The much anticipated PIF Awards were revealed at the gala black tie ceremony held at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, last night, with over 20 categories of winners announced...
The much anticipated PIF Awards were revealed at the gala black tie ceremony held at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, last night, with over 20 categories of winners announced.
Generously supported by Jollyes – the Pet People, with headline sponsors Cliverton, Collar, LoPay and Su-Bridge and drinks sponsor Betty Miller, as well as a range of other category sponsors, the 2023 PIF Awards celebrated inspirational success stories of the past 12 months. Recipients received their Awards from James Middleton of James & Ella.
Winners ranged from independent businesses such as Tom & Toto and innovative Mr Bug, to large manufacturers like Johnson’s Veterinary Products. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jim Weston of Little Big Paw.
Pet businesses who had generously donated items to the U-Hearts Foundation charity which supports abandoned pets in Ukraine were recognised and presented with a certificate from U-Hearts CEO, Yuriy Tokarski, who had flown in to attend the event.
Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, commented: “In PIF’s 75th anniversary year, the Awards were the biggest yet, with a move to the bigger location of Chesford Grange to accommodate the increased numbers of guests wanting to attend. Winning a PIF Award means so much to the businesses that enter and our judging panels certainly commented on the standard of finalists this year. It is truly inspirational to see the diversity and sheer hard work within our industry and at PIF we are honoured to be able to reward this with the PIF Awards.”
Broadcaster Clare Balding hosted the Pets Foundation annual charity ball last night, as Pets at Home and the wider pet care industry came together to raise much needed funds to support animal charities in need across the UK...
Broadcaster Clare Balding hosted the Pets Foundation annual charity ball last night, as Pets at Home and the wider pet care industry came together to raise much needed funds to support animal charities in need across the UK.
Since its launch, in 2006, the Pets Foundation – Pets at Home’s charity - has raised a staggering £50 million to help support animal rescue and rehoming organisations through grants and donations. In last year alone the charity raised £6 million with nearly 400 animal organisations, 54,000 pets and 17,000 people benefiting.
Last night’s annual charity ball brought together Pets’ partners, suppliers, and organisations across animal welfare sectors, who generously contributed towards the total £114,000 donation. The Cats Whiskers, a Scottish based cat rehoming charity, and Blue Cross, whose donation points can be found in all Pets at Home stores, were both in attendance to share the stories of the families and pets they have been able to help everyday thanks to the donations they’ve received.
The Cats Whiskers were also surprised with an additional £30,000 donation to help build an essential new veterinary room and outdoor enrichment area to make life better for the cats and kittens in their care.
The Cats Whiskers Founders Kathy and Donna said “This donation means everything to us and secures the future for The Cats Whiskers. The money will enable us to upgrade our facilities and focus more of our time on caring for the animals. Before our cats had to travel to receive veterinary care, causing unnecessary extra stress to already uncomfortable and anxious cats. Now they will be able to receive the care and attention they need in a dedication room, helping their overall comfort and wellbeing. The enrichment area will ensure cats are more secure when getting exercise and will have access to fresh air in a safe way. We couldn’t be more grateful to the Pets Foundation, and knowing they believe in us means the world to us.”
Commenting on the evening, author, and broadcaster Clare Balding said: “It was an honour to host this year’s Pets Foundation charity ball. As a pet lover myself, it’s incredible that so much has been raised for so many worthwhile animal charities. It was fantastic to see even more money raised on the night as the Pets Foundation launched its ambition to raise the next £50 million.”
William Hewish, Chief Information Officer of Pets at Home, and Chair of the Pets Foundation commented “Our charity ball provides an opportunity to thank all of our partners, suppliers, customers and employees who have donated so generously and worked hard to help us reach this significant fundraising milestone. At Pets at Home our mission is to create a better world for pets and the people who love them, and the amazing work of the Pets Foundation highlights our on-going commitment to that. We are excited to see what we can achieve next and the difference we can make to even more pets and the people who love them.”
The Pets Foundation supports charities across the country including 25 incredible organisations in and around Greater Manchester. Including RSPCA Manchester & Salford, Cats Protection, Dogs Trust, Guide Dogs and many more.
RSPCA Manchester & Salford recently received a grant to buy a new animal ambulance. The new ambulance has helped animals such as Tabby Cat, Joy, and Rabbit, Cinnabun
Joy is a young tabby cat who spent 65 days in the care of RSPCA Manchester & Salford, after she was found stray with an awful collar wound. She required extensive veterinary intervention and nursing care involving regular trips to and from the vets. Her pain was eased by being able to travel in the near-silent ambulance.
