Nordic company Snellman Petfood continues to grow internationally with the acquisition of premium raw pet food manufacturer Benyfit Natural. This acquisition marks its first purchase in the UK and a significant step in their growth strategy.

Magnus Pettersson, Director at Snellman Petfood Business Unit, commented:  “We’ve seen significant growth of the raw pet food market in Europe, growing exponentially faster than the wider pet category, and we’ve had plans to expand operations for some time. Benyfit Natural is the perfect addition to us, aligning to our existing portfolio on both product and family business values.” 

Benyfit Natural specialises in the production of premium raw dog food, aligning on both category and product range with Snellman Petfood. Developed and manufactured from their East Sussex factory in the Southeast of England, products are distributed via independent retailers, pet specialist retailers and direct to consumers via their ecommerce store. 

“We could not be more pleased to be joining the Snellman Petfood family. We understand the UK market, having operated in the raw category for over a decade and hope to support them in this expansion. It is a hugely exciting time for pet food in the UK, specifically in the raw food category and we cannot wait to see what comes next for Benyfit Natural with the support of Snellman Petfood,” said Greg Van Praagh from Benyfit Natural. 

The acquisition gives Snellman Petfood a strategic foothold in a new market where the dog category specifically has seen 5% year-on-year market value growth. The UK market primarily operates within independent and pet specialist retailers, however growth in category has led to the introduction of frozen pet food across leading grocers, further establishing opportunities for growth. 

“Our customers are increasingly demanding sustainably sourced and produced products, with high meat content paired with low processing levels. In the UK, raw dog food accounts for 12.9% share of the total pet food market, showing it is far more mature than the Nordics. The dog pet food market specifically has grown 5% since 2024 and we continue to see rapid growth,” added Magnus Pettersson.

Upon completion of the acquisition, Benyfit Natural will continue to operate under its own name, and its 20 employees will join the Snellman Petfood business. Benyfit Natural was originally founded in 2014 by Ben Van Praagh, who developed nutritious raw recipes for his own working dogs, initially from his home kitchen. His son, Greg Van Praagh currently serves as the company's Operation Lead in the UK take on the role of Managing Director after the acquisition. Real Pet Food Company of Australia (RPFC), whose brand Billy + Margot acquired Benyfit Natural in 2018, is the vendor in the acquisition.

Financial terms and transaction price are undisclosed.

Pictured (from left to right): Magnus Pettersson (Director at Snellman Petfood), Greg Van Praagh (Managing Director at Benyfit Natural), Joseph Dalo (Chief Operating Officer at Real Pet Food Company of Australia).

Pet Trade Innovations has announced the rebranding of its award winning dog chew toys, Bamboodles, alongside the launch of new dog chew lines designed to meet the evolving needs of pets and their owners.

A fresh look for a trusted favourite

Bamboodles, known for its uniquely shaped, tough bamboo and nylon dog chews, now features updated packaging and a refreshed logo. 

The new branding highlights Bamboodles’ commitment to sustainability, durability, and fun—making it even more eye-catching on shelves.

New Bamboodles product lines

Building on its reputation for quality and innovation, Bamboodles is expanding its range with:

• OUT NOW Bamboodles Dental Chews: Specially textured to help reduce plaque and tartar - with a salivating lamb scent
• OUT NOW Bamboodles Cheese T-Bone: Another triumphant scented T-bone to sit along side the original Beef, Chicken and Peanut Butter 
• Bamboodles Puppy Range: Softer materials safety designed for younger dogs, two flavours available in January 2026

All new products are crafted with the same dedication to safety and quality that has made Bamboodles a favourite among pet owners and retailers across the UK and Europe.

“Since launching Bamboodles in 2018, we’ve been delighted to see the Bamboodles brand go from strength to strength," said Steve Driver, Managing Director.  “We now felt it was the perfect time to overhaul the packaging, with something really cool and different. We’re also excited to announce that Bamboodles is the very first brand launching under our new OODLES umbrella—so watch this space for more fun, creative products coming soon!”

