but always coming from what the customer wants."

Julius Adrian, Head of Corporate Development at The Nutriment Company, added: "It was very apparent from day 1 that both parties think and act the same way – customer-first while never compromising on product quality and innovation. I'm very happy that Andreas and his team decided to get on board and find a way to combine our state-of-the-art production capabilities with PETMAN's outstanding eye for new product and customer innovations." 

The PetQuip trade association has revealed this year’s list of awards finalists. The winners will be announced at the PetQuip Awards dinner on 30 September at Telford International Centre.

The 15 awards include categories for products, marketing, retailers, suppliers, sustainability and individual achievement. New categories for this year include rising star, employee of the year and best trade marketing campaign.

“The pet trade naturally attracts innovation and creativity, reflected in the exceptional standard of entries to the awards this year. Our panel of judges will have a tough task to select the winners", said Susan Fairley, Trade Federation Manager for PetQuip. 

“We are particularly delighted with the response to our new categories,  which highlight individuals: rising star and employee of the year. Alongside Lifetime Achievement, these awards recognise the exceptional talent of some very special people and their contribution to this incredible industry.”

The entries have been shortlisted to finalists, which will be judged by an independent panel of retailers, consultants and marketing specialists in late August. 

The winners will be announced during the PetQuip industry awards dinner on 30 September, the second day of PATS.

The evening will begin with a drinks reception, followed by a table service dinner and entertainment.

“The awards dinner is always a great evening of networking between manufacturers, suppliers and retailers. While winning an award is a massive accolade, we hope that everyone who has been recognised as a finalist or commended will enjoy their success and celebrate this amazing sector,” added Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General, PetQuip.

Tickets for the dinner can be booked through the PetQuip website or by calling 01959 565995.

The PetQuip Awards’ headline sponsor is Leopard Co and the awards are sponsored by CIPS, Group55, Law Print and Packaging, SUPERZOO, Pedigree Wholesale, Petface, Zoomark, Interzoo, Noble Futures, James & Steel, PBW and PATS.

A full list of the finalists and more details about the evening can be found here.

The finalists are:

Supplier of the year 

TRIXIE UK Pet Products Ltd

Proflax Superfood Supplements

J&K Aquatics Ltd

Brambles Pet and Wildlife

Pedigree Wholesale

Mutneys Professional Pet Care Ltd

Harvest Pet Products Ltd

Whitebridge Pet Brands

Pet Trade Innovations Ltd

Pets Love Scruffs

PowAir Nature Ltd

HugglePets

Glowcroft Contract Packing

Buitelaar Food Ltd

Nutriment

Natures Pet Products

We.pet Independent Wholesale

Burns Pet Nutrition 

NutriFusion

Furr Boost

Most promising new starter business – sponsored by Interzoo

The Muzzle Movement

Fell Dog 

POOZ

Imaginelles

Pipsbootique

Pawionic

Tippaws

Inventor Cat

Pet Trust UK

Wonderful World of Treats 

Pawer Water

Our Pet Village Ltd

The EasyEat Company

Xparkles

AniVatio 

Natures Pet Products

Pawd Drinks

Gizzls

Business service of the year

The Animal Talent

Four Paws Groom School

Copdock Mill

K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training 

Ant Antics

Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding

Associated Veterinary Services

NutriFusion

Sustainability award – sponsored by CIPS

Stix and Co

Simply2 Pet Products

Earth Rated

Pets Love Scruffs

Pawionic

Kompact9

Ant Antics

Antler Chew Wholesale Ltd

Benevo

Burns Pet Nutrition 

The EasyEat Company

Xparkles

Pawd Drinks

Beco

Earth Animal

Furr Boost

Henry Wag

Best trade marketing campaign – sponsored by PBW

My Anxious Dog

Brambles Pet and Wildlife

Frozzys 

Pawsome Paws Boutique

Product of the year: accessories and technical

DotDotPet

Fell Dog 

West Paw (2 products)

Pets Love Scruffs

Pipsbootique

Inventor Cat

Hurtta

Trinkety Paws

ROGZ

Pup & Kit (2 products)

The EasyEat Company

Xparkles

DogSpace

Brightkins

Company of Animals (2 products)

Pawdaw of London (2 products)

Play9 

Poorly Paws

Pawdaw of London 

MAXX Medical Pet Care

Product of the year: healthcare and grooming

DotDotPet

Pawionic

POOZ

The Holistic Hound

GHS Direct

Pawionic (2 products)

Inventor Cat

TropiClean

Buddycare

VetBox

PowAir Nature Ltd

Pawer Water

Charlie The Vet Ltd

NT Labs

DUGV UK 

AniVatio 

VETIQ

Angelcare Corporate UK Ltd

Pawd Drinks

ADM White Label Pet Supplements

Woof and Brew 

Product of the year: food and treats

DotDotPet

Vitalin

Felight

Webbox

Wonderful World of Treats

Pup Ice

Pets Love Scruffs

Betty Miller

Brambles Pet and Wildlife

Dog & Bond

Earthz Pet (3 products)

Nobblys

Cooper & Co

Earthz Pet

Earthz Pet

Wild Antler

Antler Chew 

Petface

Whitebridge Pet Brands (4 products)

