A state-of-the-art self-serving dog wash machine is helping successful pet shop owner Robert Dawes give his five-year-old son Freddie an early introduction to the business world.

Robert is the owner of Wild West Pet in Cornwall, which he launched in 2012 after a career spent in the pet care business.

He has grown the pet store over the past decade while sticking to his promise of delivering natural products to customers.

One of the latest additions to the pet store is Wild West Wash, which is housed within a sturdy steel container in the store’s car park. It is modelled on a cutting-edge and globally recognised machine called iClean Dog Wash.

Robert takes up the story: “The primary objective behind its creation was to provide pet owners with a hassle-free and efficient washing solution, eliminating the mess and inconvenience of washing their furry friends at home. Additionally, it offers a cost-effective alternative to booking appointments with professional groomers.

“The feedback we have received from our valued customers has been nothing short of phenomenal, with praises for the exceptional quality of service provided and the unmatched convenience the machine offers.

“The establishment of this venture was a collaborative effort between myself and my young son, Freddie, who is only five years old. Freddie actively participated in setting up the container, assisting me in laying the flooring, and even takes responsibility for its maintenance by regularly washing it down and keeping the environment tidy. Engaging in these activities has been instrumental in teaching him invaluable life skills such as work ethics, business acumen, and the gratification that stems from hard work. 

“Furthermore, the success of this venture has had a profound impact on Freddie's education. The revenue generated by the machine now contributes directly towards his private schooling expenses. This incredible outcome means that with minimal input from me, Freddie is essentially funding his own education through his dedicated efforts.

“By involving Freddie in this venture, he not only gains practical skills but also learns the value of earning and managing his own finances. This hands-on experience instils a sense of responsibility and the importance of financial independence from a young age. Moreover, it provides him with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that his hard work directly benefits his education, paving the way for a brighter future.

“In summary, this heart-warming story encapsulates the meaningful partnership between myself and my son, as we embark on a journey that not only imparts important life lessons but also enables Freddie to contribute towards his own educational aspirations.”

Wild West Wash offers optimal water temperature with different jet settings, and includes shampoo, conditioner, and flea wash. The drier hose has high and low settings for efficient drying. It's easily accessible outside the store with adjacent parking. No booking is required as customers simply turn up and use it whenever needed.

Other successful additions to Wild West Pet include a wide range of own branded food products, which can be found at www.wildwestpet.co.uk and a nationwide delivery service.

See gallery of pictures (below) of dogs enjoying having a Wild West Wash.

Pets & Friends, Kennelpak’s specialist pet retailer with a network of stores, salons, and a leading website, has opened its new Walsall location.

Manager Danny and the team have been serving the Walsall pet community for the past 20 years and bring their pet expertise to a new, larger store on Barons Court Trading Estate. 

The new Pets & Friends store also boasts a brand-new Pets Parlour, a state-of-the-art spa and grooming salon. Here, pets will be treated to the best in grooming, relaxation, and care. From luxurious facials to essential fur trims, Pets Parlour promises an experience that will have tails wagging. The new salon has also created 6 new jobs for Walsall. 

Walsall Pets & Friends' larger store is not just about scale but also about an enhanced shopping experience, offering a wider variety of products and services than ever before including the Tiny Paws puppy and kitten club, free harness fitting, free weight checks and expert pet advice to cater to the diverse needs of the Walsall pet community. 

The new store was opened last Friday (October 20) by the Walsall team and winner of the ‘Best in Walsall’ competition and customer of eleven years, Bear the Springador. 

Growing pet retail group Jollyes is set to open a new store in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, tomorrow (Friday) with a official Halloween-themed opening taking place on Saturday.

Jollyes will be taking part in Swadlincote's Spookfest23 at the store, with Halloween -hemed activities throughout the day. 

Pet owners in the area can look forward to a new Jolly Groomer, Community Pet Clinic and Raw store. 

Paleo Ridge, a premium provider of high-quality raw dog food, has announced an exclusive Black Friday promotion for its valued trade partners.

Stockists have the opportunity to opt in for a whole month of special savings, allowing them to offer their customers a generous 20% discount on all Paleo Ridge products.

The promotion will run through November, providing a good amount of time for stockists to maximise their customer engagement and sales.

Participants of the promotion will receive point-of-sale materials to enhance their in-store displays to attract more customers. Additionally, they have the opportunity to have social media artwork enabling them to drive engagement among their online audience.

Gill Synnuck, Trade Account Manager, said: "After the huge success of our Black Friday promotion last year, I am thrilled to offer this opportunity to our stockists again. We aim to not only reward their loyalty but also help drive new business into their stores."

To participate in the Black Friday promotion, stockists can reach out to the Trade Team for more information at office@paleoridge.co.uk.

Market-leading pet care brand Animology has expanded its range of pet care products with three new sprays and a range of grooming gift sets.

The brand has been a retailer and customer favourite since its launch in 2010, and is known for its function and performance-led product range.

The three new spray products enhance this range further and consist of Pre-Wash Fox Poo Spray, Derma Dog No Rinse Shampoo and Glossy Dog Conditioning Spray. Pre-Wash Fox Poo Spray is a fast-acting deodoriser designed to break down the odour of nasty smells like fox poo before you’re able to get the dog in the bath. Derma Dog No Rinse Shampoo is a fragrance free no rinse shampoo designed for use on dogs with sensitive skin so that their coat can be well cleansed without the need for a bath. Glossy Dog Conditioning Spray is a leave-in conditioner designed to condition and add shine to a dog's coat. 

