Walsall-based Devoted Pet Foods has received a £250,000 funding package to support the creation of new job roles and develop its marketing strategy.

The pet food brand received the funding from MEIF Maven Debt Finance. 

Devoted Pet Foods, which was founded in 2012, offers a healthier alternative to other well-known pet food brands and supplies products across the UK and internationally.

The company offers a range of over 30 foods and treats for cats and dogs, with its unique selling point being that its products have a high meat content and contain no grain or cereals, compared with other low-cost pet foods that limit the nutritional value for pets and increase the risk of digestive issues. 

The funding boost will support the creation of a marketing strategy to help the company reach a wider audience, build its brand presence, and attract more customers. It will also support the business in hiring new staff to facilitate its growth and expand its capabilities.

Chris Rogers, Investment Manager for Maven, said: “With pet-owners becoming increasingly conscious of the health and nutrition of their pets, Devoted Pet Foods is extremely well positioned to continue its growth by providing market-leading products that satisfy demand.”

Tom Kibble, Founder of Devoted Pet Foods, commented: “Given that there are now over 10% more dogs and cats within the UK prior to Covid, we sought investment from Maven to capitalise on the booming sector within pet food, which is premium foods and treats. This investment will allow us to expand our range and staff and we are delighted to partner with Maven who understood our business and shared our vision for expansion.”

Mark Wilcockson, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, added: “The MEIF continues to support Midlands-based businesses, with nearly 800 investments made since its creation in 2017. This funding is a great example of how MEIF can be used to support the growth of companies such as Devoted Pet Foods.”

Jollyes opened its new store in Glenrothes, Fife, on Saturday (8 October), when a guest appearance from Princess the unicorn brought some magic to a fun-packed day. 

The nationwide pet retailer’s latest store – it’s fourth in Scotland - opened at Saltire Retail Park. 

While Jollyes in Glenrothes has no plans to sell unicorns, the official opening was performed by Princess, a unicorn masquerading as an adorable miniature Shetland pony, courtesy of Scotland’s Unicorn Experience. 

The 5,000 square feet store, which employs 10 colleagues, is Jollyes’ fourth store to open in Scotland. 

As well as the chance to meet and feed Princess, there were goodie bags for the first 100 visitors, face painting for children and the chance to win prizes playing the “wheel of fur-tune”.

Pictured above: Jollyes CEO Joe Wykes (back row left) with members of the Jollyes team and Princess the unicorn at the opening of the Jollyes Glenrothes store. 

Jollyes team member Loren Howie with Princess the unicorn at the new Jollyes Glenrothes store. 

HOWND, the multi-award-winning pioneer of cruelty-free, plant-based pet care products since 2015, has been selected by a distinguished jury of experts from global corporations, industry leaders, ecosystem builders and venture capitals to compete for Food Tech Challenger Brand 2023 at the Food Tech Congress between May 31-June 1 2023.  

Food Tech Challengers provides disruptive brands leading the way in alternative proteins and food tech innovation with a unique opportunity to showcase their solutions to a distinctive panel of 30+ investors and industry experts. 

HOWND was chosen in its category from over 400 business entries from across the globe – and wowed the panel of judges that included leaders from Kelloggs, Big Idea Ventures and Danone with its complete plant powered superfood for dogs made entirely from meat alternative ingredients. 

“It already feels like a big reward to be amongst such purpose driven brands of the food future,” said Mark Hirschel, co-founder and commercial director at HOWND. “We’re looking forward to the event next year.”

Dorwest Herbs, a leading supplier of herbal remedies and supplements for dogs, has won a prestigious national award for its fireworks campaign in 2021.

The company won the Best Multichannel Marketing Campaign at the Ecommerce Awards held in London. The event recognises excellence in the world of ecommerce, by celebrating the most innovative and market leading initiatives and products in the online retail space.

The Dorwest Herbs Fireworks campaign to “naturally dial down your pet’s firework fear” ran from September to November 2021, and conveyed ways to keep pets calm and stress-free during fireworks season. 

With pet owners up over +60% since the start of the pandemic, the objective of the campaign although directly promoting key natural calming products: Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and Valerian Compound, also highlighted different ways owners can prepare pets before and during fireworks season featuring advice from external behaviourist and veterinary experts.

The campaign surpassed forecast goals through stand-out marketing material, targeting both Trade and Retail customers through digital and traditional touchpoints to improve brand awareness, promote calming products and explain product benefits; including: on site landing pages and blogs, print ads in key publications, social ads, organic posts, stories and Reels on brand platforms, a giveaway competition, YouTube video, Direct Mailer, Facebook Lives, Press Releases, brand emails to the Dorwest subscriber base and a Bespoke Calming Advice Plan with expert advisors creating a bespoke plan for behavioural advice and product administration.

The campaign saw net revenue increase +51% year on year during the September to November period, brand searches for “Dorwest Herbs” increase by over +100% year on year and overall outstanding customer feedback highlighting the expert knowledge of staff and willingness to help pets.

Dorwest Herbs managing director Jo Boughton-White, who received the award from TV personality Patrick Kielty, said: “We’re so incredibly proud to have won this award. The annual calming campaign is fundamental in our marketing calendar in the build up to November to support pets and their owners in easing anxiety for loud noises. We’re delighted to be recognised among household names and to continue to make a difference to pet’s lives.”

An iPET Network course creator who campaigns for dog and puppy welfare in Oswestry has had her work recognised by Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis.

Rebecca Walters runs Pupstarts Breeders, providing educational training for the dog breeding community and worked with iPET Network to create the UK’s first qualification for breeders earlier this year.

A former animal warden who saw first-hand the reality unwanted dogs suffer, she’s supported breeders to raise around 8,000 healthy and happy puppies since setting out to revolutionise the dog breeding profession in 2020.