Dougie's Pets

Burns Pet Nutrition 

HugglePets

Gizzls

RIO Happy ring

Frozzys 

VETIQ

Harvest Pet Products Ltd

Dr Veneta

Earth Animal

Gizzls

Furr Boost

Pawer Water

JR Pet Products Ltd 

UK retailer of the year: independent

Joywyns Pet & Country

Wildwood Pets Ltd

Pickles Pet Pantry

Woofles

VetBox Ltd

Ant Antics

Inventor Cat

Doodledales

Our Pet Village Ltd

Trusty Pet Supplies

Tug-E-Nuff

Marshalls Pet Food Store

Play9 

Rising Star – sponsored by Noble Futures

Clara Hewson - The Muzzle Movement

Sophie Perry - iPET Network

Felix Robinson - Pet Trust UK

Sophie Chesman - Pawsome Paws Boutique

Employee of the year

Liane Avery - Pet Trade Innovations

Michelle Williams - Associated Veterinary Services 

Charmaine Cane - We.pet Independent Wholesale

Sara Mendana - Associated Veterinary Services

Daniel Barta - Associated Veterinary Services

The Theresa Swann exporter of the year award – sponsored by Group55

Pets Love Scruffs

Mutneys Professional Pet Care Ltd

Burns Pet Nutrition

Lifetime achievement award

To be announced at the PetQuip Awards dinner.

Pets at Home has posted revenue growth of 1.0% to £441.1m in the first quarter of the financial year, with like-for-like revenue up 0.5%.

Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are pleased to have delivered a resilient Q1, with our growth improving through the quarter as our offer continued to resonate well with UK pet owners. The benefits of our investments in logistics, stores and digital are coming through, and our unique joint venture vets continued to deliver differentiated performance, growing visits and attracting new customers, driven by our passionate, independent practice owners.

“As ever it is our people, and their unrivalled expertise, that continue to drive our business. I would like to thank our colleagues and vet partners for their ongoing passion and dedication to creating a better world for pets and the people that love them.”

Financial highlights

• Consumer revenue up 1.5% to £576.6m supported by growing average customer spend and growth in active Pets Club members, up 3% YoY to 8.0m, offsetting the impacts of market normalization, as the pet population stabilizes, and slowing inflation.
• Total Group revenue growth of 1.0% to £441.1m, with Group like-for-like (LFL) revenue up 0.5%.
• Vet Group revenue remain strong growing 17.1%, and LFL2 of 13.3%, driven by higher average spend and growth in visits, supported by improved clinical capacity and continued strong new customer sign-ups.
• Retail revenue down -0.8% as expected, with LFL2 down -0.8%, with a stronger performance through the second half of Q1 driven by consistent market share gains in key categories confirming that our offer continues to resonate well with consumers. Category trends were broadly consistent with previous quarters.

Business highlights

• The digital platform is seeing a positive response from customers, and improved conversion rates show the platform can deliver on our ambitions, leaving us optimistic for the future. We continue to build improved functionality into the platform and build momentum with consumers.
• The company continues to grow its subscriptions revenues, now generating 11% of consumer revenue. Pet care plans benefited from strong customer acquisition in Vets during the quarter, while subscriptions in our Retail business are starting to benefit from the improved functionality offered by our new digital platform.
• Its investment program is on track. Year to date we have opened 2 new pet care centres and completed 5 refits including 2 vet extensions. Our Stafford DC continues to support very strong levels of availability and we are on track to transition our online operations this year.
• Pets at Home is progressing its sustainability agenda, and in the first quarter raised over £1.3m for pet charities, fed over 700k pets for a day through our pet food bank partnership with Blue Cross, and donated over 650 hours to local communities through our Better World Pledge volunteering program.

Current trading and outlook

• Pets at Home is making no change to guidance for FY25 and remains comfortable with current analyst consensus for Group underlying PBT of £144m. The H1/H2 profit shape is expected to broadly in line with prior year.
• Sales trends remain in line with expectations, with LFLs expected to improve in future quarters as comparatives ease, we see the benefits of continued strong availability and the benefits of the new platform start to come through.
• Gross margins were resilient through Q1, helped by favorable product mix including own label strength and good performance in some accessories categories such as Health & Wellbeing.
• The balance sheet remains robust and we are progressing our £25m share buyback.

The UK's first-ever at-home lateral flow tests for pets have been launched and claim to detect some of the most common and lethal diseases that plague pets in just 10 minutes.

Developed by medical pet pioneers, Labrador, in collaboration with TV vet Dr Scott Miller, these at-home tests promise to revolutionise how Brits care for their four-legged friends.

Using testing technology that gained popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, Labrador’s range of tests require nothing more than a simple swab test in either a dog or cat’s mucus, stool or vomit and provides results in minutes.

Each test checks for multiple health concerns, helping pet owners to quickly decide if a vet visit is necessary.

With a clinically proven >97% accuracy, Labrador’s pet health tests detect everything from giardia, coronavirus and distemper (known as feline panleukopenia) – meaning a positive result could help save your furry friend’s life.

This new range of at-home tests can not only save our beloved pets, they can also help money-strapped Brits. With an initial visit to the vets costing up to £70 and blood tests costing upwards of £1,000 if sedation is required, Labrador’s new range could save pet owners £1,000s on unnecessary visits to the vet, with tests costing as little as £17.50 each.

Labrador’s full range includes:

• Doggy Diarrhoea Test (£39.99) – A test to detect for canine parvovirus, coronavirus, giardia and rotavirus, whenever your dog is suffering from diarrhoea. Simply swab your dog’s stool to help you check if one of these common viruses is the cause before seeking treatment.
• Doggy Cough Test (£34.99) – For when man’s best friend is sneezing or coughing. This test will detect if your dog is suffering from distemper, adenovirus or influenza with a swab from your dog’s watery eyes or runny nose to check.
• Sneezy Cat Test (£34.99) – Is your feline friend sneezing, drooling or suffering from a fever or blocked nose? This test will detect whether your cat is positive for feline herpesvirus (FHV) or feline calicivirus (FCV) with a swab of your cat’s watery eyes or runny nose.
• Cat Diarrhoea Test (£34.99) – A test that detects panleukopenia, coronavirus, and giardia whenever your dog is suffering from diarrhoea. Pop the swab in your cat’s poo to check if the cause is one of these common illnesses.