In addition to these newly formulated products, Animology has also launched four stylish gift sets that create the perfect gift for pet parents for the festive season and occasions all year round, presented in a sleek gift box with open display windows for easy shopping by the customer.

The My First Puppy Pack is perfect for new puppy parents packed with customer favourites Puppy Love Shampoo, Mucky Pup No Rinse Shampoo Spray and Puppy Powder Fragrance Spray with an RRP of £15.50. The Stink Buster Gift Set is a duo set containing Deep Clean Shampoo and Stink Bomb Deodorising Spray, the ideal gift to leave a dog super clean and smelling amazing at RRP £10.50. Another duo gift set is the Paws & Relax Gift set, designed to pamper and calm pooches with Spa Day Shampoo and Paws & Relax Aromatherapy Spray, the perfect gift for those looking to give their pooch a spa like experience at RRP £10.50. The final gift set in the range is Grooming Good, containing the grooming essentials to keep a dog in tip top shape from top to toe, this set contains Paws & Nose Balm, Clean Ears and Tear Stain Remover at RRP £14.50.

Julie Butcher, Marketing Director at Animology, comments: “We’re delighted to bring these new products to market, the three new sprays were created on the back of customer feedback exploring what products they’d love to see in the range, so we’re really pleased to be able to fill the gaps for what our customers are looking for.

“Humanisation has been a trend in the pet industry for many years and we’ve seen a huge increase in pet parents including their furry friends in celebrations and special occasions. Our new gift sets provide the perfect gifting opportunity for these customers to buy beautifully presented, quality gifts for their four-legged family members. The chic, timeless design means that, whilst these gift sets are great seasonal purchases for occasions like Christmas, they also have merit all year round for other occasions as well as offering a cost saving to the customer.”

To find out more about the new products and for stocking options contact info@animology.co.uk 

Expert wildlife brand, CJ Wildlife, has taken home the award for Best Product in the Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care category at this year's prestigious GIMA Awards.

Its new Kids Wildlife Range, made in collaboration with the National Trust, has been hailed by judges as “a great way to get kids outside and engaged with nature.”

The collection, which launched in March this year and was the first of its kind in the UK, was created to provide a fun, exciting way to encourage children to care for wildlife from an early age – starting in their back garden!

Phil Kent, Head of UK Sales at CJ Wildlife, commented on the win: “We’re over the moon that the National Trust Kids Wildlife range has been recognised as Best Product in its category. The collection offers consumers a unique selection of affordable, fun and practical products to engage children with the natural world around them – and they have already proven to be hugely popular since launching earlier this year. We are looking forward to speaking with retailers interested in stocking the range in the coming months, and would urge businesses to get in touch with me to discuss opportunities.”

Among the products introduced were three easy-flip, fully recyclable bird feeders, bird feed packaged in colour-coordinated, recyclable tubs, and FSC-certified, build-your-own wildlife wooden box kits, all featuring the iconic National Trust oakleaf logo.

To further encourage little ones to get outdoors, the range also offers families a digital hub of free activity sheets to keep little ones engaged with their outdoor space, while educating them about Britain’s wildlife. 

Claire Smith, Chief Officer of Partnerships, Products, and Business Development at CJ Wildlife added: “We are so incredibly proud of the National Trust Kids Wildlife Range. The passion and drive behind the collection was simple - we wanted to encourage more children to get outside and to engage with the wildlife around them. We believe that getting little ones involved with nature from an early age will nurture a lifelong love as well as educate and inform the next generation on the importance of caring for wildlife.”

Becky Stanford, Head of Brand Licensing at the National Trust said: “One of the things we’re most passionate about at the National Trust is ensuring everybody has access to nature, and the National Trust Kids Wildlife Range furthered this mission. This prestigious award recognises the importance and value of teaching our children about wildlife and why we should care for it, and seeing the range acknowledged at the ceremony is an incredible testimony to how beneficial and successful it has been.”

Retailers interested in stocking CJ Wildlife’s National Trust Kids Wildlife Range should contact Phil Kent by emailing phil.kent@birdfood.co.uk

Peckish's Natural Balance Local Seed Mix was crowned the winner in the Best Sustainable Product Packaging category at this year’s GIMA Awards.

Peckish is committed to a sustainable future, and continually invests in sourcing the best local ingredients and reducing plastic packaging throughout its range. 100% of the ingredients used in the Natural Balance Seed Mix is sourced from UK and Irish farms and are rich in nutrients to help birds thrive all year round.

Rachael McWilliam, Head of Category & Brand, for Peckish, commented: “Winning the GIMA award for Best Sustainable Packaging really cements to us that we’re on the right path as a brand that’s always looking for ways to improve our environmental impact. At Peckish, we have a mission to support nature, with initiatives such as our ‘field to beak’ strategy, which strives to reduce waste, offset carbon emissions by reducing miles, and continued innovation into sustainable products.

“Later this year, we’re excited to be launching a multi-platform campaign that celebrates the public’s love of nature through the vivid colours wild birds bring to gardens during the grey winter months. We believe our campaign, ‘Colour in your garden’, which launches on TV on Christmas day, encapsulates the essence of Peckish; that we want to bring everyone closer to nature in the most sustainable way.”

