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Top vet becomes clinical director at Pets at Home
Top vet Dick White is to become clinical director of a new specialist division of Pets at Home Vet Group following the acquisition of his practice in Cambridgeshire...
Dick White, often described as being a super vet, is pictured operating on a bear!
Top vet Dick White is to become clinical director of a new specialist division of Pets at Home Vet Group.
The appointment follows the acquisition of his practice Dick White Referrals in Cambridgeshire plus Eye-Vet Referrals in Cheshire.. The new specialist division of Pets at Home Vet Group will comprise Dick White Referrals at Six Mile Bottom, Northwest Surgeons, Anderson Moores, and Eye Vet Referrals, alongside the existing First Opinion Division comprising Vets4Pets and Companion Care. Prof White, who has 36 letters after his name, founded Dick White Referrals in 2003. It is now one of the largest collections of veterinary specialists anywhere in Europe with 66 vets and around 5,000 patients a year. It will continue to operate as a standalone brand with the Vet Group. Professor White will remain as a shareholder. "Forming this strategic partnership provides great opportunities for us to continue to develop Dick White Referrals as a world class referrals centre with a team of leading veterinary specialists," he said. "I am delighted to be working with a partner that shares our vision. Joining the board of the specialist division will allow me to provide clinical leadership and governance across the division, input into the formulation of strategy and support M&A activity and veterinary recruitment. Pets at Home has acquired a 76% ownership stake in DWR for a consideration of £14.1m and will operate the practice as a shared venture model through which the founder, Professor Dick White, and the key clinicians, will retain 24% equity ownership.
Eye-Vet Referrals (EVR), based in Cheshire, is a dedicated opthalmology centre with six veterinary clinicians.
EVR already provides services to one of our referral centres, NorthWest Surgeons, as well as to other primary opinion veterinary practices. EVR will also operate as a shared venture, with the founders retaining 10% equity ownership.
Ian Kellett, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are delighted to welcome both Dick White Referrals and Eye-Vet Referrals to the Group.
"These new shared ventures represent another strategic step in building our presence in the specialist referrals market, whilst also enhancing our reputation with the UK's veterinary clinicians.
"We have grown our specialist referrals division to four centres in just over a year and see further opportunities in the veterinary market that will deliver growth and attractive returns."
Dick White, often described as being a supervet, is pictured above operating on a bear!
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IAMS launches nutritious treats range
IAMS is launching a range of healthy dog treats, giving consumers a low-fat option. IAMS Minis will be available in three varieties – Lamb with Cranberry, Beef with Apple, and Chicken with Carrots...
IAMS is launching a range of healthy dog treats, giving consumers a low-fat option.
The brand is dedicated to improving pet nutrition and has pet health at the forefront of all product development. This new range of treats is rich in taste, low in fat and made with no artificial flavourings.
IAMS Minis Dog Snacks, which are made without gluten, are a tasty and healthy reward for any sized dog.
IAMS Minis are available in three different taste variants - Lamb with Cranberry
- Beef with Apple
- Chicken with Carrots
The retail launch will be supported across all channels with print ads, online banner ads, PR, online seeding and POS materials, all raising awareness of this range and communicating that ‘what pets eat isn’t always what pets need’.
Through this launch campaign, IAMS aims to educate dog owners that good behaviour can be rewarded with healthy, beneficial treats and to avoid the temptation of giving treats that are high in fat and low in nutritional value, or meant for human consumption only and therefore potentially harmful for the dog. By tackling this unhealthy snacks issue now, owners can help to prevent future health problems such as obesity. Kellie Ceccarelli, Veterinary Training Manager at IAMS, comments: "Quality nutrition is at the heart of everything we produce, and we know a balanced diet makes a big difference to dogs – from their health and well-being to the way they look.
"We hope to strengthen the snack market with our IAMS® Minis range and to educate consumers that tit-bits and fatty treats from the table aren’t the best way to go for a healthy and happy pet.” For more information visit www.iams.co.uk
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The Pet Industry Federation has called on licensed pet retailers to raise their game on animal welfare and get themselves signed up to the Primary Authority scheme.