Michael Hodnett, co-founder of Labrador, said: "We as a nation love our pets – some even more than our friends and family! But unlike our loved ones, our pets can’t communicate how they feel, meaning pet owners are left to rely on costly visits to the vet if their four-legged friend is acting out of sorts.

“That’s why we developed Labrador – a way for pet owners to check their dog’s or cat’s health in the comfort of their own home, without the added anxiety or cost of a visit to the vet.

“Through our tests, our mission is to revolutionise pet care by putting the power of detection in pet owners' hands.”

Dr. Scott Miller, renowned vet and broadcaster, said: "It's been great to be involved in the development of a product that can help dedicated and intelligent owners take control of their pets' health, using technology that we have all become used to during Covid to understand the causes of illness in the comfort of their own home. 

“Vets in the UK are overwhelmed at present, so common sense and pragmatic pet parents using at-home tests is helpful in reducing anxiety in animals, reducing pressure on Vet teams while better understanding the animals they love.

“While nothing can replace a trained veterinarian's comprehensive care and treatment, at-home testing empowers pet owners to make informed decisions about their furry friends' health needs. It's an excellent first step that can either provide peace of mind or signal the need for professional veterinary attention."

For further information visit https://www.labrador.fyi/

An aquatic shop has closed its door for the last time. The Fish House in Coleraine, Northern Ireland has bid a fond farewell after 16 years in business.

Posting on the shop’s Facebook page, owners Ricky and Bobby, said: “Well that's it – The Fish House Coleraine has closed its doors for the final time.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the bottom of our heart who supported us these past 16 years.

"We've had the pleasure of having our hobby as a job and enjoyed every minute of it. It has been an honour to serve all the aquarists who came through the doors.

“Again a massive thank you to customers past and present and we wish you all the very best for the future.”

Picture taken from the shop's Facebook poge.

The Pet Industry Federation has announced an enhanced benefit to its membership package, thanks to its association with specialised animal business insurance brokers Cliverton.

PIF members are now eligible for a 10% discount on all public liability policies with Cliverton. This offer is available to both renewal and new business accounts. 

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: “At a time when small businesses are feeling the pinch of the increasing costs of running a business, an opportunity to save money on a business necessity, like insurance, is really welcome and we’re grateful to Cliverton for their support of our members in this.  If your business insurance is up for renewal, then contact Cliverton today, with your PIF membership number, to take advantage of this PIF offer.”

PIF members can find more details in the members’ area of the PIF website. If you are interested in finding out how PIF membership can help your business and the other benefits available to members, visit www.petfederation.co.uk or contact info@petfederation.co.uk

Award-winning retailer Jollyes will open its next new store at Unit 2, Grimshaw Park, Lower Audley Street, Blackburn on Friday 26 July with an important giveaway for dog owners across the UK.

Inspired by Blackburn with Darwen Council’s campaign to encourage dog owners to do the right thing, Jollyes offered the first 140 customers on opening day free ‘power poop’ bags.

The giveaway could help pet parents save money – one council is hiking its fine for dog fouling to £200 as part of a zero tolerance crackdown – but even if a council issues typical fixed penalties of £50, ignoring the demand means owners can be fined up to £1000 at court.

But the giveaway wasn't just for customers at its new Blackburn store – Jollyes wrote to every council in the UK with a nearby Jollyes store to tell them that all of its 100-plus locations will also have 140 free poo bag rolls for the first customers to shop in store on the 26 July. 

That means Jollyes’ UK stores gave out almost 225,000 free poo bags to customers.

Jollyes took up residence in Blackburn close to Asda, B&M and Halfords in the former Mothercare, offering a frozen raw food ‘shop-in-shop’ for pet parents who want to take advantage of Jollyes’ wide range of frozen food – rapidly becoming the most popular way for owners to feed their dogs.

Alongside the poop bag giveaway, there was a big line up of other activities on opening weekend.

Jollyes has recruited a team of 12 in Blackburn which will be led by experienced Jollyes colleague Natalie Bentley who’s run stores in Ashton and across the country.

Jollyes has grown its store estate by 50% in three years and has had an remarkable start to 2024 winning new investment to supercharge its growth, being named as the best retailer in Britain at the prestigious Retail Week awards for retailers under £250m turnover and making the Sunday Times’ list for the first time as one of Britain’s best big companies to work for.

Dogfluencers is a young, thriving online agency using social media savvy and unrivalled content to champion the world’s most dynamic and innovative dog food brands.  

Pet influencers have been plying their trade for years but in today’s increasingly monetized world it can cost a small fortune for any ‘finding its feet’ pet food business to recruit even a handful of well-connected influencers.

Dogfluencers is deliberately geared at ambitious brands committed to disrupting today’s increasingly cluttered dogfood fixture. Taking invaluable lessons learnt from earlier incursions into healthier living human brands (gymfluencers) and top tier foods and drinks (foodiefluencers), Dogfluencers prioritises creating engaging yet affordable, user generated content, influencer posts and captivating ad content to hook inquisitive minds and drive essential traffic.