Find out more about Peckish at www.peckishbirdfood.com

Herbal pet care brand Dorwest Herbs has won a prestigious Direct Commerce Award for Best B2C Performance in the Pet & Livestock category.

The Direct Commerce Awards recognises excellence in the retail industry, held annually by the Direct Commerce Association (DCA). The awards attract a host of household brands, with Dorwest Herbs proud to be recognised for its achievements within the industry. Other 2023 winners include: Harrods X KPS, The National Gallery, Hippychick, SportsShoes.com and Lockabox.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, family run Dorwest Herbs was established in 1948 with the quality of herbs always having been key to its success. 2022 saw continued success with product innovation remaining central to the business, ensuring new launches, campaigns and reformulations are always relevant to the target customer. Last year Dorwest launched a new advanced joint care supplement for dogs in November 2022, with 230+ Trade customers now stocking MoveWellia® Tablets, which has since been named ‘Best Overall Joint Supplement for dogs’ by the Evening Standard.

Managing Director Jo Boughton-White says: “We’re so incredibly proud to have won best B2C performance at the Direct Commerce Awards. We’re delighted to be recognised among some amazing brands, and to continue to make a difference to pet’s lives!”

As winner of last year’s Online Business of the Year at the PIF Awards, the Dorwest brand continues to grow with recognised acknowledgement for their impact within the industry.

To find out more, visit www.dorwest.com or for more info about the DCA and full list of 2023 winners, visit https://homeofdirectcommerce.com/2023-direct-commerce-awards

Pictured, from left to right: Awards sponsor Phillip Sewell from Predyktable, Dorwest MD Jo Boughton-White, Marketing Manager Kat Ashmore, and celebrity host Anthea Turner.

The new, ultra-soft original Squishmallows pet beds and pet plush toys are now available in 250 Pets at Home stores around the UK.

Squishmallows’ vast audience and multi-generational appeal have fuelled a milestone of 300+ million plush toys sold.  On social media, Squishmallows has officially squished through the roof, generating over 13 billion impressions on TikTok.

The Squishmallows pet beds by Jazwares, launched in the UK last month, are now available through Pets at Home stores. Pet owners will be able to choose from three popular fan-favourite characters, including Wendy the Frog, Gordon the Shark and Beula the Octopus. The beds come in three sizes – Small (20”) RRP £29.99, Medium (24”) RRP £39, and Large (30”) RRP £49.99.

The the super-cute original Squishmallows 7” plush toys will also be hitting the shelves, including Sun, Earth and Planet Plush toys, retailing at £9.99 each. 

Holly Oldham, UK Managing Director at Jazwares, said: “We are so excited to be bringing the ever-popular Squishmallows brand to Pets at Home in the shape of our brand-new to market pet range. 

“Many of us at Jazwares have pets and understand how important it is for pet owners to have the best for their furry family members and all Squishmallows fans can now spoil their four-legged friends with their very own Squishmallows Pet Bed and plush toys.”

Leading pet and wild bird food producer Henry Bell & Co has won a 12-month primary supplier contract with Future Marketing Group (FMG) for the fourth consecutive year.

The agreement will see the company’s entire Henry Bell Wild Bird Care Collection of more than 200 products available throughout FMG’s 20 nationwide independent garden centres.

“We are delighted that this new contract will allow us to retain our close connection with FMG and its members,” said Henry Bell managing director Thomas Lee.

“Together, we are able to offer consumers a fantastic range of great-quality products with an attractive and competitive price tag. People visiting the garden centres clearly like what they see and keep coming back for more – and that’s something I’m really proud of.”

Dan Hume Future Marketing Group product category manager, added: “The Henry Bell Wild Bird Collection fits well in our member garden centres. It features an extensive range of well-made accessories and some superior bird feed blends that are packed full of premium ingredients, and that’s exactly the sort of thing that our discerning customers want. We are extremely pleased that Henry Bell is back on board with us once again.”

Edgard and Cooper, the premium ethical pet food brand, will be releasing limited edition packs (three cat and three dog), so pets won’t miss out on all the Christmas trimmings this festive season.

NEW: Festive Venison - Chunks in Sauce for Cats

Festive Venison Feast with sage and cranberries

More merry miaows are guaranteed when it comes to limited-edition chunks in sauce.  Suitable for all adult and sterilised cats

NEW: Festive Duck – Paté for Cats

Festive Duck Feast with cranberries, sage and valerian 

Fresh duck, and a delicate texture in this special recipe, will have the fussiest of felines miaowing for more. Suitable for all adult and sterilised cats.

NEW: Festive Feasts Selection - Chunks in Sauce for Cats

Festive Feasts Chunks in Sauce selection, with 2x Venison, 2x Chicken and 2 x Turkey and Chicken.

This is the ultimate festive feline gift. A selection of our tastiest chunks recipes, all drenched in slurpy sauce. Even cats with catitude will be running after these juicy chunks. Suitable for all adult and sterilised cats

NEW: Festive Turkey - Paté Tin for Dogs

Festive Turkey Feast with cranberries, pear and pumpkin

Delight furry pals with this limited-edition festive turkey feast. Suitable for all adult dogs

NEW: Festive Turkey - Paté Cup for Dogs

Festive Turkey Feast with apple, cranberries and parsley

A juicy, droolworthy paté full of fresh turkey and real holiday spirit. Suitable for all adult dogs

NEW: Festive Turkey and Duck – Biscuits for Dogs

Festive Crunchy Turkey and Duck biscuits

With fresh, tasty turkey and duck, along with a cracking crunch, your furry friend will want to tuck into these treats at once.