She is also a champion of the iPET Network's Safe Pets and People campaign, which is calling for mandatory first aid qualifications for all UK pet professionals.

Rebecca shared her passion for pups with dog lover Theo, who has a Cocker Spaniel, Gladys in his weekly SBS Twitter competition, and he chose her as a winner in September.

Rebecca said: “Winning this award means our dedication to building a strong community and supporting dog breeders to breed ethically and responsibly has been recognised.

“It means more people will know how important it is that they find an ethical breeder if they want to welcome a puppy into their lives and is a step towards stamping out puppy farmers.

“Writing, developing, and gaining accreditation for the UK’s first nationally recognised educational pathway for breeders took grit but the difference we are making for dogs and puppies is so worth it.

“To have Theo crown us one of his SBS winners validates our hard work and inspires us to keep fighting for improved welfare for dogs and puppies.”

Small Business Sunday is weekly initiative set up by Theo Paphitis in 2010 and it now has more than 3,000 winners within its supportive community.

Theo said: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK.

“My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings.

“The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Rebecca and Pupstarts Breeders every success.”

Business and retail entrepreneur and self-confessed Shopkeeper, Theo re‐tweeted Rebecca Walters  message to his almost 500,000 followers and as a result, www.pupstartsbreeders.com has 500 more followers and extra orders for their educational courses for dog breeders.

They are also profiled on the #SBS website (www.theopaphitissbs.com) that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.

Family-owned pet store chain, Just for Pets, has continued its commitment to British brands by stocking the accessories range from CocoPup.

Claire Raybould, from the Just for Pets buying team, said: “We’re always looking to offer customers something new in store. CocoPup offers quality instagramable accessories with matching designs that you won’t find everywhere else.”

Having met at school, the co-founders of CocoPup, Jess Lancaster and Charlotte Stagg, wanted to create a dog accessory brand, inspired by trend-led designs and matching human accessories. From harnesses and collars to dog walking bags and bow ties, CocoPup offers something fun for everyone. 

The dog walking bag is a best seller for CocoPu, providing an all-encompassing solution to dog walks.

Co-founder Jess designed the bag in-house after wanting to find a solution to squished dog treats and messy poop bags cluttering her pockets. The product comes with a treat pouch, in-built poop bag dispenser and interchangeable bag straps so you can match your pup.

With over 70,000 units sold worldwide in under a year, the bag is set to be a huge hit with Just for Pets fans and already has had lots of interest in the first weekend.

Jess said: “It was a dream come true to be stocked by local retailer Just for Pets. The team headed down to see the stand last week (with Ralph!) and said it was a pinch me moment to see the brand in store.”

Natural dog treat brand PARK LiFE had an extremely successful show at PATS Telford last month, with huge interest in their range of playful dog biscuits and chews. This included giving away over one thousand samples and generating interest from many potential new customers. 

With PARK LiFE treats, dog owners can reward their pets with engaging treats that are made from 100% natural ingredients. The quality of the ingredients means these biscuits have good nutritional value, resulting in tasty guilt free dog treats.

The biscuit range is 100% natural, grain free and has no hidden junk. This includes the tasty Love-Bix - heart shaped red berry cookies, the award-winning Fris-Bix - ‘frisbee’ shaped dog biscuit and Chill-Bix - star shaped honey and chamomile calming biscuits. Available in 300g recyclable packs, the biscuit range retails at £5.99 each.

For a more long-lasting snack, Park Life supply Milk Bone “Super Chews” which are calcium rich dental chews. These are also lactose free and offer up to 1 hour chew time! There are three tasty flavours, Lamb, Chicken, and Salmon, available in 40g (£3.99) and 80g (£5.99) packs.

Jolly-Bix Christmas Dog Treats

At PATS, PARK LiFE unveiled the brand-new Christmas themed biscuit – Jolly-Bix. PARK LiFE Jolly-Bix is a Christmas tree shaped biscuit with Turkey and Cranberry. With Jolly-Bix, dog lovers can treat their pups this festive season, with this fantastic stocking filler. Dog owners can say “Yappy Christmas” with a novel gift tag area on the back of the packaging to personalise the gift. Like the rest of the PARK LiFE range it has great nutritional value, with a ‘Happy Belly Promise.’ This is because Jolly-Bix is grain-free, 100% Natural, and high in protein. 

Independent Interest

As well as meeting familiar faces and connections at PATS, the PARK LiFE team were delighted to welcome new potential customers who were interested in stocking the PARK LiFE range. Over fifty new enquiries were received from independent retailers alone.

The independent interest at the show follows the recent distribution agreement with Pedigree wholesale. Pedigree wholesale are the leading wholesaler in the independent pet retail sector and will now work in partnership with PARK LiFE to help expand its reach to independent pet retailers. Independent retailers can also currently take advantage of a fantastic 15% discount off the PARK LiFE range. You can view the full range on the Pedigree website by clicking here.

For other enquiries about the PARK LiFE product range or if you wish to stock Jolly-Bix, please get in touch today @ info@parklife.dog. Visit https://parklife.dog/ to view the PARK LiFE range.

Natures Menu has launched a highly requested extension to its Real Meaty Treats range with a new bigger pack.

Perfect for multi dog households, larger furry friends, or pet owners looking to save by buying in bulk, this larger version of the already popular 60g Real Meaty Treats pouch has come to fruition after strong customer feedback.

The Real Meaty Treats range consists of classic best-selling meats including: Chicken, Beef and Lamb & Chicken. Each product is made with 95% meat and contains no grain or artificial colours or flavours, making them the perfect tasty treat for activities like obedience training. Retailing at £3.99, the new 120g pack will also allow pet owners to benefit from a 10% saving over the existing 60g pack.