Dogfluencer founder, Jonathan Lundy said: “For any hardworking start-up seeking credible online influencer support it can be a very time-consuming, hit or miss adventure. Our far-reaching database of proven pet influencers enables us to assemble compelling tailormade campaigns at speed to support key milestones in your brand journey (new launches, range extensions and all-important listings).”

Launched at the beginning of 2024, Dogflueners has already worked with influential brands as diverse as Harringtons, Omni, Buddy & Lola and Puptons.  

“In as little as seven days we can help you reach millions of potential followers, generate 100 bespoke stories, a significant swathe of online content and a generous smattering of quality UGC (user generated copy) to provide your brand with that all-important kickstart that all entrepreneurs crave,” added Jonathan.

For more information visit Dogfluencers.agency

As the Collagen supplement market continues to soar in human healthcare – valued to reach £7 Billion by 2025 – it’s no wonder there’s a growing demand in the pet sector. 

Known as a beauty supplement, make no mistake Collagen also promotes strong joints, healthy skin and coat, and healthy digestion by strengthening the gut lining. 

Backed by a raft of new science* that unpicks why adding collagen to your dog’s diet could not just be beneficial, but critical to your pooch’s wellbeing.

As the aging process begins, collagen production slows down gradually, but consistently overtime.

By adding bio-available Collagen to your dog’s daily diet and enrichment routine, Nothin’ to Hide’s new Dental Chews offer a new ‘multi-functional’ Collagen supplement. 

Distributed in the UK by Pet Trade Innovations, Managing Director, Steve Driver, commented: “We’re very impressed with the quality of the Nothin’ to Hide range as providing ethical enrichment. Apart from being 100% natural, the Dental Chews offer 97.6% digestibility compared to others at only 40-50%. Plus, tackling plaque and tartar build up with its textured finish and a crunch factor that fulfils a dog’s instinctual need to chew for both enrichment and wellness.”

With research from the Royal Vet College suggesting over a third of ‘pandemic’ dogs show separation anxiety and other anxiety driven behaviours, chewing offers a natural remedy, promoting the release of ‘happy hormones’ for mental wellness’.

These 100% natural Dental Chews combine unprocessed Beef Gelatin (Collagen) and Beef from humanely reared (antibiotic free) grass-fed cows on Fieldcrest Farm.

Sealing in the goodness of Collagen’s essential proteins, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline by slowly baking, and combining with Cassava root.

Interestingly the Cassava plant is renewable and sustainable, and the root is rich in Vitamins A and C, which combine to enhance the absorption of the collagen in every Dental Chew. 

Once baked, the textured bone shaped Dental Chews are dipped and glazed with a choice of three natural gravies, whether its beef, chicken or peanut butter, all are free from any additives, or synthetic ingredients. 

The Nothin’ to Hide range is available exclusively at its sole UK distributor Pet Trade Innovations. https://pettradeinnovations.com/

A leading UK holistic cat care expert has launched The Herbal Kat, a new range of five sets of natural products designed to enrich cats at different stages and challenges in their lives.

Katie Gwilt, runs The Kat Lady, a mobile holistic cat grooming service which operates around the North West.

The business uses herbal products to calm and enhance the lives of cats using the principles of self selection during grooming and therapy sessions, and is now releasing five new products so that customers can do the same in their own homes.

The new products which are available at  https://shop.thekatlady.co.uk

General Enrichment Herbs for Cats - £29.95

Herbs for Anxious Cats - £29.95

Herbs for Cats with Upcoming Changes -£29.95

Herbs for Multi Cat Homes - £29.95

Soothing Ear and Eye Wash (Cats) 30ml - £7.50

The Herbal Kat founder Katie, said: "At The Kat Lady we are daily seeing the benefits of these herbal products, so the natural next step was to produce our own.

"I curate the packs for different specific needs to create our own range of effective and potent products. All of the products are hand made, and work really well for cats experiencing what we humans might spot as potential problem behaviours at all stages of their lives.

"We are getting some amazing feedback from customers, and grooming clients who have bought the products they have seen us use on the job. We are so excited to launch these products to a larger audience, and help as many cats as possible." 

Eco conscious wellness and lifestyle brand DotDotPet is set to launch its new Multifit Gummies for Cats at Cat Live Show at the NEC  Birmingham on 14 September.

Cat Live will feature a Cat Village introducing visitors to over 50 breeds of cats, a Retail Avenue packed with stands selling everything from food, treats, accessories and insurance,  Hope Alley featuring charities for cats and Theatre Square where well known experts on cat welfare will give a series of talks and presentations.

Multifit Gummies are functional treats that naturally boost your pet’s immune system and fight inflammation. They contain NutraPlasm, a whole-body health formulation with scientifically proven benefits for joints, muscle, skin & coat, gut and brain health as well as relieving anxiety. Multifit Gummies Cat Treats are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and functional proteins, containing only natural sustainable ingredients. A unique highly palatable low fat sugar free gummy formulation that cats will love. They are non-sticky, non-greasy, and easy to chew and digest. 30 gummies in a pouch.

RRP £13.99 for cat version 

If you are interested in the products or becoming a stockist visit www.dotdotpet.com

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Healthy Pet Store in Totton, Southampton, has welcomed Paul Ridge to its team as Warehousing and Replenishment Manager as part of its efficiency drive.

Paul will take responsibility for the logistics function of Healthy Pet Store’s facilities. The appointment comes at a time of growth as it streamlines its operations to serve in-store and online business.  

Commenting on his appointment, Paul said ‘I am keen to support the business as it flourishes.” 

Paul added: “I love everything that Healthy Pet Store stands for and its commitment to supporting the local pet community.  I’m delighted to be a part of the next steps it takes as a business.