Availability

The rebranded Bamboodles products and new lines are available now through Pet Trade Innovations Ltd and our leading wholesale partners. For more information, visit pettradeinnovations.com or contact info@pettradeinnovations.com.

Joe Wykes is stepping down as CEO of Jollyes, having made a significant contribution to the award-winning business over the past four years.

Under his leadership Jollyes has attracted important new investment, grown its store estate from 70 to 110 locations and employed 500 more colleagues.

It’s also strengthened its leadership team, which includes Adam Dury who joined earlier in the year as COO and will now formally become CEO designate.

To assist Adam as he transitions into his new responsibilities, Andy Bond will also act as Jollyes’ executive chairman over the coming months.

The company said: “Jollyes is in good shape – it has a sharper customer proposition based around lower prices, is operationally strong and is set to open a significant number of new stores as we announced this week.

“It goes without saying that we’d like to thank Joe for his contribution to Jollyes over the past four years and we wish him well for the future.”

Just days after opening a new store in Chesterfield, Britain’s award-winning pet discount superstore Jollyes is preparing to open a further six new stores in just six weeks, after it secured an agreement to move into five Poundland stores that are scheduled for closure. 

Jollyes was already planning to open another two new stores before Christmas bringing its unique combination of low prices and pet expertise to new communities. 

After opening the doors at its newest location in Chesterfield this month, dates have now been confirmed for new stores in Swansea (15 November) and Southend (22 November). 

But the fast-growing retailer also now plans to open a further four stores before the end of the year, in Thurrock (28 November), Colne (29 November), Carlisle (6 December) and Burnley (13 December), converting these former Poundland units rapidly into new Jollyes superstores. 

It has also agreed to take on an additional former Poundland location in Blackpool which will open as Jollyes in early 2026. 

With four of the former Poundland units in the North West, the openings will underscore Jollyes’ growing strength in the region, following recent launches in Blackburn, Chester, Leyland, Southport, Warrington and Widnes.   

All the six stores opening before Christmas will open with the full Jollyes range which includes a promise to be the lowest-price pet retailer in town, following successive moves to lower the price of two-thirds of its ranges over 2025 and significant reductions on big brand favourites. 

The new stores will offer frozen food that’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for pet owners, the retailer’s very latest expanded range for cat owners, and a community pet clinic with a vaccination and microchip service from trained Royal College Vets. 

Each location will also carry its new extensive ‘pick and mix’ Natural Treats range which include sausages, lamb braid pigs’ ears and pork rolls. 

The stores will be set-up from day one to offer ‘Zoomies’ – Jollyes’ new partnership with Uber Eats which allows customers within a five-mile radius of each store to have pet food, frozen raw food and toys and accessories delivered in as little as 30 minutes via the Uber Eats app. 

Jollyes today also confirmed it would offer any former Poundland colleagues in the stores it’s taking over, a guaranteed interview for roles when their shop re-opens as a Jollyes. 

In the last 12 months Jollyes has invested in new family-friendly employment schemes as it seeks to become a best-in-class retail employer to help it attract the best talent. 

Those new benefits include enhanced paid maternity leave of six months, up from six weeks, and the doubling of paid paternity to four weeks, up from two weeks. 

And earlier this year colleagues could take advantage of fertility leave for two days of each IVF cycle, alongside neonatal leave and baby loss leave.  

Jollyes has also teamed up with a number of organisations to help broaden the range of people who have the chance to build a career at the retailer.   

That includes over-50’s recruitment platform Rest Less, Fair Chance Business Alliance, which specialises in securing roles for people with criminal records and has joined the Armed Forces Covenant that will guarantee any ex-servicemen and women an interview on applying for a role. 

Jollyes’ chief operating officer and CEO designate Adam Dury said: “We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring our combination of low prices and pet expertise to so many new places before the end of the year. 

“For too long pet parents across the UK have had little choice – high prices at a specialist or the limited range of a general retailer. 

“The secret to our rapid growth is the serious commitment to value in a store where customers can get all they need to care for their family pet alongside advice from our knowledgeable and highly trained colleagues in store.”