The call follows OATA’s announcement last week that only half of all local authorities are following the CIEH’s 2013 Model Licence Conditions for Pet Vending when undertaking pet shop licence inspections.
This means that many licensed pet shops are being inspected against criteria which falls well below current expected standards of animal welfare.
The Primary Authority scheme was developed to help cut red tape, and almost 500 pet retail outlets are already part of PIF’s Primary Authority scheme.
By joining these retailers and signing up to Primary Authority, PIF members opt in to be inspected against an agreed inspection plan, thus avoiding the whims of a gung-ho licensing officer or any illogical licensing conditions a local authority may have developed or chosen to adopt.
If members within the scheme have any difficulties with their licence, they can phone PIF for support, and, if the inspection plan is not being followed or is being interpreted wrongly, PIF will liaise with the City of London Corporation to offer Assured Primary Authority Advice, which the local authority cannot ignore. It’s also ideal for retailers who operate more than one outlet across more than one local authority.
PIF and the City of London Corporation have jointly agreed to use the CIEH Model Licence Conditions for Pet Vending 2013, as the basis of the inspection plan.
Nigel Baker, PIF CEO said: "It’s now more crucial than ever before for licensed pet retailers to lead the way on this issue, and show their commitment to animal welfare by joining the Primary Authority scheme.
"This will send a clear message to local authorities that pet retailers are committed to acceptable standards of animal welfare and will force authorities to adopt the latest licence conditions.
"This can only be good for animal welfare and will also re-assure new pet owners that pet retailers have their pet’s best interests at heart."
The free of charge Primary Authority scheme is open to any current pet retail member of the Pet Industry Federation. To opt in, email Alexandra.baker@petfederation.co.uk or telephone the customer service team on 01234 273933.
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Following the growing success of Carnilove dry dog food, now available in over 100 stores in the UK, BSB Products is now importing and distributing Carnilove canned dog food.
The new Carnilove canned products are over 65% real meat together with forest fruits. They are grain-free and potato-free patés which can be used as a complete or a complimentary feed.
The canned products mirror the Carnilove dry product range of carefully selected wild-origin meats which correspond to the composition of natural prey.
Canned product recipes include Duck & Pheasant, Salmon & Turkey, Lamb & Wild Boar and Venison & Reindeer for adult dogs and Salmon & Turkey for puppies.
Carnilove only contains the highest quality ingredients. Whilst the wild-origin meats provide quality sources of protein the forest fruits provide nutrients, fibre and vitamins.
Fruits are rich in anti-oxidants supporting cell protection and boosts the immune system. No chemicals, preservatives or colourants are added to the ingredients.
Carnilove cans are available in 400 g cans and retail at £2.25 per unit.
To find out more about the Carnilove range and the great introductory offers and trade margins available, contact BSB Products on 01737 488400 or email sales@bsbproducts.co.uk.
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PetQuip Business Village returns to Glee 2016
Designed to offer pet suppliers a platform to launch and showcase their latest ranges to garden centre retailers, the PetQuip Business Village is returning to Glee at the NEC in September...
Designed to offer pet suppliers a platform to launch and showcase their latest ranges to garden centre retailers, the PetQuip Business Village is returning to Glee at the NEC in September.
Open to both PetQuip members, and non-members, the Business Village will make its home at the heart of Glee, bringing together pet brands with garden retail buyers and key decision makers. Led by PetQuip - the UK’s leading trade association for suppliers of pet products, accessories and services – the ‘village’ is set to welcome even more pet suppliers in 2016.
Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein said: “I am pleased to confirm that the PetQuip Business Village will be returning at this year’s show. Last year it helped to forge a number of new business relationships, and we are hopeful that even more profitable connections will be made later this year when the village comes to life at Glee 2016.