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Brambles Pet and Wildlife was delighted with its Highly Commended Supplier of the Year Award at the recent PetQuip Awards. 

Co-owner David Tracey said: “Gail and I are thrilled to have won this award, especially as we’re a small family business and we’re up against some amazing, and much larger companies. 

“Having won the Pet Product Marketing’s ‘Wild Animal Product of the Year’ in June and Pedigree Wholesale’s ‘Small Supplier of the Year’ 11 months ago shows us we are going in the right direction as a company.

“Our business is continuing to grow and we aim to continue to donate our food and other products to wildlife rescues, which is a major part of our business.’

For more information visit www.bramblespaw.co.uk or follow the company on its social media platforms:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Dogs no longer have to put up with bland food bulked out with tasteless dreary ingredients thanks to CSJ’s ‘Fat2Fin’.

‘Fat2Fin’ is rich in white fish and rice can be used as part of an effective weight loss plan without compromising on taste and dogs’ enjoyment.

Ideal for overweight or greedy dogs as well as dogs who love their food and put on weight a bit too easily Fat2Fin’s kibble is big enough that greedy dogs can't just 'woof' it up and small enough so little mouths can crunch it up easily.  

‘Fat2Fin’ was created by CSJ’s expert nutritionists to give dogs a real meal treat by putting the fun back into weight control … while slimming down owners’ dog food budget too!  

Like all CSJ food and supplements ‘Fat2Fin’ has only natural ingredients and in this case a carefully balanced diet which includes rice, white fish meal, duck meal, salmon oil, turmeric and blackcurrant.

For more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470

NOAH has launched its ‘Paws to Protect’ campaign to improve pet owner awareness of the importance of reading and following the packaging information provided with veterinary medicines.

The downloadable ‘Paws to Protect’ poster gives simple advice and links back via a QR code to more details which explain why the information is important to protect them, their pet and the environment, and gives tips on what to look out for.

Vets and retailers can use the campaign’s pet-owner facing resources to support their existing information and advice.

Dawn Howard, NOAH Chief Executive said: “We want to ensure all veterinary medicines are used correctly and responsibly in accordance with their marketing authorisation to protect human, animal and environmental health.

“Around two thirds of new pet owners are aged 16-34. Whilst, encouragingly, our recent NOAH survey shows 78% pet owners overall were aware of and followed the instructions provided with their pet’s medicine, our survey identified this age group as the least likely to be aware of, or only sometimes adhere to the product information and instructions provided.

“This highlights a gap in understanding about the need to always use veterinary medicines appropriately. It risks the medicine not working properly, resulting in implications to animal health and welfare and could even mean specific advice and instructions are ignored that could harm the animal, the person giving the medicine or the environment.

“To reach this group, we are reaching out on our social media using #Paws2Protect, and we need help from those that prescribe and sell veterinary medicines to help us spread the word. We hope our new resources will provide them with additional support to ensure this important message is understood,” Dawn said.

Vets, SQPs and other pet medicine retailers are encouraged to:

• Download and display the poster
• Engage with the campaign using #Paws2Protect
• Using their social media channels, again using #Paws2Protect to link to the campaign

For more information visit https://www.noah.co.uk/campaigns/paws-to-protect/

The Royal Veterinary College’s data and analytics has supported Dechra Veterinary Products to create a research-informed app – the first of its kind – which helps vets better diagnose and treat disorders that affect the glands producing hormones (endocrine system) in companion animals.

Endocrine disorders arise when hormones are either overproduced or underproduced, causing receptors to malfunction and disruption to normal pathways for hormone activity and removal. In veterinary care, endocrine diseases are more commonly diagnosed and treated in companion animals such as dogs or cats than in large animal species. Typically, diagnosis of endocrine disease is based on a thorough history and physical examination, followed by laboratory tests. However, clinical signs vary substantially across animals with endocrine disorders and so this new app offers promise that new technology developments such as AI can help vets to improve their diagnostic processes.

The launch of this new app builds on the results from a VetCompass PhD study conducted by the RVC and funded by Dechra1. The app was developed by Dechra in collaboration with experts at RVC, including Professor David Church, Deputy Principal and acting Vice Principal of Clinical Affairs; Professor David Brodbelt, Professor of Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine; Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology; Imogen Schofield, PhD Student; Noel Kennedy, Head of Software Development; and Dr Jenny Wilshaw, Applied Data Scientist.

When dealing with dogs suspected of having Cushing’s Syndrome (an excess production of cortisol), the app provides vets with a prediction of how likely the dog is to actually have Cushing’s based on clinical signs, supporting more effective diagnosis. By also providing additional information on the treatment and monitoring of diseases such as Cushing’s and Addison’s (deficiency of essential hormones), the app helps vets in primary and referral care to better understand these endocrine disorders and improve the clinical care given to patients.

The app is available throughout EU countries and reflects the RVC and VetCompass’ dedication towards using Big Data to lead evidence-base generation and application globally. Free to download by searching for the Endocrinology App from Dechra on both Apple and Android devices, vets can access the app's features and resources at any time, making it a convenient and valuable tool.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor for Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, said: “The RVC VetCompass team was delighted to be involved in developing the science underpinning the new Endocrinology App from Dechra.