Over the past three years Jollyes has almost doubled the number of store locations across the UK, becoming a clear challenger brand in the UK pet retail market. 

It was named as one of The Sunday Times’ best big companies to work for in 2024, and this year won the Retail Week Award for Head Office Heroes following its highly successful raw frozen food roll out. 

Jollyes' confirmed opening schedule:

INSPIRED (Inspired Pet Nutrition) has opened its new head office and state-of-the-art distribution centre in Thirsk, Yorkshire – seen as a landmark £6 million investment in people, infrastructure and long-term growth.

The new office, designed around collaboration and wellbeing, provides a modern, inclusive space where people, pets, and performance thrive together. From flexible team zones and hybrid-ready technology to dedicated spaces that even welcome four-legged colleagues, every detail reflects the company’s culture of innovation, connection, and care.

Meanwhile, the new distribution centre – one of the largest of its kind in the UK – represents a major step forward in NSPIRED’s operational journey. It strengthens the supply chain resilience and capacity, ensuring the company can continue meeting growing demand across the UK and Europe.

Over the past five years, INSPIRED has evolved from a UK leader into one of Europe’s largest independent branded pet food companies. This investment marks another exciting chapter in the story – and reinforces Inspired’s’s ongoing commitment to creating happiness for pets, people, and communities everywhere.

The company has also changed its brand name from Inspired Pet Nutrition to INSPIRED.

Award-winning Redpaw Pet Supplies has picked up another honour  – this time Pet Store of the Year 2025/26 in the South West England Prestige Awards.

“This recognition means a lot to us as an independent retailer,” said owner Sammie Hunt. 

“Our focus has always been on providing exceptional customer service, building real community connections, and supporting pet owners with trusted, science-led nutrition and honest advice. We believe that genuine care and engagement are what keep independents like us strong and relevant in today’s market.

“We’ve also built some wonderful partnerships within the pet industry with suppliers, manufacturers, and other independents who share our values and it’s these collaborations that help us keep delivering the very best for our customers.

“It’s been a brilliant year for Redpaw, and this award reinforces our commitment to combining expert care, community spirit, and a true passion for pets.”

Redpaw is based in Plympton, Devon.

Henry Bell & Co, owner of leading pet food brand, Mr Johnson’s, celebrated its 200th anniversary in style with guests from across the animal and bird feeds industry gathering at the Belton Woods Hotel in Grantham, Lincolnshire, for a drinks reception and dinner to mark this extraordinary milestone.

Stockists and suppliers from around the country joined Managing Director Thomas Lee and Finance Director Carol Foster at the elegant venue for a night filled with good food and drink, great conversation, music from saxophonist Ben Martin and close-up magic from Rich Reynolds. Guests were each presented with a special anniversary etched Dartington Crystal tumbler to commemorate the occasion.

“What a remarkable moment this anniversary is,” said Thomas. “Henry Bell started out as a flour miller in 1825 and today we supply wild bird and small animals feeds, processed cereals, pulses and horse feeds across the UK, Europe and beyond.

“We wouldn’t be where are today if it wasn’t for the trust and support of our customers and suppliers – and our fantastic team of employees who make it all possible. Our 200th anniversary is an important way to acknowledge what we have and what we have become, and to recognise that we are a fourth-generation family business built on shared purpose.” 

Gallery of pictures from the event below...

Paleo Ridge has announced the return of its exclusive Black Friday promotion for independent stockists, running in-store for the entire month of November. Participating stockists will be offered an additional 10% off all Paleo Ridge products to pass onto their customers in store, giving stockists a valuable opportunity to boost footfall and sales during one of the busiest retail periods of the year. 

The initiative, which has already seen over 100 stockists opt in, is designed to help independent stockists attract new customers, reward existing ones, and strengthen community engagement. The campaign has proven highly successful in previous years, with many stores reporting increased sales and visibility. 