“The success of the PetQuip Village lies in the fact that Britain remains a nation of animal lovers. With 12 million pets, and an annual spend of £4.6billion on pet products in 2015*, there is no doubt that garden retailers can – and should – grab a slice of this opportunity.
Latest figures show that over 70% of UK garden centres now feature a dedicated pet section, and more are coming on board each year. Offering a new profit opportunity and creating a ‘one stop shop’ reputation amongst its locality, we have no doubt that the PetQuip Business Village is a vital part of Glee for any garden retailer wanting to build its business in 2017 and beyond.”
As a division of The Federation of Garden & Leisure Manufacturers Ltd (Gardenex), PetQuip has access to over 55 years of experience of bringing suppliers and buyers together and building world-wide supply networks. It is these values which will underpin the activity within the village.
Over 20 companies are expected to make their home within the village, with additional PetQuip members such as Petface, Gardman and Westland also featuring throughout the wider show.
Three special, all-inclusive stand packages have been created, making participation as easy as possible. Additional benefits will include an online presence at gleebirmingham.com, as well as ongoing marketing and PR support in the lead up to, and during, the show itself. The PetQuip team will also be on hand throughout Glee to provide unrivalled business and exporting advice to both new and existing suppliers.
Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, Director General of PetQuip said: "The PetQuip team is pleased to be able to expand the comprehensive range of sales generating services the association offers pet product manufacturers. The PetQuip Business Village at Glee not only offers a cost effective stand package for suppliers, it also gives them an excellent opportunity to meet with buyers of pet products representing garden retailers in the UK and internationally.
"Exhibitors will also be well placed for introductions with the broad range of buyers attending Glee from related sectors such as DIY stores, department stores and high street chains from the UK and abroad, who are interested in expanding their pet product consumer offer and are looking for new suppliers."
Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits within core product categories including garden care, outdoor living, landscaping, garden design, pet, speciality food and catering, home, gift and clothing, and plants. Each year the show attracts thousands of buyers from top retailers, such as leading UK garden centres, builders’ merchants, multiple retailers, and DIY stores. To keep up-to-date on all the latest news log onto www.gleebirmingham.com or call 020 3033 2160 to find out about exhibiting.
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Pets Choice is to launch its new Natural Range at this year’s Interzoo. The range will be launched under the popular pet food brand Webbox.
Webbox has created an all-new natural range for cats and dogs which has been developed from holistic recipes and is made with carefully sourced, local ingredients.
The Webbox Natural range combines high meat content with bundles of vegetables and nutritious whole grains, to create a well-balanced complete food that is available in both wet and dry variations.
Natural pet food is an emerging trend with pet owners as we see the humanisation of pet food become a leading trend within the market.
After the huge success of the Webbox Natural wet dog tray that was launched in July 2012, the leading pet food brand has introduced dry food to expand the range along with the addition of wet cat and dog products..
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Burgess Pet Care is marking its 10-year investment into its Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) campaign with a show-stopping rabbit zone at the National Pet Show this week.
The Yorkshire based, family-run pet care company, which founded RAW a decade ago and each year has invested considerable sums into raising rabbit welfare issues, is creating a ‘warren wonderland’ at the London Excel show on May 7-8 – complete with a bunny ‘hotel and gym’, landscaped garden and even a cookery show – to push the message about good nutrition and enrichment for rabbits.
No other national pet campaign has raised the profile of rabbit welfare as much as RAW. The Burgess initiative, which runs 18-26 June this year, has been supported by thousands of vets over its 10-year history and is supported by official partners including the RSPCA and the PDSA. Over 4,000 veterinary practices are expected to sign up to RAW this year.
 Visitors to Burgess Pet Care’s Small Furries Zone can take part in the show’s first ever ‘Great British Bake Hop’ cookery demo hosted by Great British Bake Off contestant Sandy Docherty, dive into foraging workshops and see rabbits enjoying a unique Secret Rabbit Garden.
“It’s been 10 years since we launched RAW and to celebrate this year’s campaign we wanted to do something extra-special that would really boost awareness of rabbit welfare and nutrition and put our RAW campaign on the map,” said Rehana Kausar from Burgess Pet Care, based near Pickering.