“Cushing’s Syndrome can be a very challenging disorder to diagnose; the new Endocrinology App from Dechra aims to assist veterinary surgeons to understand how likely a dog suspected of having Cushing’s is to have the condition and whether further investigations are warranted.

“The new Endocrinology App from Dechra is based around a machine learning form of AI utilising anonymised clinical records from millions of dogs within the RVC’s VetCompass database. By applying the latest AI technology developed by the RVC’s VetCompass team, Dechra’s new Endocrinology App is designed to assist primary care veterinary surgeons to better detect and diagnose Cushing’s Syndrome. The App provides a guide to the probability of Cushing’s syndrome as an explanation in patients showing both typical and atypical clinical signs for Cushing’s.

“Based on the power of Big Data using veterinary clinical records from millions of UK dogs in RVC VetCompass, Dechra’s new Endocrinology App aims to help primary care veterinary surgeons have greater confidence in diagnosing Cushing’s Syndrome.”

Craig Sankey, European Business Manager for Endocrinology at Dechra said: "We are excited to launch this app, which we believe will be a valuable tool for veterinarians in diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders. We know that endocrine disorders can be complex, and this app will be a valuable addition to the existing comprehensive support provided by Dechra helping veterinarians navigate this field with more confidence and ease."

Ahead of Diabetes Awareness Month in November, PDSA is issuing advice to owners on how to recognise and manage this disease in pets. The vet charity for pets in need is offering guidance after saving seven-year-old Dachshund, Roma.

Owner Sonny White (66), from Brighton, first noticed something was wrong with his beloved dog, who he describes as his best friend, when she started losing weight.

He said: “I have two pet dogs, Roma and Gypsy. My wife and I weigh them regularly just to make sure they’re in good health. Over a period of about a month, however, I noticed that Roma was losing weight quickly. She also started drinking lots of water – no matter how much she drank, it just didn’t seem to satisfy her thirst.”

Concerned, Sonny booked an appointment at his local PDSA Pet Hospital in Brighton where, following a urine and blood test, the team diagnosed Roma with diabetes.

PDSA Vet Tamara Drewett said: “Diabetes is a condition that develops when a dog can’t produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar level, causing it to become dangerously high. It’s usually caused when the body attacks and destroys its own insulin-producing cells (mistaking them for something else). Diabetes is an extremely serious condition that, without treatment, can be fatal.

“Thankfully, Sonny brought Roma to PDSA Brighton Pet Hospital as soon as he noticed her weight loss and excessive thirst – tell-tale signs of diabetes – and she’s been started on the appropriate medication.”

For Sonny, Roma’s diagnosis came as a complete shock. He was also concerned about the cost of the regular checks and medication she would need, as is unable to work following a stroke.

He said: “I hadn’t heard of PDSA before, but if it wasn’t for their help I probably would’ve had to have Roma put to sleep. I wouldn’t be able to afford her monthly prescription of insulin. On top of this I would have to pay for the syringes, blood tests, and urine tests too. I donate what I can though.”

Roma now requires two insulin injections daily, which Sonny was trained by the charity’s vets to give her, and regular check-ups at PDSA to manage her diabetes.

With the right care, pets with diabetes can continue to have a high quality of life. Signs to look out for include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Urinating more
• Weight loss
• Low energy

PDSA advises owners to contact their vet as soon as possible if they spot any of these signs, the quicker a pet gets the right care the better.

Finally, Sonny has a message for anyone who has supported PDSA: “Thank you! I honestly don’t know what I would do without PDSA. The vets and nurses are brilliant. Their support means everything to me. It’s a weight off my shoulders knowing that PDSA is there for Roma. Without donations, they couldn’t do the amazing work they do.”

Every day across its 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA protects the special bond between owners and their four-legged friends. The teams provide veterinary care to sick and injured pets whose owners otherwise couldn’t afford to pay the full cost of treatment. The charity has been keeping people and pets together for over a hundred years. Find out more: pdsa.org.uk/learn-why-were-special    

This year’s cohort of two hundred new graduates were welcomed with open arms to the IVC Evidensia Graduate Academy, in a new first-of-its-kind event that included inspiring talks, interactive wet labs and even farm-specific workshops.

Taking place at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, the two-day event brought together small animal, equine, farm and mixed stream graduates for a launch that would set graduates up for success in the next stage of their careers.

Graduates had the opportunity to meet senior leaders at IVC Evidensia, discover what the leading veterinary group could offer in terms of support and guidance during the academy programme, and catch up with their new colleagues in a welcoming atmosphere.

There was a combined 9 hours of CPD included as part of the event, giving graduates a practical foundation in amongst the networking and lecture elements. 

The launch was rounded off with a keynote speaker in the form of Chris Turner, a consultant in emergency medicine and the founder of Civility Saves Lives, an organisation who fosters excellence in healthcare. 

Daniella Dos Santos, Director of Professional Culture, hailed the event as a success after receiving so much positive feedback from graduates: “We’re so privileged to be able to offer new graduates an exciting launch event that allows them to connect with peers, meet their support network and set them up for future success in their veterinary careers.

