The garden industry has been paying its own tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her sad passing on Thursday, September 8.

Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of PetQuip, said: “Everyone at PetQuip was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. For over 70years she dedicated her life to service for her country and the Commonwealth, and has been a figurehead of national unity and stability at a time of enormous change. She will be hugely missed, not just in our country but across the world. We offer the Royal Family our heartfelt condolences.”

Jan McLoughlin, PDSA Director General, commented: “We are truly saddened to hear the news released by Buckingham Palace this afternoon, announcing the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of everyone at PDSA, I send our condolences to our Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra the Hon. Lady Ogilvy, KG, GCVO and the rest of the Royal Family. We have a long and proud association with the Royal Family, having received Royal patronage since 1919. Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King and the rest of the Royal Family at this difficult time.”

And Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, added: “Everyone here at PIF was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.”

The UK’s leading pet retail group, Pets at Home, paid its own tribute, stating: “It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of everyone at Pets at Home, we send our sincere and heartfelt condolences. Her Majesty The Queen was an inspiration to our nation with a life full of service, generosity and lifelong love of animals.”

Pet retailers throughout the country will be closing their stores on the day of the Queen's state funeral – Monday, September 19 – as a mark of respect.

Pets Corner (above) and Jollyes (below) informed customers of the decision to close stores on Monday, September 19.