“We’re passionate about helping more rabbit owners provide proper enrichment for rabbits and hope our RAW message reaches as many industry leaders and pet lovers as it can.”
Burgess will also be showcasing its innovative Nature’s Blend food at the show – a nugget made from wild hedgerow ingredients with prebiotic support and Lucerne extract.
With its category-leading Excel range already recommended by 92 per cent of vets, the Yorkshire pet food firm used its expertise to blend vitamin-rich forage such as dandelion, nettle and lemon balm with nutritious grasses.
To find out more about Burgess Pet Care go to www.burgesspetcare.com, for more on RAW go to www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk, and to buy tickets for the National Pet Show 2016 go to www.thenationalpetshow.com
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Lily’s Kitchen is introducing a unique offer to their range next month with its first meat-free recipe for dogs, launching to coincide with National Vegetarian Week 16th-22nd May.
The company has created its Wholesome Veggie Feast 375g tin (rrp £2.49) to help pet owners add some healthy variety to their dog’s diet.
With the growing popularity of Meat Free Mondays for humans, this carefully crafted, nutritionally complete recipe provides a way for dogs to join in with the rest of the family.
Wholesome Veggie Feast has been created alongside vets and nutritionists. As dogs are omnivores and have evolved to eat a variety of meat, fruits and vegetables, they can enjoy all the benefits a super healthy meat-free recipe can offer them, without concern for the lack of meat.
Wholesome Veggie Feast contains a complete, balanced and varied protein and calcium source in the form of cottage cheese, egg, lentils and the super-food amaranth, an ancient grain rich in protein. Added carrots, parsnips, pumpkin, broccoli and apple provide a wide range of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants to create this feast.
Oats provide a source of iron and like amaranth also add fibre for good gut health. Flax oil will help to keep dogs’ skin, eyes and coat healthy.
Overall, natural nourishment provided helps to promote a shiny coat, healthy skin, fresher breath and healthy digestion, ensuring it doesn’t just fill stomachs but feeds the overall health of each dog too.
CEO and Founder Henrietta Morrison, comments: “Our Wholesome Veggie Feast has been carefully crafted to ensure it is nutritionally complete, making it a great addition to our variety of meat-based recipes.
"We have been working on this recipe for over four years! It’s ideal for dogs that have allergies to a large variety of meat or simply as some vegetable variety for our meat loving friends, in keeping with the flexible lifestyles their pet parents are choosing.”
The new Wholesome Veggie Feast 375g tin, RRP £2.49, will be available exclusively for three months in independent pet shops and on the Lily’s Kitchen website (www.lilyskitchen.co.uk), until 31st August 2016.
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Eukanuba responds to consumer shopping trends
Eukanuba is responding to changing consumer shopping habits by introducing a new 12kg format in their dog dry offering. The aim is to help support retailers with on-shelf price positioning...
Eukanuba is responding to changing consumer shopping habits by introducing a new 12kg format in their dog dry offering. The aim is to help support retailers with on-shelf price positioning.
With 10-15kg bags of food now worth 45% of dog food sales in the UK*, Eukanuba has responded with the introduction of a 12kg dry offering at a lower price point to support retailers in achieving stronger sales in the category.
Eukanuba’s whole range including Puppy, Adult, Mature & Senior, Light/Weight Control and Breed Specific will all be available in 12kg formats from April 1st 2016. These varieties have experienced the biggest shift in consumers opting for smaller format options, which is why Eukanuba is providing a 12kg option in these SKU’s.
The new format has a recommended retail price of £42.99-49.99 depending on specific product (price is at the sole discretion of the retailer). The new format and pricing will be supported through dedicated point of sale marketing materials to further support retailers in their communications to customers on shelf and in-store.
Julie Nottage, Pet Specialty Channel Leader for Eukanuba, commented: ‘’We are constantly reviewing market and consumer trends to ensure that we respond to be able to provide retailers with the best products to bolster premium sales within the pet food category.