The treats are super convenient to take out on a walk as they require no special storage. Coming in a handy resealable pack to maintain freshness, these treats can be easily transported from place to place. The treats can be easily broken into smaller pieces for training purposes both in the house or on the go.

Melanie Sainsbury, Veterinary Expert at Natures Menu, said: “The Real Meaty Treats range makes for the perfect nutritional addition to your dog’s diet. With a new, innovative, bigger pack, which make a great addition to any dog training, dog owners can ensure they are stocked up on healthy, tasty treats for their pooches. Having a yummy treat to encourage obedience makes these Real Meaty treats a must.

“Customer feedback is highly regarded at Natures Menu, and this larger pouch is a direct reaction to customers who are seeking the value of a larger pack, which to some is much more convenient and also a great method of cost saving.”

Natures Menu specialises in raw and natural dog and cat food made with quality meats and fish, blended vegetables, fruits and healthy carbohydrates - and uses British suppliers and ethical product sources wherever possible.

To access the Natures Menu trade portal, visit: https://trade.naturesmenu.co.uk/login

Burns Pet Nutrition has released two new limited-edition festive feasts for dogs – a new Christmas dinner and a Christmas Selection Box.

Rather than feeding your dog leftover turkey and stuffing, which is unhealthy and harmful for canines, the Christmas Turkey Tray of wet food will be available in pet retailers across the country from 7th October. With tasty turkey, nutritious brown rice and carrots, it will make any dog feel extra special at dinner time on Christmas Day.

Those looking for healthy treats for their pooch will love the Christmas Gift Box, which includes a Turkey & Potato grain free dry dog food, a bag of Turkey Bites and a Christmas Turkey Tray - the perfect stocking filler to ensure your dogs don’t feel left out when it comes to exchanging presents. The gift box will be available exclusively through the Burns website from this month

What's in the gift box:

• 150g Turkey & Potato Grain Free dry dog food
• 200g Bag of Turkey Bites
• 150g Christmas Turkey wet dog food tray

Of the new Christmas food, Burns’ founder John Burns commented: “I’ve seen all too often pet owners feeding their dogs leftovers from Christmas lunch, which is high in salt and sugar, and can contain things like onions which can be poisonous to dogs. Not only can this be unhealthy, in many cases it’s harmful. We know that people don’t want their dog to feel left out, which is why we’ve created delicious alternatives to ensure dogs are still very much included in the festivities, whilst also ensuring they eat a healthy and nutritious Christmas day feast.”  

Discover Dogs is returning to ExCel London with a bang this weekend (October 15-16) with up to 200 wonderful breeds to meet, breathtaking canine demonstrations and displays to watch and over a hundred shops to visit.

Cuddle Corner

The much loved ‘Cuddle Corner’ returns, giving visitors the chance to meet, greet and chill out with some majorly cute canines.

Watch wonderful dogs

With three rings to visit (the main ring, the training ring and the YKC and Scruffts ring), there’s plenty to watch at this year’s Discover Dogs. A diverse range of canine events, Scruffts, displays from the Metropolitan Police dogs and exciting agility competitions will keep visitors enthralled for hours.

Puppy buying advice

Discover Dogs is the perfect place to meet many dog breeds and find out which breeds are best suited to different lifestyles. Visitors can walk around and talk to experts about training and living with each breed, how to buy a dog responsibly and where to find a responsible breeder.

Thinking of getting a rescue?

Thousands of dogs come into breed rescue each year and at Discover Dogs visitors can meet rescue dogs and speak to experts to help you find out about the next steps to take in your re-homing journey.

Meet you favourite breeds

Visit the breed booths areas to meet up to 200 different dog breeds. Whether you’re passionate about Poodles or in love with Labradors, we’ve got the breed for you. While you’re there, come and speak to experts and find out what it’s like to live with your favourite breed and ask the questions that are important to you.

Buy your dog a treat

If you already own a dog, make sure to visit our shopping area where you can buy a present to pamper your favourite pooch. Whether you’re looking for treats, thinking of getting a new collar, switching dog food or getting general pet supplies, we’ve got something for you.  

Family fun

If you’re visiting Discover Dogs with young children, then why not visit our Kids Zone where they can have their face painted or take part in arts and crafts, games and competitions… and we also have a giant chalk wall to draw on!

Visit The Kennel Club stand

At The Kennel Club, we’re all about improving the lives of dogs and their owners. Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy or getting a rescue, visit our stand and talk to our friendly team about choosing a breed, finding out about the Assured Breeders scheme, Kennel club Registrations, training, Young Kennel Club and canine activities.

A Southampton based pet food and accessory retailer has welcomed a dog-training superstar to its team in a bid to become the leading pet store across the south. 

Healthy Pet Store based in Totton is on a mission to be the cornerstone of pet knowledge and expertise across Hampshire, influencing the lives of dogs, cats and their owners in positive ways. 

There has been a round-of-a-paws for Healthy Pet Store which welcomed Hampshire dog-training superstar, Anita Takacs, to its customer advisor team, providing owners with the most up-to-date expert advice and knowledge. 

Anita Takacs is a professional dog trainer and body language instructor who focuses on care, compassion and commitment. 

The Hampshire-based trainer donned the team’s signature pink t-shirt and gave expert advice to customers about enrichment products and training gear and training tips. 

Deborah Burrows Managing Director said: “Anita has been a real asset to the team. We want to support, advise and guide caregivers as much as we can and Anita has really ramped up our expertise. 

“Being able to offer the best customer service and advice is crucial to our ethos because the wellbeing of pets is at the heart of everything we do.”