“I’m so glad that we can welcome so many talented people to our IVC Evidensia family and I wish our new cohort the very best of luck in the programme. I can’t wait to see them develop as skilled veterinary professionals and thrive as IVC Evidensia colleagues.”

Day one of the launch event started off with an introduction by Director of Veterinary Professional Development, Gayle Hallowell, who acted as compere, along with a video welcome by UK CEO, Duncan Phillips.

Sessions that followed included talks from Daniella Dos Santos, Laura Playforth (Group Quality Improvement Director), Sarah Heath (Director of Sustainability and ESG) and David Martin (Group Animal Welfare Advisor).

Mark Tabachnik (UK Head of Equine), Gill Whitehurst (Regional Head of Farm), Andrew Kent (Head of Blaise Referrals Hospital) and Daniella Dos Santos also led a panel on what advice they would give to their younger selves and how to tackle challenges in practice as a graduate vet.

Keynote speaker Chris Turner elaborated on dealing with highly pressurised environments, extrapolating complex situations to find workable solutions and creating an efficient team by utilising a ‘pool of information’. 

This led into an afternoon of wet labs and workshops for the individual graduate streams, allowing attendees to gain practical tuition in areas such as soft tissue surgery, as well as start to build networks by meeting leaders that will help support their early days as fledgling vets.

Day two of the event featured more wet labs and workshops, alongside the farm stream of graduates visiting Brookhouse Farm in Redditch, where they received a guided tour and a preview of what the working relationship will be between farm vet and client.

The Graduate Academy team were pleased to get such positive feedback from the event, which concluded with a final chance to speak to representatives at the exhibition, after a full day of CPD.

One graduate who attended both days, commented: “It was a great couple of days, well organised and excellent hospitality. I feel I learnt a lot and it was so nice to connect with other graduates.”

Another graduate, who had similarly positive notes, added: “The event exceeded expectations and I really enjoyed it. I also gained lots of useful knowledge and my surgical technique definitely improved.”

The team were also proud to make the venue as accessible as possible, with one graduate mentioning the Quiet Room as another aspect of the event that improved their experience: “I had a wonderful experience [in the quiet room] when the main hall and lights were too much."

You can find out more about the IVC Evidensia Graduate Academy here

New training materials about a pioneering stem cell treatment for dogs with osteoarthritis have been produced for veterinary staff.  

DogStem® is the first and only licensed stem cell treatment in the UK and Europe for dogs with mild to severe osteoarthritis of the elbow and hip. 

The ready-to-use, intra-articular injection targets pain and inflammation at its source with no systemic contraindications. 

Two new training videos have been launched alongside teaching guides – downloadable from the DogStem® website. 

The videos are intended as a high-quality resource that can be used by GP vets to improve their confidence in performing intra-articular injections in the hip and elbow. The principles and techniques are also useful for performing arthrocentesis. 

DogStem® is clinically proven to reduce pain and lameness while improving mobility and quality of life for dogs over one year. A single dose produces long lasting effects, ranging from three to more than twelve months. 

“We are really excited to announce these training videos and teaching guides. With joint specific landmarks and approaches detailed, we want vets to feel confident and supported using DogStem®,” said Emma Hancox, Vet Advisor at TVM, distributors of DogStem®. 

Veterinary care industry leader IVC Evidensia has been working closely on the training videos, along with the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance, to ensure it adheres to a high level of clinical practice. 

The videos have been produced with Dr Russell Chandler BVSc CertSAO MSc(OrthoEng) MRCVS, an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Orthopaedics. 

Dr Chandler of IVC Evidensia practice Alphavet Referrals in Newport, Gwent said: “We are proud to have been involved in the production of these training videos, which will support veterinary clinicians everywhere in providing pioneering stem cell treatment to improve the quality of life of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.  

“We have been using mesenchymal stem cell therapy for dogs with osteoarthritis, as part of a multimodal approach, for many years. The availability of an off the shelf stem cell product, namely DogStem®, for the first time promises to greatly widen the applicability of stem cell therapy to these kinds of patients in veterinary practices.   

Dr Chandler continued: “The early responses to treatment that we have seen with DogStem® have been very encouraging.  I look forward to following up these cases as they progress through their osteoarthritis journey.  DogStem® is simple to administer, once you have the skills to inject joints, and the support from the UK suppliers, TVM, has been excellent."  

Deep sedation is usually adequate for elbow intra-articular injections, although general anaesthesia may be indicated in certain circumstances. With hip procedures, general anaesthesia is preferred to provide appropriate muscle relaxation to manipulate the joint and position the patient for access. 

DogStem® is easily stored and removed from the fridge just a few minutes ahead of the procedure. 

After the surgical field is clipped and aseptically prepared and draped, the videos show the precise procedures, in both elbow and hip, for accessing joint spaces, confirming accurate placement by the appearance of synovial fluid and injecting DogStem®. The Training guides will complement the videos with diagrams and explanations of the approaches to each joint. 

Trials have proven the efficacy of the treatment, with 63% of dogs showing a clinically relevant improvement in force-plate gait analysis and 77% had an improved orthopaedic examination by eight weeks.  

Improvements were also demonstrated in quality of life with improvements in day-to-day activities, including walking, playing with other dogs and reduced stiffness after sleeping. 59% of owners reported the treatment’s effects lasted longer than six months. 