“Supply chain, warehousing and store replenishment plays a huge part in the store’s successful operations, so I want to make sure they are organised to the highest standards. ”

Managing Director, Deborah Burrows said: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul to the company. Paul brings his skills and experience in forwarding and delivery, and retail management and he has already made a fantastic impact on the business.  

“We offer such an enormous variety of products to our customers, and Paul will play a vital role as we expand our offering.”

Healthy Pet Store is an independent pet store based in Totton selling a wide range of raw pet food and pet accessories.

Yorkshire-based Burgess Pet Care has announced the appointment of Emily Watmough as trade marketing manager.

With almost 10 years’ marketing experience with a strong retail focus, Emily has worked across several sectors including pet care. In her new role, she will continue to build on Burgess’ strong relationships with independent pet care specialists.

Emily’s key responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic marketing plans, creating trade marketing materials, coordinating product launches and managing trade events. She will also lead one of Burgess’ flagship welfare campaigns later this year – Guinea Pig Awareness Week, or GPAW.

Emily said: “I’m excited to join Burgess Pet Care. As a huge animal lover, this is a great opportunity for me to combine my professional skills and personal interests. I’m really looking forward to leading Guinea Pig Awareness Week, as well as meeting our customers at PATS in September.”

Peter Lancaster, head of marketing at Burgess Pet Care, added: "We’re really pleased that Emily has joined Burgess Pet Care. Her knowledge and experience is clear to see and she also shares our passion for responsible pet ownership and pets’ health and wellbeing.

“This is an exciting year for the company, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Burgess Excel range. This was developed following concerns raised around the negative impact that selective feeding could have on rabbit health, which led to the launch of Burgess Excel rabbit nuggets, the UK’s first single component extruded rabbit food.”

Retailers' association Bira is urging the government to address online sales of dangerous knives as new guidance is released on surrendering prohibited offensive weapons.

The British Independent Retailers Association, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all  sizes across the UK is highlighting the crucial role of responsible high street retailers in knife crime prevention, while calling on the government to tackle the growing issue of online sales of dangerous knives.

This comes as the Home Office releases new guidance on surrendering newly-prohibited offensive weapons, including 'zombie-style' knives and machetes.

The Home Office has published guidance for a surrender and compensation scheme applying to 'zombie-style' knives and 'zombie-style' machetes, set to run from 26 August to 23 September 2024.

This scheme outlines how retailers can surrender these newly-prohibited items and claim compensation, and includes:

• A standard compensation amount of £10 per surrendered weapon
• Retailers can claim higher amounts if they provide evidence of greater value
• Claims must total at least £30 to be eligible for compensation
• Claims must be made at the time of surrender at designated police stations
• Retailers with bulk stocks (more than 10 items) should contact police in advance to arrange surrender

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "We are all appalled by the level of knife crime in the UK and of course of the shocking and tragic events in Southport this week. Independent retailers have consistently demonstrated their commitment to responsible retailing, diligently implementing all regulations controlling the sale of knives. As these new regulations come into effect, I'm sure our members will, without hesitation, remove any banned knives from their shelves."

Mr Goodacre emphasised that while the compensation scheme is a positive step, it fails to address a critical issue.

He said: "The real challenge lies in the largely unregulated online marketplace. I strongly urge the new government to fully address the issue of online sales, which is where we believe the real problem lies due to the easy availability of dangerous knives."

Bira added that high street retailers have been at the forefront of responsible knife sales for years, with strict age verification processes and staff training in place. In contrast, online sales often lack these crucial safeguards.

Mr Goodacre said: "While we welcome the government's efforts to remove dangerous weapons from our streets, including this compensation scheme for retailers, we must not overlook the significant role that online sales play in this issue. It's time for a comprehensive approach that holds online retailers to the same high standards as our high street shops."

The association is calling for:

1. Stricter regulations on online knife sales, including robust age verification processes
2. Greater accountability for online marketplaces that facilitate the sale of dangerous weapons
3. A public awareness campaign about the risks of purchasing knives online

Bira has encouraged all retailers to familiarise themselves with the new guidance and ensure compliance with the updated regulations. They have also asked that retailers carefully review their stock and prepare to surrender any prohibited items within the specified timeframe to be eligible for compensation.

For more information on Bira's mission supporting Britain's independent retailers, visit www.bira.co.uk.

BETA International will introduce a new feature – the Feed Hub – to this year's event, which takes place at NAEC Stoneleigh on 22-23 September.

Designed to provide feed companies with an area to showcase their brand, one of the biggest attractions in this area will be a dedicated talk space that will see the brands exhibiting present feed, nutrition and horse care related content to the assembled visitors. There will also be CPD points on offer for some of the talks, and the opportunity to ask questions of the people presenting.

“We're excited to welcome more feed brands to BETA International,” said Claire Williams. “Feed and supplements make up such a huge part of the industry and we wanted to create a place where education around these essential products was a priority. We'll be running these seminars in a 'silent disco' format with headphones for those listening, so they can focus on what's being said. There will also be the opportunity for Q and A too. We feel that this is a brilliant development for the industry and the event, we can't wait to see how well this is received.”

The dedicated Feed Hub will sit alongside the rest of the show, which is reaching sell out in terms of floor space. Alongside an incredible schedule in the evoke ® Seminar Theatre, the new Best Sellers Spotlight, Horse & Rider New Products Gallery, and the hundreds of brands under one roof, it's going to be an event not to miss!