Anita added: “I have loved my time with Healthy Pet Store so far. Getting to help the customers and their animals is so rewarding and I love being able to share my knowledge far and wide. I want to make a real difference to animal wellbeing by sharing tips and tricks with as many caregivers as possible.”

Fun Staffy Dog Training offers a range of courses on puppy training, terrific teens, common dog behavioural issues and enrichment games. 

To find out more about Healthy Pet Store visit healthypetstore.co.uk

To mark the 40^th anniversary of Hagen opening its UK operation, staff went to work in Eighties-themed fancy dress.

The company, founded in Canada by German immigrant Rolf C. Hagen in 1955, set up in the UK on October 1982.

Hagen UK began its journey in Kirkstall, Leeds, but quickly outgrew its premises, moving to its current HQ in Castleford, West Yorkshire six years later

An Eighties-themed lunchtime event was held to celebrate the 40^th anniversary with staff donning Eighties fancy dress.

Hagen UK’s managing director Adrian Burgess said: “It was fantastic to see so many of our staff getting in the spirit and a great time was had by all.

“The Hagen company, despite being a global pet brand powerhouse, is still family owned and family run and we see our staff as very much part of the extended Hagen family. 

“Many of our staff have been with us since the Eighties and Nineties and we like to extend the family feeling to everything we do, from staff gatherings to the relationships with our amazing customers. Here’s to another 40 successful years.”

Award-winning herbal pet care brand Dorwest Herbs has launched a new puppy pack, especially for new puppy parents and breeders. 

Packed full of essentials to help transition puppies into their new home, the Dorwest Herbs puppy pack is designed with the all-important settling-in period in mind. Designed to be as gentle as possible on the inside and out, the pack contains: 

• Soothe & Calm shampoo - specially formulated for sensitive puppy skin. 

With all-natural ingredients, Soothe & Calm Shampoo combines the soothing and hydrating powers of oatmeal, aloe vera and chamomile extract with the calming properties of lavender. Also pH neutral with no artificial fragrances or SLS, this hypoallergenic shampoo can help keep skin and coat in top condition. 

• Keeper’s Mix Sensitive – gentler version of a Dorwest bestseller promoting all-round health. 

Developed to provide whole-body benefits with its blend of seven herbs including chamomile, Keeper’s Mix Sensitive is an even gentler flavoured version of best-selling original Keeper’s Mix supplement. Perfectly balanced to provide natural antioxidants (to neutralise free radicals), vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, fibres and complex bioactive compounds, while being especially gentle on the gut and other organs. 

• Tree Barks Powder – designed to settle upset tummies and support digestion. 

With upset tummies known to be common in puppies, Dorwest’s Tree Barks Powder contains three herbs renowned for their digestive health properties. Slippery elm bark, marshmallow root and white poplar bark work together to soothe the gut, promoting comfortable tummies, good regularity and normal stools.  

• Easy Green Power – all the power of `super-greens` in an easy-to-give powder. 

Dorwest’s Easy Green Powder supplement has all the power of `super-greens` in an easy-to-give powder, easily added to puppy’s food. The rapid air-drying process retains maximum nutrients in a digestible form, to naturally boost levels of iron, vitamin C, chlorophyll, calcium, magnesium and antioxidants (to neutralise free radicals). 

• Dorwest spoon & ball – handy for powder administration & fetch!

To ensure supplement measurements are correct, the pack comes with an exclusive Dorwest spoon, with Dorwest tennis ball also included for fun games of fetch and to help with bonding. 

Puppy packs are now available from www.dorwest.com/product/puppy-pack at £9.90 RRP, with an exclusive 10% off RRP for 5 or more packs added at checkout. 

Visit www.dorwest.com for more information, call 01308 897272 or email info@dorwest.com 

Marie Chong, 42, who runs the Plush Pooches salon in Ruislip has expanded her business to include a training facility, which will offer Ofqual regulated iPET Network qualifications. 

The salon owner says that the move is to demonstrate her commitment to skilling up her industry, an investment in dog welfare, and showing students the skills you need to do what she describes as the 'best job in the world'. 

"I am so excited, this has been a dream of mine and I am so proud that it's actually happening. I am also excited to be working with iPET Network which is the best in the business. 

"I can't wait to offer people the chance to learn about this amazing career, it really is the best job in the world." Said Marie, who has been a dog groomer since 2011. 

Unlike other qualifications in the industry, the iPET Network qualifications are written by dog groomers for dog groomers, and have a strong emphasis on flexibility and animal welfare. 

Marie added: "I have always had a huge passion for dogs, I was a bit obsessive when I was a kid! But to be able to find a career like this that I enjoy so much, while working with dogs is such a joy. 

"And now to be able to help others achieve their dreams too, what a wonderful thing." 

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty, founders of awarding organisation the iPET Network, said: "We are so excited to welcome someone as passionate as Marie to the iPET Network family. 

"Qualifications are so important, both for career development and for animal welfare, and we know that Marie will share her commitment with her students in such a wonderful way." 

To find out more go to www.plushpooches.com 

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Pet professionals are being invited to attend a live webinar hosted by The National Pet College and Dogs Trust to gain a better understanding of behavioural struggles that they may encounter in their profession and to learn strategies that will improve animal welfare.

Delivered by Dogs Trust’s Canine Behaviour Officers, Hannah Harris and Úna Race, this unique webinar will explain the role of body language, identify behavioural indicators of frustration, stress, pain and fear, reflect on scenarios where animal welfare could be compromised and help attendees to develop strategies to meet the needs of animals in their care in order to maximise welfare.