Cinnabun is a large rabbit breed rescued from a breeder which was closed down by RSPCA inspectors. The new animal ambulance enabled the charity to transport larger animals more easily due to the van’s huge capacity.
C&D Foods were the headline sponsor for this year’s Pets Foundation charity ball.
Good Dog Food has rebranded to ‘Meatly’ in preparation for its upcoming UK product launch. Meatly will sell the first-ever cultivated meat pet food on the market...
Good Dog Food has rebranded to ‘Meatly’ in preparation for its upcoming UK product launch. Meatly will sell the first-ever cultivated meat pet food on the market.
Since its launch in 2022, Meatly’s team of leading scientists has been working to produce ethical and sustainable cultivated meat for pets without compromising on essential nutritional benefits. The team makes real meat, without animals. Taking a sample of cells from a chicken egg just once, Meatly can produce enough meat to feed furry customers forevermore.
The opportunity is huge: the global pet food market is expected to be worth £120bn by 2026, and pet parents are increasingly demanding higher standards of pet food and care. Research shows 50% of pet parents would feed their pets cultivated meat, whereas only 32% would currently consider eating cultivated meat themselves.
As part of the rebrand, Meatly has launched a new consumer-facing website, www.meatly.pet, and the company has secured key partnerships with manufacturers to get their pet food on shelves soon.
CEO Owen Ensor, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our rebrand to Meatly, in what marks an exciting new chapter for us as a team and brand. We chose the name ‘Meatly’ because we wanted to celebrate the fact that that is real meat, made the new way. Our hope is that Meatly will quickly become a household name, loved by pets and pet parents alike, and recognised as the choice for healthy, sustainable, delicious pet food.”
“Our pets love meat, but old-fashioned meat, produced through factory farming, requires a huge amount of land, water and antibiotics and is a key cause of environmental degradation. We need cultivated meat now more than ever. Pet food is the natural starting point, given consumers’ excitement. We’re thrilled to be at the heart of the future of meat production in the UK.”
Plant-based dog treat supplier Soopa has made the switch to 100% recyclable paper flow wrap for its packaging. The move marks a significant step towards reducing plastic waste and is part of the company’s commitment to creating sustainable products...
Plant-based dog treat supplier Soopa has made the switch to 100% recyclable paper flow wrap for its packaging. The move marks a significant step towards reducing plastic waste and is part of the company’s commitment to creating sustainable products.
The switch from plastic to paper ensures the same great-tasting, high-quality treats are still delivered in a sustainable way. With no compromise on taste or quality, customers can now enjoy their favourite Soopa treats with peace of mind knowing they are supporting an environmentally friendly company.
“We believe that there are small changes we can make now that will have a positive impact on our planet,” said CEO of Soopa, Barbara Hanly. “This was an easy decision for us and we are proud to be able to offer more sustainable packaging for our products.”
Soopa has always been committed to providing high-quality treats for your furry friends. Their recipes are carefully crafted from natural ingredients like sweet potatoes and apples, making them both healthy and tasty. They are also free of grains, preservatives and soy so you can feel good about feeding your pup healthy treats every day. Now you can feed your pup these delicious treats knowing that they come in more sustainable packaging!
The shift towards sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses around the world as consumers become more aware and conscious of their environmental impact. Soopa is proud to join this movement by committing to recyclable paper flow wrap for their Dental Sticks & Healthy Bites.
Pets at Home, the UK’s largest pet retail group, has revealed that owners are splashing out on Christmas gifts for their animals. Already, the group has sold over a quarter of a million Christmas dog toys and almost 100,000 advent calendars this year. And its new luxury £30 Pets at Home Giant Treat Advent Calendar (pictured) sold out online in just three days.
Pets at Home, the UK’s largest pet retail group, has revealed that owners are splashing out on Christmas gifts for their animals.
Already, the group has sold over a quarter of a million Christmas dog toys and almost 100,000 advent calendars this year. And its new luxury £30 Pets at Home Giant Treat Advent Calendar (pictured) sold out online in just three days.
Cats aren’t far behind dogs when it comes to Christmas gifts – 20,000 Christmas Cat treats have been purchased.
Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Pets at Home, said: “Pets play a huge part in our lives, so it’s no surprise that owners want to show their appreciation by treating their pets at Christmas just like other members of the family.