IVC Evidensia Country Medical Director, John Dinsdale said: “At IVC Evidensia, we are committed to being at the forefront of clinical excellence and championing training and development for all clinicians, to ultimately help our pets become healthier. These training videos will equip clinicians with the confidence they need to achieve the best results in treating pets with osteoarthritis.” 

To watch the training videos and access the other training materials visit the relevant page here: https://dogstem.co.uk/resources/

From a family-run pet store launched six years ago, HugglePets has grown rapidly into a thriving company that now supplies its own-branded products. Director Mike Dixon reveals how the Wolverhampton-based company is developing.

When did the business launch as a bricks-and-mortar store?

HugglePets opened its doors to the public in April of 2017. The store was initially more like your average pet store, but since then has seen a variety of developments to make every visit to HugglePets a truly memorable one for pet lovers, such as the Sensory Aquarium, the Exo Terra Reptile Room and the Pond & Wildlife Education Centre.

Who owns the business?

The business is family-owned and managed by father and son duo Ian and Mike Dixon. My sister, Hannah Dixon, is the Community Projects Manager of HugglePets in the Community – the non-profit, animal therapy side of the organisation. This close-knit approach is how we like to operate as in our purview, everyone wearing a purple HugglePets polo matters to what we do.

How many people are employed?

There are currently 25 people employed at HugglePets, and we’re immensely proud of our team and all that they bring to the organisation on a daily basis. With teams split between the shop, warehouse and offices, there’s always lots to do but we’re never unimpressed with how it’s done. And we’ve recently recruited two pet trade veterans in Tom Gwilliam and Frances Marshall (pictured below), who with 33 combined years of industry experience between them are certain to bring something epic to the roster here at HugglePets.

Are you moving away from the retail side of the business?

The bricks-and-mortar element is not something we're doing away with anytime soon. As much as we’re excited to grow across the whole of the United Kingdom, we love having a foothold in the Wolverhampton community as it allows us to connect with pet owners on a regular basis and really get to know both them and their pets. Losing that element would go against our very philosophy of caring for each and every pet like they're a member of the HugglePets family.

Is HugglePets becoming a pet product supplier as well as being a retailer?

Funnily enough, we actually started as a wholesaler of dog crates over 10 years ago before selling to the general public, and as we expand on our new upcoming branded dog range, this is something we're happy to build on and wholesale to even more companies. Getting to launch quality pet products with the HugglePets name on it is a privilege, and having other stores stock these on their shelves is a great bonus.

Do you supply own-branded products?

Our range of HugglePets products is something we're very proud of. After all the positive feedback we received following the launch of the HugglePets Fabric Crate Foldable Pet Carriers, we knew that it would be worthwhile to expand on this and start developing even more things that we know pet owners are in constant need of - like dog collars, harnesses, pet beds, etc. Developing these new ranges has taught us a lot as sellers about the level of care and ingenuity it takes to make a truly great product, and we're excited to roll out this next range in the coming weeks.

Tell us about being a Community Interest Company and what it involves.

As previously mentioned, HugglePets in the Community is the non-profit side of the organisation that uses animal therapy to connect with people from the community. In doing so, the goal is to improve their mental health, combat loneliness, challenge behavioural issues and promote psychological wellbeing. Since its inception in May of 2018, the CIC has helped thousands of people in need, even if just with something small like a cuddle with a rabbit and a cup of tea with one of our fully trained therapists. And proceeds from the retail side of the business go directly to this vital work, so every time someone buys from us, they're helping to make that difference. We were even fortunate enough to be visited by the Prince and Princess of Wales in May of 2021, who sat in on an animal therapy session of ours as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

How excited are you about how the company is developing?

We're incredibly excited. The winter period is a hectic time for all retailers, but we're confident with the new dog range that we'll have a selection to really shine a spotlight on and give dog owners a new lease on life (or a new lead on life). HugglePets has been steadily growing in both size and splendour for the past couple of years, and we're taking the lessons we've learnt so far and applying them to whole new challenges.

See gallery of HugglePets branded products below...

Vital Pet Group has announced the launch of its new Everyday Low Price (EDLP) strategy, aimed at providing unbeatable prices to loyal customers. 

Effective immediately, the company has significantly reduced the selling prices on over 280 best-selling products. Vital has committed to holding these remarkable prices until November 30th, 2023.

Peter Brame, Group Trading Director for Vital Pet Group, said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. In these challenging times, we understand the importance of stretching every pound and making hard-earned money go further for both our retailers and their customers. 

“With our EDLP strategy, we've taken a significant step to ensure that retailers can get competitive prices and in turn, reflect this in the prices a shopper will see. We deeply appreciate the ongoing support of our customers, and this is our way of giving back and showing our gratitude.”

To ensure retailers are aware of the products included in the EDLP strategy, Vital Pet Group is posting flyers and sending emails to all customers every week. Keep an eye on your letterbox and inbox for these special communications, so you don't miss out on the amazing prices.

For more information, visit www.vitalpetproducts.co.uk or contact the sales team at customerservices@vitalpets.co.uk or 01837 883000.

Chicago-based private equity firm Wind Point Partners has acquired Assisi Pet Care Group., whose brands include Pet Munchies, Hollings and HiLife.

Melton Mowbray-based Assisi’s products are sold in the UK and throughout Europe, with two natural treat production facilities located in Poland. 

Assisi was founded in 2020 as a platform to acquire, integrate and grow leading pet food and treat companies with established reputations and strong potential.