"We feel that the new format will provide independent, specialist and national retailers with a competitive product offering and will be appealing to consumer with a lower absolute price point. The promotional price and POS materials will further support sales and encourage more consumers to trade up to a more premium product.’
“At Eukanuba, we believe in feeding pet’s premium nutrition with only the best, highest-quality animal proteins. That’s why we use chicken or lamb – not vegetables – as the principal source of protein in our foods.”
*GFK Pet Food Report 2015
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Fishkeeper Scotland to double number of stores
Aquatic retailer Fishkeeper Scotland, part of Maidenhead Aquatics, is doubling its number of stores north of the Border as part of a £500,000 expansion project involving the creation of about 25 jobs...
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Aquatic retailer Fishkeeper Scotland is doubling its number of stores north of the Border as part of a £500,000 expansion project involving the creation of about 25 jobs.
Fishkeeper Scotland, part of Maidenhead Aquatics, said the launch at the weekend of its new store at the Dobbies garden centre at Braehead had broken all visitor records.
The new Braehead store is the eighth in Scotland. Fishkeeper said it planned to open another six sites in Scotland, three this year and three early in 2017.
Fishkeeper Scotland said more than 1,500 people visited its Braehead store over the launch weekend, to look at the range of more than 5,000 exotic invertebrates and tropical freshwater, marine, coldwater and pond fish from around the world, including discus and clownfish.
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 3P Enterprise will be helping to keep dogs healthy and cool this summer with the Pet Cool Mat, new from Henry Wag.
It is a simple idea and doesn't need any refrigeration before use. It contains an innovative, completely safe gel that cools a dog down by gently drawing heat away from its body.
The mat stays at a temperature that is slightly lower than a dog's body temperature and keeps the pet comfortable, refreshed and ready to play.
It really is a simple way to keep a dog cool in warm weather and can also provide relief for more elderly pets who suffer from painful joint inflammation.
It can be used at home, in the car and when you are out and about together.
The Cool Mats are available now in four sizes from 3P Enterprise. Prices start at £9.99 RRP.
For more information visit www.3penterprise.co.uk
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If you have a pampered pet named Bruno then you’d better beware – it’s just been crowned the unluckiest pet name in the UK!
Hapless hounds and unfortunate felines named Bruno are nearly SIX times more likely to be the subject of pet insurance claims than pets named Luna – which is the nation’s luckiest name*, according to research carried out by PDSA Petsurance.
Claims made for calamitous canines named Bruno include everything from emergency treatment for injuries such as those caused by playing fetch with sticks and eating things they shouldn’t, to serious diseases such as cancer and lifelong illnesses like epilepsy.
Also on the ill-fated unlucky list were pets called Cassie, Henry, Tia and Buster, who were all up to five times more likely to be the subject of pet insurance claims than lucky Luna. At the more fortunate end of the scale, Luna was joined by Olly, Skye, Freddie, Coco and Paddy in being the least likely to need an insurance claim.
Richard Hooker, PDSA’s Director of Veterinary Services, said: “It’s a mystery why pets named Bruno seem to have an unfair share of misfortune. The difference between their insurance claim rates and pets called Luna is baffling. Clearly, any pet can be involved in an accident or become ill so, whatever your pet is called, taking out pet insurance is the best way to protect them and avoid unwanted vet’s bills.”
The average insurance claim for pets is £440.01, although this rises to £625.51 for third party claims for damage**. Claims can include everything from traumatic injuries due to traffic accidents, falls and fighting, to surgical removal of objects pets have eaten, including tennis balls, socks and even sunglasses!
Richard added: “Even the most well-trained dog or home-loving cat can get into plenty of mischief, landing you with an unexpected trip to the vets. Illnesses can also strike without warning, and some diseases such as diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease can require life-long treatment.”