Trade Account Manager Gill Synnuck says: “We are always looking for ways to support our independent stockists. This campaign has consistently delivered positive results, it drives new customers through the door while rewarding loyal ones. We’re delighted to be running it again, this time for the full month of November.” 

Paleo Ridge has earned a reputation as the leading name in raw feeding, trusted by both retailers and customers for its uncompromising quality and ethical standards. All Paleo Ridge products are made using 100% natural, human-grade ingredients sourced from high-welfare, sustainable farms across the UK. The brand’s extensive range is vet-approved, DEFRA regulated and produced in an accredited facility. 

Recommended by nutritionists, behaviourists, and breeders alike, Paleo Ridge raw dog food supports optimal health and wellbeing, promoting improved digestion, shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better overall vitality. Stockists value the brand’s strong reputation and loyal customer base, which consistently drives repeat business. 

Paleo Ridge continues to invest in initiatives that champion the independent retail sector. Through exclusive promotions, point-of-sale support, and educational resources, the company aims to help stockists grow sustainably while promoting the benefits of raw feeding. 

Retailers interested in joining the Black Friday campaign can opt in through their account manager. Participating stores will receive promotional materials and social media assets to help maximise engagement throughout November as well as being included in Paleo Ridge’s National Campaign. 

For more information contact the trade team directly at office@paleoridge.co.uk. 

PetQuip is once again be flying the flag for the UK at this week's Pet Fair South East Asia in Bangkok.

The South East Asia focused event has brought together 400 exhibitors and 10,000 trade visitors from 80 countries, alongside a conference, which attracts 2,500 attendees.

PetQuip trade association is exhibiting alongside UK companies James & Steel and No More Smells.

“We are delighted to be back at the show this year, as South East Asia is a strong market for the UK pet sector. We will be meeting new contacts from this region, finding out more about this market place, as well as passing on sales leads to our members as a result of our meetings,” commented Joe Denham Director General, PetQuip”

James & Steel are a family owned company who design, source, manufacture and distribute pet accessories and treats worldwide. Products on show include BAM! – the strongest, finest and purest North American catnip products made in the UK, making toys irresistible and helping with training.

No More Smells is showcasing its fragrance-free way to instantly eliminate pet smells without masking. No More Smells is a strong oxidiser that neutralises and destroys all organic odours. The company states that it is non-toxic and leaves no harmful by-products.

For more information on PetQuip’s participation at international shows contact david@gardenex.com

For further details on PetQuip visit www.petquip.com

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OATA has welcomed Leigh-Marie Hobday as its new Scientific Support Officer.

Leigh-Marie joins from the Coral Centre where she was Operations and Propagation Manager. Before that she was a Marine Invertebrate Taxonomist involved in studying the health of UK waters.

She attended the University of Portsmouth where she attained a BSc (Hons) in Marine Environmental Science before going on to study a Masters in Applied Aquatic Biology.

In her new role Leigh-Marie will support OATA’s Scientific and Technical Advisor Emily Maunder with analysis, research and evaluation on a diverse portfolio of issues affecting the industry, and support the delivery of the trade body’s City & Guilds-accredited training programmes.

OATA Chief Executive Dr Matthew Bond welcomed Leigh-Marie to the team: “Leigh-Marie has a strong background in a retail environment, particularly working with corals and marine inverts which will bring really valuable expertise to the team. Leigh’s arrival now completes the OATA team after a few staff changes this year and we have plenty to keep us all busy!”

Leigh-Marie said: “This will be a great opportunity to use my previous experience to become a voice for an industry that has been a part of my personal and working life for a long time now. I’m excited to work alongside a fantastic team of people and contribute towards the longevity of the trade.

“This is something very close to my heart because I’ve been a fish keeper since I was eight years old and, more recently a reptile keeper.  I currently have a planted Betta fish tank (he’s named Blu), an axolotl tank (he’s named Nahuatl) and a nano reef tank with a pair of Clownfish (Jim & Pam), a single Yellow Watchman Goby (Toby) and a Firefish named Angela.”

In her spare time Leigh volunteers with local beach cleanups, delivers community education on ocean life and contributes to an oyster restoration project.