“We have seen demand grow for our Christmas ranges over the years, with advent calendars, Christmas jumpers and stockings all firm favourites. And while there’s something for every pocket with prices starting from a couple of pounds for a treat, we’re also beginning to see a shift into more premium lines like our new Squishmallow and Hasbro toys, which are already proving to be popular choices this year.”
The top five Christmas-themed gifts Pets at Home customers are loving this year include:
Pets at Home Dog Advent Calendar
Sprout Dog Toy
Dog Christmas Stocking
Collar Charm
Christmas Pudding and Tree Dog Toy
Research by Pets at Home has found that owners are willing to spend the same – or even more – than on other key members of the family.
A quarter of all responders are planning on spending the same or more on their pets than their children or partner this Christmas, a third will spend at least the same amount on a pet as their parents, and almost 60% will spend the same or more than on their friends, the survey found. But it’s not just pet owners keen to celebrate the festivities with their pets, half will also receive additional gifts from extended family and friends.
With over 85% of respondents agreeing they are planning on celebrating Christmas with their pets, it’s no surprise that seasonal favourites including advent calendars and Christmas themed toys have been flying off the shelves since October.
Alongside the bestsellers, more than 50% of pets will receive a Christmas stocking with a quarter of respondents saying they buy their pet a Christmas jumper and more than half will be treating their pet to their own Christmas dinner on the big day.
Lily’s Kitchen has created a 30 second TV advert, entitled ‘Christmas Every Day’, which is being shown on SKY until November 19...
Lily’s Kitchen has created a 30 second TV advert, entitled ‘Christmas Every Day’, which is being shown on SKY until November 19.
The advert features a montage of happy cats and dogs from real pet parents across the country to show how pets bring the joy of Christmas every single day of the year – not just during the festive season.
The advert stitches together real-life footage shared by real Lily’s Kitchen customers and its charity partners Dogs Trust and London Inner City Kitties (L.I.C.K.), to highlight the ways our pets show us affection and how they make every day special for pet parents – from excited, morning kisses to mid-morning mischief, enthusiastic welcome home greetings, dinner dances and cuddles on the sofa.
Proving the joy these moments bring us, pet parents ranked their pet greeting them when they get home from work (34%), their pet waking them up in the morning (29%) and snuggling with their pet on the sofa (31%) among their top three moments of the day.
With using business as a force for good at the heart of the brand’s ethos, the homage to the nation’s four-legged friends was created to raise awareness of Lily’s Kitchen’s charity partnerships with Dogs Trust and L.I.C.K. this Christmas – partnerships that will help pets in need. 100% of profits from the sale of the Limited Edition Three Bird Feast for dogs and Turkey Feast Paté for cats will be donated to support the charities’ important work this Christmas, helping to find dogs in Dogs Trust’s care the loving homes they deserve, and providing for much needed feline medical care for the cats looked after by L.I.C.K.
Pet parents can celebrate their four-legged family members and return some of the joy they bring us every day, by treating them to proper food made from natural ingredients. Christmas is a perfect time to gather the family to enjoy a delicious feast together and Lily’s Kitchen is here to make sure your four-legged members can enjoy the festivities too.
Samantha Crossley, UK Marketing Director at Lily’s Kitchen, said: “Pet parents everywhere will understand the joy that having a cat or dog in your life brings you every single day – for our pets, the excitement of spending another day with their humans is as magical as that feeling of waking up on Christmas morning! And this year we wanted to celebrate that feeling by showcasing these moments of happiness through the eyes of real pet parents across the country. From excited, morning kisses to the first tail wag of the day, dinner dances, ‘making biscuits’ and cuddles on the sofa – these are moments that matter. So, celebrate your four-legged family this Christmas, and every day of the year.”
Those in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol, Exeter can watch the Lily’s Kitchen ‘Christmas Every Day’ advert on SKY until November 19. Or you can click on the link below...
Pooch & Mutt has created what it claims to be the world’s first ever Dental Stick Advent Calendar for dogs...
Pooch & Mutt has created what it claims to be the world’s first ever Dental Stick Advent Calendar for dogs.
The advent calendar comes with four flavours behind the doors. There is one dental stick behind every door, and 24 dental sticks in total
The company said: “As a business, we always like to challenge ourselves. Which is why this year, we decided to create the first EVER Dental Stick Advent Calendar for dogs - leaning into that luxury advent calendar space that's become evermore desirable (but for pooches of course).