Held on Tuesday, November 1^st at 7pm, the live webinar is aimed at all pet professionals and will be particularly useful for dog groomers, home boarders and dog walkers. Head of Education at The National Pet College, Vicky Skinner, explains: “We know that pet professionals encounter a wide range of behaviours in dogs on a weekly basis and we are delighted to have partnered with Dogs Trust to deliver this webinar. We have very much based the content around real-life scenarios to ensure that attendees gain practical advice and strategies that they can then implement in the workplace.”

Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour Officer at Dogs Trust, says: “Every dog is an individual and will respond to situations in a way that is unique to them, which will be influenced by previous experiences or how they are feeling in that moment of time. It may be particularly difficult to predict how dogs will react to a new situation, for example, some dogs may enjoy going to the groomers for the first time, whereas others may become worried. So that pet professionals can best support dogs and their owners, it’s essential that we can understand the dogs that we are working with and to provide for their needs at that time and going forwards.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to take part in this webinar and hope that together we can make sure that dog welfare is always at the heart of everything we do.”

Tickets to the webinar are available at £30 from https://www.nationalpetcollege.co.uk/events/dog-behaviour-webinar/and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Members of the Pet Industry Federation can use their October PIF password to redeem a 20% discount from this webinar.

New pet podcast, ‘All Ears with Agria Pet Insurance’ has wrapped up an exciting and educational first series, complete with five episodes to enjoy.

Launched to help pet parents navigate the remarkable yet challenging journey they go through with their furry friends, the podcast is hosted by one of the best-known farmers and rural TV presenters in the UK, Adam Henson, and provides a wealth of guidance and advice to make pet owners feel supported in looking after their pets.

Discussing the key concerns for ‘pawrents’, the first series is for any animal lover with a curiosity for creature comforts and welcomes expert guests from across the pet industry to cover the ins and outs of providing the very best care for beloved pets. So, get the kettle on and tune in with Adam as he delves into the deep end of the pet world with the following five episodes:

• Episode One: Pup to OAP with dog behaviourist, Gwen Bailey
• Episode Two: Planet-Friendly Paws with futurist, Anthony Chadwick
• Episode Three: A Dog’s Life with (is she also a behaviourist?) nutritionist, Anna Webb
• Episode Four: The Human-Animal Bond with co-founder of StreetVet, Jade Statt
• Episode Five: Cue the Cat with veterinary surgeon and activist, Rory the Vet

Vicki Wentworth, Managing Director at Agria Pet Insurance, said: “We are thrilled to be able to share the complete first series of the All Ears podcast with pet parents, old and new. As a pet owner myself with many, mostly rescued, animals, I know the value that expert tips can have on our ability to help our pets thrive. This first series touches upon many crucial aspects of pet ownership and we are incredibly grateful to our fantastic guests who have shared their extensive knowledge to enhance the lives of our pets and our relationships with them.”

Adam Henson added: “How enlightening it has been to be a part of this first series of the All Ears podcast. I’m passionate about sharing my love of animals with others and the All Ears podcast has not only allowed me to do this, but I’ve also learned a lot as a pet owner myself. It’s so rewarding to partner with a company like Agria that shows such care and commitment to animal welfare – this podcast provides essential access to expert advice that can really help pets to live more enriched, happy lives. I’m so happy that our listeners love it as much as I do and I can’t wait to hear what other pet owners have enjoyed hearing about this series!”

Series one of All Ears with Agria Pet Insurance is available to listen to and download from all main podcast directories at agriapet.co.uk/all-ears-podcast/.

New Agria Pet Insurance customers can receive their first month free and a luxury hamper for their pet when quoting EARS at agriapet.co.uk.

Wild Bird feeding peak season is around the corner, so Walter Harrison's wanted to share some helpful tips on which feeders to use for your garden birds and how to maintain them when the cold hits!

First, you must source the appropriate feeders for the seeds and food you’re offering to your garden visitors. For example, whole peanuts must be fed from a specialised peanut feeder with a wide mesh to avoid birds choking on whole peanuts and instead picking at these in smaller crumbs.

Most common birds will love peanuts; however, beware of squirrels who also love this treat, especially as they begin hunting down and burying nuts and treats for when they wake up after winter slumber! Walter Harrison's die-cast range of Peanut feeders in green, copper and silver provides the safety birds need to feed without danger.

To prevent naughty squirrel paws from getting hold of these, try the Harrison’s Protector Peanut feeder, which has a convenient extra grill surrounding the feeder!

In the winter, keep a close eye on when using fat balls and suet in the relevant feeders, as when frosty mornings take over, some foods may go off quicker. Harrison’s die-cast feeders prevent rust and accommodate our Harrison’s Suet, Fat Balls and logs for birds to feed on! Suet and Fat are especially good for the birds during the colder seasons due to their high fat and calorie content.

Make sure you take care of your feeders – it may be tempting to refill these week after week, but it is best practice to clean these regularly to avoid bacteria building up and frozen foods accumulating on the edges. Make sure the feeders are completely dry before taking these out again for birds to feed from.

Award-winning Just for Pets knows a thing or two about the best gifts for dog lovers. Here’s some of the top picks for this year...

Joules

With Jumpers, Tops, Neckerchiefs and Collars your pet can be comfy and stylish this winter season. Joules Neckerchiefs can also make affordable gifting options with prices from only £8. Comfy Joules beds are also available if you’re really looking to treat your dog & cat this Christmas.

Mountain Garden

Who doesn’t love fragrance and pamper gift sets at Christmas? With options from £6.99 British based Mountain Garden also offer natural, gift-wrapped sets including Shampoo Soap Bar, Deodorizing Spray and Bed Freshener. Pet friendly diffusers are also available to keep your home smelling fresh this festive season. 

Doodle & Friends Toys

Now at Any 2 for £10 the Just for Pets Mascots in plush toy form are a great gift for any pup or a great stocking filler for all your pet parent friends & family members. Whilst stocks last when they’re gone, they’re gone. 