According to a recent survey of dog owners by Belgian-based pet food company Edgard & Cooper, our furry friends are often frightened by the most unexpected things. From roaring appliances to rustling plastic bags, the list of canine fears is surprisingly quirky.

When it comes to things that really give them the creeps, dog owners reported that household appliances like vacuum cleaners and sweeping brushes, as well as everyday objects like plastic bags and balloons, and even their own reflection, can send their pups into a tailspin. These seemingly harmless things are enough to make a dog’s fur stand on end. 

Chihuahuas topped the list as the most likely breed to be spooked by anything out of the ordinary. While Whippets and Yorkshire Terriers weren’t far behind, with both breeds being seen as big scaredy-cats.

While close to a quarter of dog owners say their pups are scared about the most weird and random stuff, many dog owners, 55%, include their dogs in Halloween fun. Halloween-themed toys, treats and even costumes are among the most popular Halloween festivities.

With Halloween creeping closer, owners are reminded to be watchful of their pets getting spooked by mask-wearing ‘trick or treaters’, eerie sound effects, and spine-chilling costumes that can leave pets feeling unsettled. The spooky season might be fun for humans, but for dogs, it can be sensory overload.

So, what can help reduce a pet’s anxiety during Halloween? Louis Chalabi, co-founder of Belgian-based pet food company Edgard & Cooper, employs a simple method around his dog Cooper. 

“I distract him with treats. Nutritious, low–calorie treats, in fact”. But this year, Chalabi is adding in another technique by dressing as a giant Edgard & Cooper dog treat. “My dog seems less scared. Unfortunately, I feel more scared…”

A leading trade association has said the latest Office for National Statistics figures showing a 13% increase in shoplifting offences to 529,994 incidents confirm the retail crime crisis that independent retailers across Britain have been experiencing daily.

The ONS figures, released by the Home Office, align with the British Independent Retailers Association's (Bira) own latest crime survey of independent retailers, which revealed that 83% say theft has worsened over the past year, with physical abuse incidents nearly doubling.

Whilst overall theft offences recorded by police have decreased by 4%, the sharp 13% rise in shoplifting - alongside a 5% increase in theft from the person to 145,860 offences - demonstrates that retail crime continues to surge. These sharp rises since the pandemic show no sign of abating.

However, Bira's own crime survey shows the vast majority of crimes now go unreported - 91% of physical abuse incidents and 47% of thefts - because retailers have lost faith in police response. When incidents are reported, only 16.7% lead to prosecution. This means that Bira believes the true scale of retail crime is far greater than even the official ONS figures suggest, with repeat offenders accounting for nearly 70% of incidents according to Bira members.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "We welcome the Government's commitment to 3,000 additional neighbourhood officers by March 2026 and the Crime and Policing Bill measures, including ending the £200 theft loophole and creating a new offence for assaulting retail workers. However, we urge swift implementation of the Government's Winter of Action - the renewed focus on tackling shop theft in town centres following the summer crime blitz - and call for consistent police response standards across all forces. We would also like to see greater use of community behaviour orders (CBOs) in order to deal with the perennial offenders. Independent retailers are the backbone of our high streets and need visible support now to protect their businesses, their staff, and their livelihoods."

Bira said it will continue to monitor crime figures through its bi-annual crime survey of independent retailers and will be presenting these findings to the Home Office, police forces, and policymakers across the UK, calling for sustained action to protect Britain's high streets.

CSJ are receiving hilarious snapshots (mostly far too rude to show here!) of their hugely popular Dem Bones! biscuits.

The comments sent with the images are often as funny as the photos, and are all positive – here’s one we CAN reproduce, “As ever, our dogs adore the taste and crunch, and the family delights in discovering the occasional wonky shapes, then competing for the best caption!” 

CSJ’s well known owner Ceri says, “Some of the biscuits might be wonky and we’re having a lot of fun with those, but, like all our products, they were developed by our experts for a serious function …

Health-conscious owners find them ideal as they’re a natural low fat/low calorie treat and the inclusion of seaweed and herbs, with activated charcoal and a crunchy texture is great for the digestion, teeth and fighting bad breath.”