For more information on the show or to get your free ticket (available to members of the equestrian trade), visit www.beta-int.com

With parts of the UK sooaring over 30C temperatures, many pet owners will be looking for ways to protect their furry friends from heat stroke.

From adorable cooling bandanas to freezable toys, Webbox has a selection of products that’ll help to keep tails wagging and felines purring through the hot weather.

Premium natural pet food provider The Nutriment Company has completed the acquisition of UK-based raw pet food firm Natural Instinct.

The acquisition of Natural Instinct marks an important step in the The Nutriment Company's strategy, being its second acquisition in the UK in 2024. With currently four companies in the UK offering a wide range of products – from raw food to natural treats and food supplements – TNC is strengthening its position in the growing market for high-quality natural pet food, cementing itself as a leading player in Central Europe.

Natural Instinct, based near London, is one of the pioneers in the raw pet food segment. Specialising in the production of raw, frozen dog food as well as natural treats, the company stands for premium-quality products with high nutritional value. The raw food is produced using human grade quality ingredients and is currently sold to a loyal customer base mainly through pet specialists across the UK and through its own online shop. 

Natural Instinct's product portfolio offers a broad range of meats and recipes that fulfills the nutritional requirements and preferences of a wide range of dog breeds. All products are made from 100% natural ingredients and are free from artificial additives, grains and fillers. 

Phil Keen, CEO of Natural Instinct, commented on the acquisition: “We are thrilled to become part of The Nutriment Company and see the collaboration as a valuable step to expand opportunities for our team and our customers.”

Anders Kristiansen, CEO of The Nutriment Company (pictured right), added: “The UK is one of our key priority markets and with the acquisition of Totally Natural Pet Products and now Natural Instinct with its long standing expertise and tradition in high quality, natural pet food, we are creating a significant presence in the market. We will continue to expand our UK business over the next few years – both organically and through further acquisitions.” 

Julius Adrian, Head of Corporate Development at The Nutriment Company, said: “Natural Instinct is a fantastic brand with a rich heritage that has been supported and loved by its customers for a long time – a perfect addition to our portfolio. We are delighted to welcome this great company to our group as we work together to further build TNC as the leading producer of natural premium pet food in Europe.”

The Nutriment Company is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and is owned by the private equity firm Axcel.

The owners of Pettitt and Boo, a popular pet shop in the heart of the picturesque seaside town of Cromer on the North Norfolk coast, have announced that the business is being offered for sale.

Located on Church Street, directly opposite Costa Coffee and surrounded by a variety of popular, well-established shops, Pettitt and Boo offers an exceptional business opportunity with a loyal customer base and consistent revenue stream.

The shop boasts an impressive annual turnover of approximately £220,000, with a net profit of around £50,000.

The current owners are selling this successful business to focus on their expanding city-based stores and online operations, which specialise in raw dog food. The other three Pettitt and Boo stores (located in an around Norwich) and the warehouse facility in North Norwich are not being offered for sale.

Pettitt and Boo has built a strong reputation for its high-quality dog treats and accessories, attracting both local pet owners and tourists. The store's welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff ensure a steady flow of repeat customers and new visitors who discover the shop while exploring Cromer's charming streets.

Situated in a prime location, Pettitt and Boo benefits from high foot traffic and excellent visibility. This makes it an ideal investment for anyone looking to enter the pet retail industry or expand their existing business portfolio. Cromer is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant community, and charming ambiance, adding to the appeal of this unique business opportunity.

Additionally, the business has significant scope for expansion. New owners could introduce services such as a grooming salon or a dog bed boutique, further enhancing the shop’s offerings and increasing its revenue potential.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the current owners for more information and to arrange a viewing. This is a rare chance to acquire a profitable and beloved business in a highly desirable location, poised for continued success under new ownership.

Pettitt and Boo was established by husband-and-wife team, Adrian and Ali Pettitt, in 2018, with a focus on canine nutrition and healthy, natural treats for pets. They have established four stores in Norfolk, including the Cromer store, as well as a central Norwich warehouse. The business is one of the largest independent retailers of raw pet foods in the UK, employing 18 members of staff. 

For inquiries contact Alison Pettitt by emailing adrian@pettittandboo.co.uk

Pets at Home has opened a new look Pet Care Centre at Anlaby Retail Park near Hull after a total refurbishment of the store including a new concept design. The centre features a state-of-the-art veterinary practice. 

The new look 7,552sq ft. Pet Care Centre gives local pet owners access to a new concept store with more space for products, interactive digital screens, and pet adoption centre. A team of specialist pet care advisors are also on hand every day to support with free advice, including flea and worm subscriptions, free weight checks and pet food consultations, as well as a coat and harness fitting service for dogs. 

Vets for Pets Hull Anlaby is a locally owned practice run by a team of four highly skilled vets (including an exotic specialist veterinary surgeon), advanced veterinary nurses and experienced client care advisors offering a range of veterinary healthcare services. This includes vaccinations, dental care and all types of surgery including orthopaedics. 

Pets at Home has invested over £600k in refurbishing and enhancing the Hull Anlaby Pet Care Centre to offer local pet owners the very best care, services and experience for their pet. 

The new look Pet Care Centre is part of Pets at Home’s ongoing expansion programme, with the pet care business opening new stores, refurbishing existing stores and growing its veterinary practices to deliver outstanding pet care services in communities across the UK. 

Store Manager of Pets at Home Hull Anlaby, Katie Sutcliffe, said: “We're thrilled to announce the opening of the new look Pet Care Centre in Hull, featuring an upgraded store and veterinary practice for the local community. The redesigned centre is a one-stop-shop for everything to keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe. Whether you need guidance on harness fitting or nutrition advice, our dedicated team is here to assist you.”