PDSA Petsurance is selected by the charity’s vets and offers four levels of protection so that owners can find the perfect cover for their pet.*** A 5% discount on the cost of insurance policies taken out online is currently available, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurance. Quotes are also available by calling 0800 980 6000.
Case study - Unlucky Bruno
Brave little Yorkie, Bruno, is only four, but has already had more than his fair share of visits to the vet due to unexpected medical conditions. Thankfully, Bruno’s owners had taken out PDSA Petsurance, so he’s getting the treatment he needs.
Bruno’s owner Sangeeta said: “Not long after we brought him home we noticed his skin started to look very sore and he was scratching a lot. He was diagnosed with an allergic skin disorder and now has to take medication for the rest of his life.
“Then a few months later we noticed his back leg started giving way, then one day he just couldn’t walk. We were calling him and he wouldn’t move – it was heart-breaking. Our vet did some tests and found that his kneecap moves out of the joint.
“At the moment, we’re managing his condition by making sure he only takes short walks and doesn’t run around too much. But he may need surgery in the future. It’s a relief to know that we’ll be covered if an operation is necessary. We love him to bits and couldn’t bear to see him suffer.”
“We decided to get pet insurance because it’s the right thing to do. You never know what’s around the corner and it gives us peace of mind to know that whatever happens, Bruno will get the care he needs. We chose PDSA Petsurance as they gave us a good quote, plus we really wanted to support the charity too.”
Unlucky pets – the facts
The rankings were calculated by comparing the number of claims made against the total number of policies for each name. For example, for every pet named Bruno there were two claims over a four-year period, while for every pet named Luna there were just 0.3 claims in the same period.
Top ten unluckiest pet names:
- Bruno
- Cassie
- Jake
- Izzy
- Henry
- Tia
- Dylan
- Buster
- Sam
- Jess
Top ten luckiest pet names:
- Luna
- Olly
- Skye
- Freddie
- Paddy
- Ted
- Bertie
- Coco
- Minnie
- Teddy
* Data analysed from PDSA Petsurance policies between 2012 and 2015, comparing claims made by the top 100 pet names.
** Average figures from claims settled between 01/01/2015 and 31/12/2015.
*** Pre-existing conditions or illnesses are not covered
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The Vitalin Puppy Starter Pack is available to all new puppy owners, is free and provides a host of treats.
The pack includes:- A sample pack of Vitalin Puppy. This hypoallergenic and wheat gluten free food contains high quality protein from 100% British Chicken with rice and nutrient packed botanicals such as fruits, vegetables and herbs.
- Vitalin Money Off Voucher
- Vitalin Clicker and Keyring
- Nutritional Advice
Vitalin Puppy is the choice of thousands of owners wanting to ensure the best start in life for their new arrival. At Vitalin the nutritionists worked carefully with veterinary assistance to produce a nutritionally complete and balanced recipe for puppies to help maximise growth and development. Puppy owners should visit www.vitalinpetfood.co.uk to get their free Vitalin Puppy Starter Pack. For further information about the Vitalin Super Premium Dog Food Range call +44 (0) 844 800 3347.
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ORIJEN is proud to be part of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, particularly as it is amidst the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations and hosted in the beautiful grounds of Windsor Castle.
This prestigious annual event opens daily from Wednesday, 11th May until Sunday, 15th May 2016. It’s the world’s largest outdoor show with international competitions in three different equestrian disciplines.
The ORIJEN UK team will be on stand E217 in the Horse & Rider Exhibitor Area and will be talking about, selling and taking orders for ORIJEN and ACANA dog & cat foods & treats, all prepared in the kitchens of Champion Petfoods.
It’s the perfect arena for ORIJEN’S world class, award-winning, biologically appropriate range of dog and cat foods. In fact, ORIJEN and ACANA are the only dog & cat food range of products that have been accepted to exhibit at the show.
This special action-packed show will see the return of some of the old favourites that are guaranteed to get the crowds cheering. These attractions include The Shetland Pony Grand National, The DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games, Tent Pegging, the Coaching Marathon, over 100 Showing classes which attract top quality combinations of riders and horses from all over the country, as well as the CE12* International Endurance competition, held in The Great Park on Friday 13th May.