Ceri added “As a completely natural low-calorie treat Dem Bones! are hypo-allergenic and free from wheat-gluten, dairy products and soya (and are even veggie!).

They can sound almost too good to be true, but our legions of customers and their happy dogs are the proverbial proof of the pudding – even the wonky ones.”

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

The UK pet industry was shocked by a national newspaper report that revealed the organiser of London Pet Show Live had vanished and left £200,000 in unpaid bills.

The Daily Mail claimed that the man behind the show – Oscar Von Keysall of Elite Events – had 'disappeared and ceased all communication'. The newspaper reported that insolvency practitioners had been appointed to begin the process of liquidation.

Elite Events had promised that 20,000 visitors would attend the two-day event on September 20-21 but the Daily Mail was told the reality was closer to 2,000.

The UK pet industry has been reacting to the news this week with many posts on social media expressing shock at the developments.

Louise Toal, owner of Furr Boost, said she was fortunate not to have been involved in the show but was horrified at the way some ‘brilliant pet brands’ had been treated.

“It’s a tough lesson for many in the pet industry,” Louise posted on Linkedin, along with a short show reel, which summed up what had happened.

Louise told Pet Trade Xtra: “Whilst we didn’t attend this show we are saddened to learn of this type of behaviour and feel for all those who have been affected.”

Lahat Creative was hired to manage the event operations and logistics for London Pet Show Live 2025, and its owner Jay Jones has been left devasted by what has happened.

Jay said: “We poured everything into it – long days, endless calls and sleepless nights. My team worked relentlessly to build a show that would celebrate the UK’s love for animals, coordinating suppliers, schedules, and people to make something truly special.

“And we did our job. We delivered. But what came next was devastating. The event’s founder, who controlled the finances, disappeared after the show – no responses, no payments, and no accountability.

“Hundreds of exhibitors, suppliers, and staff, including myself and my team, were left completely unpaid.”

Jay admitted it had been one of the hardest experiences of his career. “It’s cost me, pushed me to my limits, and tested my belief in people. But I refused to disappear like he did.

“Since then, I have worked with the police. I’ve supported those affected. I’ve communicated with transparency because integrity is all we have left when things fall apart. And that’s what defines us.”

Jay is keen to put the experience behind him, and star helping other businesses of all sizes to grow, engage, and perform.

“If you’re looking for a partner who shows up, stands tall, and always delivers, even when it’s hard, let’s talk,” added Jay, who can be contacted by emailing chat@lahatcreative.com

The Science Selective Care Supplements range of functional treats from Supreme Petfoods have been awarded the Animalis Innovation & Design Award in the rodent category at the industry-leading Animal Expo – Animalis Show in Paris.

Presented annually by Animalis, one of France’s leading pet retail chains, the award celebrates products that demonstrate outstanding innovation, design and a commitment to animal welfare. Judged by a panel of pet industry experts and influencers, it covers categories including dogs, cats, rodents, birds, aquatics and reptiles.

The Science Selective Care Supplements range impressed the judges with its science-led, functional approach to small pet health. The range includes seven targeted products - Science Selective Digestive Care, Urinary Care, Skin & Coat Care, Vitamin C Care, Early Years Care, Calm & Relax Care and Joint & Mobility Care – each developed to support a specific aspect of health and wellbeing in rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas.

Using a combination of traditional botanicals and advanced nutritional expertise, each supplement includes ingredients that deliver clear functional benefits - such as chamomile and peppermint for digestion, cranberry and dandelion for urinary health, and linseed and spinach for skin and coat condition. All products are free from added sugar and highly palatable, making them easy to feed as part of a balanced diet.

Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods, expressed her delight, saying: “We’re truly honoured that our Science Selective Care Supplements have been recognised by Animalis. Small pets are increasingly seen as part of the family, and owners want to take the same proactive approach to their care as they do with dogs and cats. Our functional treats make that easy - they offer specific health support in a format pets love, with all the nutritional integrity retailers expect from the Science Selective brand.”