George Barclay Beds & Bath Robes

The perfect gifts for colder nights George Barclay are known for quality, memory foam beds but the brand now also offer bath robes, quick dry towels and cosy blankets at Just for Pets Stores which dog owner wouldn’t love cosy winter nights in with their pup?

Hugo & Hudson

Your fur babies deserve the best and London based manufacturer Hugo & Hudson never disappoint in neither style nor comfort. From tweed jackets to puffer jackets and raincoats there’s a pet fashion statement that will make any pet owners Christmas.  

Doodles Deli

Just for Pets also offer one of the largest natural treats ranges around from pigs in blankets to duck & goose feet, making last minute stocking fillers quick & easy. 

New research reveals that over three quarters of Brits (76%) experience feelings of anxiety when faced with the prospect of leaving their dog alone.

In fact, the anxiousness can be so severe for some that a fifth (17%) confess to making excuses not to go out and leave their dog.

It’s inevitable that our furry companions will be left alone at one time or another, yet new research by Agria Pet Insurance has highlighted how anxiety affects the day-to-day lives of pet owners, with simply wanting to spend time with their pet (41%), knowing that their dog gets anxious (26%) and fear of something bad happening (24%) being the main triggers. 

Whilst going to work tops the list of reasons our dogs are left at home, almost half (48%) of owners admit that socialising and special events often see them separated from their pets.

The effects of separation anxiety on our pets is well documented and 85% of people reported they are confident that they can identify the signs that their dog has separation-related behavioural issues.

Four in five (82%) correctly identified barking and howling as a sign, closely followed by chewing and destructive behaviour (78%) and pacing (69%). One in ten (9%) thought there were no signs at all. And while being alone can be very traumatic for pets, being separated from them can be very hard on owners, too.

To remedy this, the study reveals the top tricks that owners call upon to help them to cope with leaving their pet, and their pet cope alone.

The top five are:

• Spending time apart from their pet whilst at home (54%)
• Using a webcam to check in on their pet when they’re left alone (18%)
• Making excuses not to go out (17%)
• Getting a dog sitter (14%)
• Having their dog accompany them everywhere (13%)

Shelley Harrison, a spokesperson from Agria Pet Insurance, said: “Separation anxiety is something that not only affects our pets, but it can seriously affect our own mental health, too. Yet, one fifth (20%) of us haven’t tried anything to reduce those feelings of anxiety when leaving our pets home alone.

“With the festive season approaching and more time being spent out of the house, it’s important that we think about how our pets are coping on their own, andlook for any signs that they are unhappy.  Whether you have a young pet you’re preparing to leave for the first few times, or an older one who needs some help to feel comfortable by themself, always seek the advice of a qualified pet behaviourist.

“Helping pets to feel relaxed when we’re not with them can take time and effort, so following the right advice, as early as you can, can make things much easier for you both.”

To find a qualified dog behaviourist visit The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter, www.dogcharter.uk

The veterinary profession is facing changes and challenges which need all stakeholders to unite to build healthy vet practices and profession. Veterinarians work long hours, often struggle with mental health, and need to continuously learn to stay up to date and helpful. The ROYAL CANIN 2022 Vet Symposium was an opportunity to accompany them and create synergies to respond to these pressing concerns.

On September 20-21, a range of international experts1, along with some of ROYAL CANIN’s voices, shared their knowledge and the latest trends in fields such as practice management, pet nutrition, dermatology, and feline cardiology. 

Today, visiting digital-vetsymposium2022.com means getting another chance to join the conversation and take part in this community of passionate advocates, learn about retaining exceptional talent, increasing resilience in vet professionals, taking care of a veterinary career, the latest trends in consultation journeys for puppies and kittens, in dermatology, nutrition, and cardiology.

Cécile Coutens, Global Royal Canin President, said that “this forum is an open forum. It is made for conversation, sharing, and learning. It is about uniting around the topics that matter to us. […] We not only care about the health of our pets but also of the vet profession which is the first line of care. My brother is a vet. However, I don’t think that in his childhood dreams he imagined what it meant to be a vet: the long days, the first loss of a patient, the serious conversation it involves with the pet parent, and the continuous learning needed to stay at the top of his profession. This is a very stressful environment, so it is a part of the conversation we want to have. The suicide rate in the vet profession is 3.5 times higher than the general population. What is important is how do we support the wellbeing of vets."

Coutens added: “At Royal Canin, we believe that we can make a better world for pets through nutrition, we want to partner with professionals and make it healthy. This cannot happen without a healthy planet, and therefore we committed as a brand to become carbon neutral by the end of 2025. We are aiming for a healthier world for vets, pets, and the planet."

From now until March 2023, the entire program is available for free on digital-vetsymposium2022.com. The dedicated website includes:

• The Replay: eight-panel discussions with leading international experts in pet health and veterinary management on uniting to nurture a healthy ecosystem, covering topics that range from clinical cases and practice management to talks about mental health and wellbeing in the field.
• Vet Lab: lectures on eight clinical cases from many boarded specialists. Clinical cases address “Five Ways to Improve your Practice of Canine Atopic Dermatitis”, “The Elimination Diet: Details Matter”, “Managing the Intestinal Barrier in Chronic Enteritis”, “Feline Preclinical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy”, “Feline Clinical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy”, “Feline Adverse Food Reaction”, “A Tailored Approach for the FIC Cat: Diagnostics, Drugs and Diet”, “Renal Health in Cats: Source and Dose of Dietary Phosphorus Matter”.
• Clinic Lounge: three masterclasses on wellness as preventative care for pets, owners, and clinics alike, with topics such as building a feline-friendly clinic, protocol implementation in clinics to maximize efficiency and wellbeing, by renowned institutions such as Banfield Pet Hospital USA and the UK veterinary group Linnaeus.
• Innovation Hub: a space to wander and learn about the latest innovations, powered by ROYAL CANIN®, CEVA, MSD, and Veterinary Focus.