ORIJEN and ACANA are distributed by Bern Pet Foods. For more information call 01737 767679 or email sales@BernPetFoods.co.uk
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Insurance company Petplan has revealed that approximately 5% of new UK pet owners have been offered the opportunity by their employer to take time off to care for their furry friends.
One company with a “pawternity” policy is BitSol Solutions, a tech-support business based in Manchester. The owner states that staff with a new pet are able to take up to one week of paid leave.
According to Mintel’s report Pet Food UK 2015, 81% of pet owners say they agree or strongly agree that they treat their pet like a member of the family.
In light of this shift, brands and businesses have created services that cater to owners who want to share everyday experiences, such as dining out or grocery shopping with their pets.
And this movement is being given greater credence as governments and companies take note of the powerful bond between pet and owner and introduce policies or legislate to accommodate this. For example, Shoppers Drug Mart is a Canadian company offering time off to employees suffering from the loss of a pet.
Petplan’s findings show that businesses in the UK are following suit. This move makes sense as owners already have experience taking time off work to care for their four legged friends. According to Mintel’s report Britain’s Pet Owners UK 2015, nearly one in five pet owners have stayed at home with a sick pet or have missed work to take care of a pet.
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A national fraud agency is warning animal lovers after a spate of fake pets for sale online.
Action Fraud has received a rise in the reporting of pets, and in particular puppies and kittens, being advertised for sale via popular online auction websites.
Fraudsters are placing adverts online using stolen photos of pets claiming they are currently held abroad or somewhere less accessible within the UK.
Once a sale is agreed and payment made, usually by money transfer or bank transfer, the pet does not materialise. The fraudsters will usually ask for further advanced payments to cover courier charges, shipping fees or vet bills.
Even if further payments are made, the pet will still not materialise as it is likely the pet does not exist.
Auction Fraud have issues the following guidelines for prospective new pet owners:
- Be cautious if the seller initially requests payment via one method, but later claims that due to ‘issues with their account’ they will need to take the payment via an alternative method such as a bank transfer.
- Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with the number/email address online.
- Request details of the courier company being used and consider researching it.
- Agree a suitable time to meet face to face to agree the purchase and collect the pet. If the seller is reluctant to meet it could be an indication the pet does not exist.
- A genuine seller should be keen to ensure the pet is going to a caring and loving new home. If the seller does not express any interest in you and the pet’s new home, be wary.
- If you think the purchase price is too good to be true it probably is, especially if the pet is advertised as a pure-breed.
- Do not be afraid to request copies of the pet’s inoculation history, breed paperwork and certification prior to agreeing a sale. If the seller is reluctant or unable to provide this information it could be an indication that either the pet does not exist or has been illegally bred e.g. it originates from a ‘puppy farm’.
- When thinking of buying a pet, consider buying them in person from rescue centres or from reputable breeders.
To report a fraud and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
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A new Pets at Home store is scheduled to open in Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland at the beginning of 2017.
Fencing went up around its site in Tweedmouth last week ahead of demolition work (pictured above).
It is moving into the premises previously occupied by Beds at Berwick and, prior to that, DP Furniture Express, on the corner of Prince Edward Road and Ord Drive.
Planning permission for the work has already been secured from Northumberland County Council but the final details are being planned through and finalised at the moment.
A Pets at Home spokesman said: “We can confirm that we will be opening a new store in Berwick-upon-Tweed, and offering our unique product range and customer service, at the beginning of next year.
He added: “This summer, we will also be opening stores in Alnwick and Morpeth and therefore bringing a stronger Pets at Home experience to the people of Northumberland.”
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Award-winning Scampers is embarking on an innovative newspaper ad campaign, inviting dog owners to take their pets to the Cambridgeshire store where they can ‘pop in and pick up a doggy bag’. Dogs will be able to try the free tasting menu with a wide choice of natural pet food.