Wind Point is partnering with Assisi management, led by founder and CEO Peter Mangion. 

Under Mangion’s leadership, Assisi has grown significantly through the implementation of organic growth initiatives and the completion of four acquisitions that expanded the Company’s product capabilities and geographic reach. 

Assisi represents the second partnership between Wind Point and Mangion, who previously served as CEO of a Wind Point investment in the pest control industry.

Peter Mangion said: "I am delighted to be partnering with Wind Point Partners to take Assisi Pet Care into the next phase of its development. My sincere thanks to Harwood Private Equity for backing Assisi from its inception, just three years ago, and for supporting its rapid growth through four acquisition transactions.

"I am very much looking forward to working with the team at Wind Point again and repeating the success we shared in a previous relationship. In Wind Point and Harwood, I am very fortunate to have worked with two fantastic private equity backers, across two very different categories, and to have enjoyed great success with both.

"Huge thanks to the Assisi team for making this happen, especially Steve Woodhams without whom this deal would not have been possible. The future is very bright for Assisi Pet Care."

He added: “Assisi has been on a tremendous journey since its inception in 2020, which is a testament to the strength and quality of our people, our customer and supplier relationships and the rich heritage of our brands and products,”

"Wind Point and I have worked closely together for numerous years. Our shared focus on investing in our people and expanding our capabilities makes them the ideal partner for Assisi.”

Adam Jump, Vice President at Wind Point, noted: “Assisi is a rapidly growing platform with significant opportunity in the dynamic European pet care industry. Peter and the Assisi management team have built an outstanding business that sits at an exciting inflection point. We look forward to supporting the Assisi team as they continue to build a differentiated pet foods and treats platform.” 

Wind Point is a longtime investor in the pet and animal nutrition industry, with select prior and current investments including Targeted PetCare, FoodScience, Petmate and Pestell Nutrition. 

Paul Peterson, Wind Point Managing Director, commented: “Assisi operates in attractive markets and is well-positioned through its focus on premium and natural pet foods and treats. Wind Point’s long-term experience in pet positions us well to support Peter and the team in the Company’s next phase of growth.”

Wind Point evaluated Assisi in partnership with a team of seasoned executive advisors who possess deep experience across the pet industry. John Howe, a member of Wind Point’s Executive Advisor Partner (“EAP”) program, will serve as Board Chair. Mr. Howe is the former CEO of Compana Pet Brands, a global provider of pet care and nutrition products, and a Board Director at Nivel and New World Natural Brands. Lora Van Velsor, the former Chief Marketing Officer at Compana Pet Brands, will also join Assisi’s Board as Non-Executive Director.

Reed Smith LLP served as legal counsel to Wind Point and KPMG LLP provided transaction advisory services in connection with the transaction.

The UK’s largest pet retail group Pets at Home has been awarded  the ‘best place to work’ in a nationwide survey conducted for Retail Week. 

Pets at Home staff took part in  WorkL’s Happy at Work survey and scored the group highly across all categories: empowerment; pride; satisfaction; reward and recognition; wellbeing; and information sharing.
 
Pets at Home CEO Lyssa McGowan, said: “This is a testament to our incredible teams and their unwavering dedication to serving a nation of pet lovers.
 
“They are the reason we are successful and this award is a tribute to their tireless efforts. Thank you all for your incredible work.”
 
Retail Trust Chief Executive Chris Brook-Carter said he was not surprised to see Pets at Home at the top.
 
He said: “Retail Trust is very much a part of how they build their wellbeing and happiness strategies for their people and they’re very engaged.
 
“I think they also understand the clear link between the business thriving and having a happy, healthy workforce.”

Fountasia, well known for its innovation, has partnered with Flamingo, one of Europe’s leading supplier of pet products.

Fountasia has carefully merchandised a comprehensive selection of pet products, ideal for garden centres and pet retailers. A unique one stop shop, presenting the best sellers, where orders can be placed to just one supplier, and efficiently streamlining the supply chain. Ask about the bespoke introductory offer deals segregated by pet category, as they are the perfect way to start!

Fountasia is starting with 850 best-selling products out of Flamingo’s 8,500 pet product base, covering Dog, Cat, Small Animal & Domestic Bird categories. The local supply statistics are currently running at a very high service rate of 97% in stock order fulfilment.

A Dog’s life just got better!

Delicious snacks for dogs of all ages. Biscuits, Bones, Chewy Sticks, and Treats. Great for training and behaviour rewards. Everything dogs need every hour of the day! All the gear for walks, collars, leashes, coats, and accessories. Comfortable, safe places to rest and a constant supply of toys in a profusion of shapes, sizes and materials for a happy and healthy dog’s life!

Even the pickiest cat would choose Flamingo! New imaginative TOYS every month to prevent boredom, impressive scratching posts, delicious, tasty snack menu, drink fountains, and safe and comfy places to rest. Everything a cat need for comfort, health and fun!

Comfortable accommodation for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, rats, gerbils, chinchillas, mice, and other small pets with play spaces for exercise and amusement, comfy bedding and healthy nibble snacks for good health and happiness.

Comfortable living for indoor birds from parakeet to parrot, from cage to aviary, with toy-treats, baths, and accessories. For garden birds, nest boxes, four-seasons food and feeders.

For more information, email info@fountasia.com or call 01303 873311.