True to its principles of mutuality and responsibility, ROYAL CANIN, a global player in health through nutrition, has at heart to share access to all insightful information provided by top experts at the 2022 Vet Symposium and to unite all stakeholders to achieve together our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

New research the Royal Veterinary College has shed light on the dog breeds most predisposed to hypothyroidism, a life-long hormonal disorder caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

The findings reveal that breeds, including Standard Doberman Pinschers, Tibetan Terriers and Boxers are highly predisposed to the condition, while some other breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and Yorkshire Terriers are among the breeds least likely to experience hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism, a commonly diagnosed hormonal disorder in dogs, usually occurs due to a deficiency in thyroid hormones. The condition can reduce quality of life with affected dogs often showing weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, intolerance to the cold and a tragic facial expression. Previous research has identified several potential risk factors for hypothyroidism such as breed, neutering and aging.

However, much of this earlier work is now dated, meaning risk factors need to be checked again for relevance to the current UK dog population. Previous research also provided little information on which dog breeds had reduced risk of hypothyroidism.

The findings from this new study have now identified several breeds predisposed to, and protected from, hypothyroidism and will help generate increased awareness of the condition and assist with earlier detection and treatment of cases.

Led by the RVC’s VetCompass Programme, researchers identified 2,105 hypothyroidism cases diagnosed amongst a study population of 905,553 UK dogs. This revealed an annual frequency of one case in 400 dogs (0.23%) for the condition, with the most common breeds diagnosed being Tibetan Terriers, Standard Doberman Pinschers and Boxers. The average age at first diagnosis was 7.65 years.

Additional key findings include:

• The breeds most highly predisposed to hypothyroidism were Standard Doberman Pinscher (x 17.02), Tibetan Terrier (x 11.25), Boxer (x 10.44) and Alaskan Malamute (x 9.71).
• The most protected breeds were French Bulldog (0.27), Pug (x 0.29), Yorkshire Terrier (x 0.38), Shih-tzu (x 0.38) and Jack Russell Terrier (x 0.40).
• Two breeds had no recorded cases of hypothyroidism – Cavachon and Cavapoo.
• The risk of having hypothyroidism rose as dogs aged, with dogs aged 11-13 years at 4.54 times the risk of hypothyroidism compared with dogs aged 5-7 years.
• The risk of hypothyroidism increased as adult bodyweight increased.
• Neutered females and neutered males were more likely to be diagnosed than entire females.
• Breeds with long skull (dolichocephalic x1.35) or short skull (brachycephalic x 1.15) conformation had higher risk of hypothyroidism compared to dogs with medium length (mesocephalic) skull conformation.

These results will help increase understanding of how breed is linked with hypothyroidism risk in dogs in the UK. Awareness of this information can help UK dog owners and veterinary professionals to identify cases of hypothyroidism earlier and therefore, to commence treatment sooner to protect the welfare of affected dogs.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and lead author of the paper, said: “As increasing evidence accumulates on the health risks and benefits for individual dogs from being born into specific breeds, this latest VetCompass paper offers insights into close links between breed and hypothyroidism in dogs. Owners of key predisposed breeds can now be alert for early signs of ill-health typical of hypothyroidism. The results can also help good breeders to select away from affected dogs to improve health in future generations.”

Dr Rebecca Geddes, Lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals and last author of the paper, said: “It is great to have this data from UK primary care practices, which will help highlight high risk breeds to veterinary surgeons so they can diagnose and treat affected dogs as early as possible. Hypothyroidism is usually straightforward to manage with medication that can greatly improve quality of life in affected dogs.”

Bill Lambert, Health and Welfare Executive at The Kennel Club added: “These findings are important to help us to identify which dogs may be at most risk of developing hypothyroidism. Ultimately, this should help owners to spot the initial signs, and vets to diagnose earlier to enable treatment, which is known to be effective in managing the disease. The findings will feed into our Breed Health and Conservation Plans which enable The Kennel Club to identify, monitor and improve each individual breed’s health and welfare.

“We hope this research, funded in part by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, helps to improve dog welfare across the board and reduces the impact of this disease, which can be managed with medication.”

PATS has broken all records with the two-day show at Telford in Shropshire recording its highest ever attendance figures since the event was launch in 2009.

A total of 2,185 retailers and buyers came through the doors of The Telford International Centre, which was 6% higher than PATS Telford last year. It beats the previous record attendance of 2,148 recorded in 2017.

The largest-ever PATS show, staged in three halls for the first time, closed with visitors and exhibitors agreeing it had been a huge success, with the event delivering an unrivalled platform for the launch of hundreds of exciting new pet product innovations. 

Organiser Gordon Thomas said many of the companies exhibiting at PATS Telford were eager to point out the quality of people visiting their stands had been of the highest standard.

“Exhibitors told us they met with the key decision makers and buyers, and that was good to hear because we put in place measures that ensured the right people attended. 

“Overall, the response to PATS Telford 2017 has been excellent and positive, and proves that the pet industry is firmly behind this show.”

Rob Newsome, director of sales and operations at Danish Design, said: “We’ve attended every exhibition and this year’s event was the busiest ever. It was also the biggest with lots more exhibitors spreading through to three halls, which was great to see in these challenging times. We had a super busy two days and saw so many people looking to place orders and seeking out new products. We look forward to many more shows like this one.”

