The UK’s leading pet healthcare product manufacturer, Johnson’s Veterinary Products, has launched a new online flea and worming training opportunity for its retail customers.

The free training portal, which is available to all Johnson’s stockists via their online account, has been designed to help boost or refresh retailers’ existing flea and worm knowledge, and firmly position pet stores as high street experts in tackling these common pet issues.

Paul Gwynn, Managing Director of Johnson’s explains: “When we surveyed pet owners as part of our 2023 report into purchasing habits, the results indicated a common belief amongst respondents that pet shops and stores are both ‘knowledgeable’ and had an opinion that could be trusted.

“For over 100 years we have been working hard to support the pet trade, recognising the importance that pet shops and pet stores have within the communities in which they operate. This online training tool is just another way of us pledging our commitment to them – celebrating their inherent knowledge, skills and dedication to providing the best pet care possible for their customers.

“We hope that this support will give our stockists the confidence that they are passing on the very best, up-to-date product and care information to pet owners, who in turn, can be sure that they are receiving advice from caring, knowledgeable team members.”

The free online training is designed to guide all users through a series of concise, easily memorable processes and principals, and be completed from any computer, shop or at home, as long as the pet store has a Johnson’s account (which can be simply set up via the register and login page on the Johnson’s website). All those who meet the training criteria will earn a certificate upon completion. The Johnson’s team is able to offer additional support with the training wherever needed.

Julia Lennon, Store Manager at the Ark Pet Centre in Plymouth, whose staff have already undertaken the training, said: “This new training platform has made learning about the effective treatment of fleas and worms far easier. The questionnaire format offers real, easily understandable guidance, it is simple to navigate, and it took very little time to complete, all of which shows that Johnson’s have considered what kind of learning tool would work best for us.”

Simon Lewis Dale, Head of Business Development at Cookes Pet Supplies Limited, with stores in Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley, added: “Having access to this training is a really positive step. Our team prides itself on offering the very best service it can to our customers, and as such they each jumped at the chance to brush-up on their flea and worm knowledge. Those who have already completed the training are now proudly displaying their certificates in store, which is great for staff morale, but also for customer confidence too.”

In-person training in the treatment of fleas and worms can also be arranged if required, subject to availability.