Practice owners Vici Tissiman and Julie Farquharson at Vets for Pets Hull Anlaby, added: “Our team is excited to announce the opening of our enhanced veterinary practice, and we can’t wait to welcome back our loyal clients and meet new ones. It is a privilege to be part of this wonderful community, and we are dedicated to continuing our support for local pet owners and their beloved pets.”

The new Pets at Home Pet Care Centre is open seven days a week.

Play9 has announced that its revolutionary enrichment toy, the Roolo, is now available at over 150 Pets Corner stores nationwide.

Celebrating this monumental achievement, the Roolo was named Pets Corner’s Product of the Month for July.

Redefining Pet Enrichment

The Roolo is transforming the landscape of pet enrichment by offering unparalleled mental and physical stimulation for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Unlike traditional toys, the Roolo is designed to engage dogs' natural instincts through a multifaceted approach that promotes scent work, problem-solving, slow feeding, and active play. Its scientifically designed shape allows for erratic movement, ensuring continuous fun, exercise, and enrichment.

What sets the Roolo apart is its ability to meet the diverse needs of dogs and their owners. It’s more than just a toy; it’s a versatile enrichment tool that can make a significant difference in the lives of dogs, especially those with health issues or in old age. The National Institute of Animal Health reports that enriched environments can increase a pet’s cognitive function by 30%, helping to prevent age-related cognitive decline.

The Roolo provides essential stimulation when physical activity like walks aren’t possible due to illness, injury, or extreme weather.

Join the Enrichment Revolution

The 'Enrichment Revolution' is redefining the way we care for our dogs, prioritising mental and physical stimulation as essential components of their well-being. This movement recognises that dogs need more than just physical exercise; they thrive on activities that engage their minds and instincts. Research from the University of Pennsylvania indicates that dogs who engage in regular enrichment activities exhibit a 40% reduction in anxiety-related behaviours.

By incorporating innovative tools like the Roolo, the Enrichment Revolution is enhancing the lives of dogs everywhere, offering solutions that cater to their natural behaviours, promote cognitive health, and provide meaningful engagement even when traditional exercise isn't feasible. This revolution is setting new standards in pet care, ensuring that every dog leads a fulfilled and enriched life.

Pets Corner Partnership

Pets Corner, a renowned family-run pet retailer with a legacy of excellence since 1968, shares Play9’s commitment to quality and animal welfare. This partnership is a testament to both companies’ dedication to providing superior pet products. With an extensive network of over 150 stores, Pets Corner is the perfect platform to introduce the Roolo to pet parents across the UK.

Dean Richmond, CEO of Pets Corner, stated: "It’s unusual to see genuine innovation in dog toys these days but The Roolo certainly has it. Our staff and customers think it is excellent."

“We’re beyond excited to see the Roolo in Pets Corner stores nationwide,” said Lee Bridges, Co-Founder of Play9. “This partnership marks a significant milestone for us, and being named Product of the Month is the cherry on top. We’re so glad that Pets Corner customers are loving the Roolo as much as we do.”

Known for their exceptional training programs and commitment to non-toxic, premium products, Pets Corner ensures that the Roolo will reach pet parents who demand the best for their dogs.

About Play9

Play9 is dedicated to enriching the lives of dogs and their pet parents. Founded by a passionate team of pet lovers and canine professionals, Play9 is committed to promoting animal welfare through thoughtful design and exceptional quality.

For more information visit both https://www.play9.co.uk and https://www.petscorner.co.uk

The global pet industry will expand by more than 45% over the next six years, surpassing $500 billion by 2030, according to a new report from Bloomberg Intelligence (BI).

The surge will be driven by increasing pet ownership, particularly in emerging markets like China, robust sales in pet food, strong growth of health and welfare therapies, and the humanisation of pets.

BI expects the global pet food industry to expand nearly 7% this year and then about 5% annually to reach $146 billion by 2030. Food is the biggest ownership expense and limited elasticity allows suppliers to pass along higher costs.

In addition, the pet pharmaceuticals industry could expand to over $24 billion by 2030, from about $16 billion now, driven by favourable demographics, consumer spending and — most important — development of novel therapeutics. Pain, oncology and cardiology can spur innovation and the emergence of blockbuster products as companies continue to bridge findings from human health to pets.

The humanization of animal companions should also boost the industry. Brands including Gucci, H&M and Tommy Hilfiger have launched pet clothing lines to tap into the trend, notes BI, while the US pet Halloween costume market is estimated at $700 million, according to the National Retail Federation. More than three-fourths of the US pet apparel market is dominated by private label, data from Circana show.

Diana Rosero-Pena, Lead Consumer Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, highlights the significance of these findings:"The pet economy is experiencing unprecedented growth, fuelled by the humanisation of pets and rising disposable incomes. Companies like Mars and J.M. Smucker are leading the charge in the pet food sector, ensuring consistent growth despite broader economic challenges. The resilience of this sector underscores its potential as a major economic driver over the next decade."

The report outlines several key factors contributing to this growth, including:

• E-Commerce Strength to Continue: Investments from US digital native Chewy and, to a lesser degree, Amazon may help e-commerce grow as much as 87% to $58.4 billion by 2030. Free shipping can breed customer loyalty and expand e-tailers’ baskets.
• China Growth to Top GDP: China's industry can expand at a compound annual rate easily eclipsing that of GDP. The country’s cat and dog population may exceed 156 million by 2030.
• Supplies, Services Highly Elastic: Sales gains for supplies, equipment and services could remain slower than in other categories as they are the most at risk during economic downturns and high inflation. Greater investment in loyalty programs and other pockets of growth can aid customer stickiness.