The Animal Expo – Animalis Show is France’s flagship event for pets and responsible pet ownership, attracting leading brands, retailers and consumers from across Europe. The Animalis Innovation & Design award recognises suppliers whose products demonstrate genuine progress in animal care and wellbeing.

Following the award, Animalis has confirmed that the full Science Selective Care Supplements range will now be listed across all Animalis stores in France, expanding availability to pet owners and strengthening Supreme’s long-standing partnership with the retailer.

For more information on Science Selective Care Supplements and the rest of the Science Selective range, visit www.supremepetfoods.com or email experts@supremepetfoods.com

Award-winning pet retailer Jollyes opened its latest superstore on Saturday (18 October) as it welcomed hundreds of customers and their pets on opening day. 

The new store in Chesterfield – the 112th in the Jollyes' portfolio – was opened by Elvis (Lewis Hill), NFRSA retired police dog Bozie Petula known as ‘Bo’ and handler Rachael Pell.

Performing the red ribbon cutting was Elvis, who entertained customers with songs Blue Suede Shoes, Are You Lonesome Tonight and of course the classic ‘Hound Dog’.

Alongside Elvis was NFRSA retired service dog police dog Bozie Petula who gets called Bo who bit through a string of sausages alongside her handler PC Rachael Pell to declare the store open.

Bo, aged eight, is a Springer Spaniel cross who spent four years as a specialist search dog for the police, expertly detecting drugs, cash, and firearms.

The NFRSA helps support the care, well-being, and welfare of retired service animals from across the emergency service family - the police, fire, border force, National Crime Agency, NHS and prison services.

This year all Jollyes’ stores are raising money for NFRSA with collections matched by Jollyes up to £20,000 that will help the charity support retired service animals and their owners.

Saturday was also National Chocolate Cupcake Day so to celebrate customers received a free cupcake, and pet friendly versions were also up for grabs.

Welcoming customers to the new opening was entertainer Tom Campbell, introducing Elvis and playing pet theme game shows, with every customer given the chance to spin Jollyes’ iconic ‘Wheel of Fur-tune’ to win prizes.

Store manager Alan Burgar said: “We’re delighted to finally open the doors and welcome customers to our new store in Chesterfield. My whole team here are excited to bring their pet expertise alongside the kind of value that’s been making a real difference to pet parents right across the UK.”

The Hurtta Autumn/Winter 2025 Collection has arrived at Pedigree Wholesale, featuring upgraded lines and exciting new additions. Continuing Hurtta’s commitment to sustainability, every product in this range is crafted from recycled materials, helping reduce the brand's environmental footprint whilst staying mindful of and taking responsibility for its products' impact on the environment.

New and improved, the Hurtta Expedition Parka II ECO features improved weather resistance and a refined colour palette with subtle shades. Thoughtfully placed pleats in the front offer more freedom of movement, and the back stitching is hidden inside the jacket. Plus, the leash opening has been reshaped to enhance weather resistance.

The Rover Harness is a new addition for Hurtta. It gives even large dogs the freedom to move naturally, with plenty of space for their front legs to stretch and stride without restriction. No more sliding or discomfort typical of larger dog harnesses - just a secure, perfect fit. The metal adjusters on the front padding and adjustable straps have been carefully crafted to stay away from the dog’s skin for comfort and freedom of movement. Meanwhile, the extended back padding stops the leash lock from bumping the dog while the loop stays in place.

Two new leashes join the collection this season. The Multilong II Leash is a soft, lightweight, and durable multi-functional leash designed for a wide range of outdoor activities and adventures. Its adjustable length is easily customised with the movable metal loop, meaning it’s the perfect fit for any situation. The Weekend Warrior Leash is the perfect choice for everyday life and epic adventures alike, making it ideal for all, including puppies and younger dogs.

Hurtta are from Finland, "The wild North," a place known for its nature and unrelenting winters. Originally, they were clothing industry professionals determined to make functional products for their own dogs while also developing a range of functional dog gear globally.