Assisi Pet Care was exhibiting at PATS Telford for the first time and was delighted with the outcome. Product manager Suzy Broughton said: “It was a great opportunity to showcase the natural brands that make up our UK portfolio. To talk directly to and listen to the wide variety of businesses that make up our industry under one roof made for a great two days of interaction.”

Benebone exhibited in the New Starter Zone, and the company’s international and marketing manager Victoria Lowe said: “We had a great time at PATS Telford – it was our first time exhibiting and it didn’t disappoint. We were really pleased with the level of interest in our brand.”

Visitors were attracted in their droves to the WHM Pet Group stand, which took on a Wild West theme to signify the launch of new wild bird products. Brand manager Emily Scruton commented: “We like to have a bit of fun at the show and people keep returning to our stand every year just to see what the theme is. We love being part of this event and it was great to see the addition of an extra hall and the New Starter Zone.”

Mealberry travelled from Germany to exhibit, and sales and marketing manager Doreen Werner agreed it had been a worthwhile trip. “This year’s Telford event was great! The show had a lovely atmosphere and visitors were super excited about new products. We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback and reactions to our new RIO-for-birds launch.”

And Charlie Williams, commercial director of Canagan Group, agreed it was “a fantastic show, meeting many existing and new customers.”

PATS Telford also got the thumbs up from visitors.

Emma Smith, director of The Ark Pet Centres in Devon, crowned UK Pet Retailer of the Year at the PetQuip Awards, said: “We thought PATS Telford was great this year. Lots of exhibitors, lots of new products and everyone was genuinely happy to see you on their stands and really wanted to do business with you.”

Rosemary Roberts, of Petals & Pets in the West Midlands, commented: “Two of us attended the show and it took us the full two days to get around all three halls. We found a lot of good contacts and a fantastic range of products.”

The final word was left to pet retail consultant Claire Gavin, a former director of Pets at Home. “It was great to see the thriving UK pet industry come together at PATS Telford and fantastic that so many innovative ideas focused on the health, wellbeing, bonding and enrichment benefits for the pets themselves. I’m already looking forward to PATS Sandown in March next year.”

Dates for the diary

PATS Sandown 2023: 26-27 March

PATS Telford 2023: 1-2 October

The UK’s largest pet retail group Pets at Home, which has more than 450 outlets across the country, has revamped a number of its stores in Derby, Huntingdon, Wolverhampton and High Wycombe.  

The company opened the doors to its new look pet care centre at Meteor Centre Retail Park in Derby. The revamped store is now home to a brand-new grooming salon – The Groom Room – which has opened for the first time. 

The rest of the store has also been refurbished, including a pet village, which has been designed with small animals in mind to ensure there is plenty of room for them to play, hide, eat and sleep, as well as an aquatic centre, with a range of fish and accessories.

The Derby Meteor store has a team of specialist pet care advisors on hand to support pet owners with free advice, including flea and worm subscriptions, weight checks and nutritional consultations, as well as a coat and harness fitting services for dogs.

The store also has a Vets4Pets surgery, formerly Companion Care, which has been extended.  They have a team of highly skilled vets, experienced nurses, and dedicated Client Care Advisors on hand to support pets with all of their important healthcare needs – from preventative care and welfare advice, to treating sick and injured animals.

Store manager Deb Wyld, said: “We can’t wait to welcome our customers and their pets into our revamped pet care centre.

“We really do offer everything you need to keep pets happy, healthy and safe, all under one roof. Whether it’s help with fitting a harness or your pet’s diet, accessing our grooming services, or booking an appointment with the vet team, our team are always on hand to offer expert pet care advice, support and guidance.”

The stores at Huntingdon Retail Park, Wycombe Retail Park and St John’s Retail Park (Wolverhampton) have all had similar facelifts (see gallery of pictures below).

Burglars, who ransacked a pet shop in the Scottish town of Paisley, escaped with cash and equipment from the overnight raid.

Staff at Proexotics discovered the break-in the following morning, and were heartbroken to find the shop in a state of disarray.

Equipment, including heat lamps, to the value of £2,000 was stolen along with a similar amount of cash.

On its Facebook page, the store posted: “Hey guys, unfortunately our shop in Paisley was broken with the thieves taking a large amount of stock. Fortunately, all of our animals are accounted for, which is great news.”

Pets at Home has this week announced the appointment of Rachel Mooney as Chief People Officer.

Prior to joining Pets at Home, Rachel held senior roles at global brands, including Google and Vodafone, and was Chief People Officer at digitally-led organisations Monzo and Snow Software.

Throughout her career, Rachel has been instrumental in developing talent acquisition strategies, upskilling leadership, and shaping organisational effectiveness, whilst also ensuring a strong sense of purpose and people engagement remain central to building a meaningful employer brand.

Rachel has held several board roles, including previously as a Non-Executive Board Member at Vodafone Group Services, and at Women’s Aid (Ireland). She has a BA (Hons) in Psychology, an MSc in Applied Neuroscience as well as an MBA in Organisational Change and Innovation.

Rachel is married to Ciaran and has two sons. She is also the proud owner of 13-year-old Westie, Lily, and Ari the cat.

Lyssa McGowan, CEO of Pets at Home, commented: “I am incredibly excited that Rachel is joining our Executive leadership team and I know she will quickly become a huge asset to our business. She is an outstanding leader who brings with her vast experience leading best in class People functions across globally recognised brands, as well as within smaller, more agile and digitally-led organisations. 

“We are incredibly lucky to have amazing colleagues across the business who live and breathe our special Pets culture and with Rachel’s guidance we will continue to build a supportive and inclusive environment where our colleagues can truly thrive.”

Rachel Mooney commented: “I am delighted to be joining the Pets At Home team and being part of an exciting and growing business that is centred on the well-being and welfare of our wonderful animal friends and their owners.”