Andrew Galler, Lead Analyst for Global Health Care at Bloomberg Intelligence, adds: "Innovations in pet healthcare are pivotal to the market's expansion. The development of new therapies and advanced diagnostic tools will not only enhance the quality of care but also drive significant economic value. As pets live longer, the demand for sophisticated healthcare solutions will continue to rise."

Limited new pet ownership and high elasticity during economic downturns would weigh on the supplies and equipment category. BI’s analysis finds that the global segment may grow 36% to $65.8 billion through 2030 (vs. 45% for food), with the US accounting for 44%, followed by Europe at 31%. Though the category is typically a smaller part of pet revenue for retailers than consumables, accounting for about 30%, it is more profitable.

Overall, the US will remain the biggest market and Europe may account for about a third of the market, though other regions may expand more quickly. BI’s scenario finds that China’s market could grow more than 50% to $49 billion, with Alibaba dominating e-commerce. Investments from US pure plays like Chewy could push e-tail up 87% to account for nearly 30% of the pet economy.

To receive a copy of this comprehensive report contact BloombergIntelligence@citigatedewerogerson.com.

An family-run pet shop in the Oxfordshire market town of Witney is closing down at the end of this month after 27 years of trading.

In2Pets has been owned and run by two generations of the same family, and in a post on social media told customers: “Yes it's true, In2pets on Corn Street, Witney, is closing after 27 years in the town. Come down and grab a bargain with up to 50% off.  Once it's gone, it's gone!”

Customers expressed their sadness at the news on the shop’s Facebook page.

One said: “This is very sad news, but I’m sure you thought long and hard before you made this decision. We will miss you. Always great service and another part of Witney’s history gone forever. Such a shame to lose another independent.”

Another added: “I am so sorry to hear this, always been so handy for my wildlife-feeding and small pet needs.”

Picture taken from the shop’s Facebook page.

More than 340 pet brands exhibiting in four halls over three days will help to create the biggest-ever PATS in the show’s 15-year history.

The Pet & Aquatics Trade Show takes place at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire from Sunday, 29th September to Tuesday, 1st October 2024. 

It is the only event in the UK where buyers from specialist pet stores and garden centres can view all the latest product launches under one roof.

As well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces and new products. A growing number of companies are choosing to exhibit for the first time as they see PATS as the perfect place to announce their future plans. 

With the addition of an Aquatics Zone and a bigger New Starter Zone, this year’s exhibition will cover the whole of the Telford International Centre.

PATS is the ideal venue for visiting retailers to discover what’s new in the market and an ideal opportunity to talk to manufacturers and suppliers. 

The New Product Showcase will again be a popular feature of the show as it gives visitors the chance to see and touch the new products they will be stocking for the coming season. 

Entries to the Showcase will be judged by a panel of retailers for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show, so the results will be known and highlighted throughout the four halls for the rest of the exhibition. 

As well as seeing a huge array of new pet products and speaking to the key suppliers and manufacturers, visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers.

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.

Opening times
Sunday, 29th September 2024: 9.30am-5.00pm
Monday, 30th September 2024: 9.30am-5.00pm
Tuesday, 1st October 2024: 9.30am-4.00pm

Canadian company Bosco and Roxy’s has announced plans to expand into the UK market, enabling small business owners and corporate customers to begin ordering products as early as October 2024.

Many Canadian and US customers have been enjoying Bosco and Roxy’s products since 2007, and now the company plans to bring its hand-designed, sustainably sourced dog cookies to the UK market. 

Bosco and Roxy’s specialises in supplying small businesses, corporate accounts, and even end-consumers through its e-commerce brand Wufers.

“They really are the best,” said a long-standing small-business customer. “We have stocked competitor brands in the past, and there is no comparison, especially in visual appeal.”

Bosco and Roxy’s decorated dog cookies are baked fresh daily and created with the spoiled pup in mind. The cookie designs are fun, innovative, and unique. 

“At Bosco and Roxy’s, we believe that dogs are family and should be treated as such,” said senior account manager Amanda Moore. “We are committed to delivering fresh and timeless dog cookies that are perfect for every occasion, big or small.” 

Bosco and Roxy’s will be exhibiting at PATS 2024. Find the company on stand M50. 

For more information visit www.boscoandroxys.com

Pet wellness supplement brand Pawer Water will announce a special launch exclusive at this year’s PATS. Available only during the three-day event, the brand is offering a ‘Pawtastic Trio’ Intro Package for a special price of £69. 

This limited-edition package includes five pouches of each of its signature supplements: Mobility & Glow, Calming, and Gut & Digestion.

This offer is specifically designed for PATS attendees and limited to only 100 boxes. 

Companies interested in securing their Intro Package ahead of time can pre-order by emailing sales@pawerwater.com and collect their purchase directly at the event or get it delivered for free.

This exclusive deal presents a unique opportunity to sample Pawer Water’s comprehensive range, crafted with scientifically backed, human-grade, health boosting ingredients, at an exceptional value.

Visit stand Q14 to learn more about how Pawer Water can benefit your pet care lineup.

Availability:

• Exclusive to PATS 2024
• Available for three days only.
• Limited offer to 100 packages.

Pre-Order and Collection:

• Email: Sales@pawerwater.com
• Collect on-site at PATS
• Free delivery if ordered before PATS.

Website: www.pawerwater.com