Hurtta is available exclusively through Pedigree Wholesale to the specialist pet trade. Visit https://petproducts.co.uk/hurtta/ or speak to your local Pedigree Wholesale Representative for more information.

For many pet owners, the unconditional love and companionship of their furry friends extends beyond the living room and garden, often right into the bedroom. But how does co-sleeping with pets affect our daily lives? And is this really what’s best for them?

Petplan surveyed 1,000 UK cat and dog owners to explore the nation's pet co-sleeping habits. Drawing on these results, alongside expert insights from a sleep specialist and Petplan's own Behaviourist Expert, the study revealed how sharing a bed with pets impacts more than just our sleep.

What are the benefits of co-sleeping with our pets?

87% of pet owners surveyed reported a positive experience when co-sleeping with their pet. In fact, 1 in 9 cat owners – and 1 in 7 dog owners – went as far as to say their sleep was negatively impacted when not sharing the bed with their pet.

When looking deeper into these results, the predominant emotion pet owners reported when co-sleeping with their dog or cat was ‘comfort’ (53%). This was closely followed by ‘feelings of calm’ (48%), whilst ‘emotional security’ and ‘positive mental health’ tied in third position (40%).

Petplan veterinary expert Dr Brian Faulkner, said: “Although a cat's purr is not directly linked to a specific heart rate, its sound has a calming effect that can lower a human's heart rate and blood pressure. When a cat purrs, it can trigger the release of oxytocin – the feel good hormone - in humans, helping boost happiness and reduce stress. This, in turn, can lead to a decrease in cortisol (the stress hormone) and ultimately lower blood pressure and heart rate.”

Is co-sleeping good for your pet? 

Despite this positive feedback from the UK’s pet owners, it’s important to consider the impact that co-sleeping may have on our pets.

Nick Jones, MA Behaviourist Expert at Petplan commented: “For many well-adjusted dogs, co-sleeping works well, but it’s worth being mindful of potential downsides, such as ‘over-bonding’. This can sometimes contribute to over-reliance or separation anxiety if your dog struggles when left alone. The key is striking a sensible balance that allows closeness while still encouraging independence.

“You should also create a designated spot in your home where your dog can retreat to without being disturbed. This will act as their safe space. Choose a corner in your home that doesn’t receive too much foot traffic, or an area where you can unwind with your dog in the evenings whilst maintaining a comfortable space between you both.”

How does co-sleeping with pets affect our everyday lives?

88% of cat owners and 85% of dog owners admitted they’ve been woken up at night by their pets. And once they’re awake, a quarter of these pet owners shared that it takes them over 20-minutes to fall back to sleep.

Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, Physiologist and Sleep Expert highlights why it’s important to get a good night’s rest: “Your sleep latency is a good measure of whether you are well rested and getting good quality sleep. For most healthy individuals, the time it takes to fall asleep is typically between 10 and 20 minutes.”

Signs you’re not getting a good night’s sleep include:

• Difficulty waking up or falling asleep
• Not feeling well-rested when you wake up
• Feeling tired, sleepy, or drowsy during the day
• Reduced performance or trouble focusing at school, work, or sports
• Excessive reliance on caffeine

Dr Nerina added: “Nighttime disruption can be an issue so it’s a good idea to walk the dog in the evening to minimise this factor. If the pet owner tends to overheat at night, again I suggest keeping the pet in a separate bed or basket rather than having them in the bed.”

Pets aren’t the only reason we’re waking up at night

There are several factors keeping us awake at night. Petplan’s survey revealed that excessive room temperatures is the leading cause of disturbed sleep (44%), followed by stress and anxiety (35%). However, several pet-related disturbances also made the list, with ‘pet moving’ taking a notable spot in third position (32%).

While some disturbances are minor, unexpected pet health issues or behavioural changes can also disrupt sleep, cause worry and financial stress. Having the right pet insurance in place to cover the cost of vet bills and help you get your pet the best care can provide peace of mind.