“It came with its own logistical challenges that our wonderful team worked so hard to overcome, and we're so proud that we didn't give up. We made it happen!”
Morrisons is making sure Christmas 2023 is the ‘ulti-mutt’ celebration for pets as it unveils its biggest festive pet range to date...
Morrisons is making sure Christmas 2023 is the ‘ulti-mutt’ celebration for pets as it unveils its biggest festive pet range to date.
Comprising nearly 30 products, pet owners will be able to pick up advent calendars, Christmas dinners, jumpers and more so furry friends don’t miss out on the festive fun. With prices starting from just £1.49, there’s a pocket-friendly treat for every pet owner to pick up.
For those looking to share the Christmas countdown with their pets, shoppers can grab the Morrisons Pawsome Meaty Christmas Dog Treat Advent Calendar and Morrisons Purrfect Meaty Christmas Cat Treat Advent Calendar, both £3.99, filled with tasty treats for pets to enjoy each day.
Customers can also kit their pets out in the finest festive wear with the Gifts for Pets Dog Festive Jumper (£4.99) and Gifts For Pets Reindeer Headband for Dogs & Cats (£2.99).
For a delicious Christmas Eve treat, pups can chow down on Morrisons Rudi Reindeer Iced Dog Cookies (£3.99), adorably shaped like festive reindeer. 10% of sales from the Rudi range go to charity partner Together for Short Lives, giving shoppers even more reason to pick up the tasty treats.
Pets don’t need to miss out on the big day itself either, as the range boasts all of the ingredients needed for a paw-sitively delicious pooch Christmas dinner. Customers can choose from Morrisons Turkey and Bacon Hot Dogs for Dogs (£1.99), Morrisons Sausages in either Christmas Dinner or Pork & Apple Stuffing Flavour for Dogs (£1.99), Morrison Pigs in Blankets for Dogs (£2.99), and of course Morrisons Mince Pies for Dogs (£2.99) to top it all off.
The range also includes plenty of treats purr-fect for stocking fillers, such as the Morrisons Merry Poochmas Rawhide alternative Chew sticks (£1.99), available in the shape of Christmas trees, or Gingerbread people. Cats can tuck into the Morrisons Tasty Tuna Meowy Christmas Cat Sticks or Morrisons Delicious Duck Christmas Quackers Cat Treats, just £1.49 each, and there are pet safe crackers for both cats and dogs (£2.49).
Andy Whiteman, Product Developer at Morrisons, said: “Santa Paws is truly coming to Morrisons this year as we introduce our biggest and best Christmas pet range. We know pets are an important part of so many families, so now shoppers can pick up everything they need to share the celebrations with their cuddly companions, without breaking the bank.”
The award-winning Henry Wag brand is taking big steps to minimise the negative impact its products have on the environment and create a more sustainable product range...
The award-winning Henry Wag brand is taking big steps to minimise the negative impact its products have on the environment and create a more sustainable product range.
Grant Rogers, managing director of the brand’s parent company 3P Enterprise, said: “Our objective is to reduce waste (including CO2), create sustainable design and use materials which are recycled or renewable.
“Many of our products are manufactured using polyester fibres. In the first stage of our sustainability project, we have identified our drying towels coats and bags which are made of either 70% or 80% polyester. Working closely with our suppliers we have been able to switch to GRS recycled polyester as the raw material for these product ranges in line with our company business objectives.
“As this change is introduced, the products will be supplied in new-look multi-lingual packaging showing the recycled elements of the products, a new brand tag line and a 2D barcode linking to Buyer Dock providing the consumer with language specific product information on product waste, recyclability, sustainability and washing information. These new packs create a new fresh look for the brand and will give the range greater impact when displayed in store.
“This represents the first step for Henry Wag in a program to move away from using virgin materials in our products where possible. Stage 2 of the project will focus on the car seat and boot covers. We are also working with suppliers closer to the UK to reduce product miles and investigating the use of plant-based fibres for use in our products.”
Nutriment Raw has launched its ‘Together we care’ campaign, which pledges to donate a meal to rescue dogs in need for every 10kg of Nutriment Raw food purchased (both online and in-store)...
Nutriment Raw has launched its ‘Together we care’ campaign, which pledges to donate a meal to rescue dogs in need for every 10kg of Nutriment Raw food purchased (both online and in-store).
According to government statistics, an estimated 250,000 animals go to rescue centres every year. Rescue centres often rely on charitable donations and public funded schemes in order to operate. Not only do these centres need to feed, shelter, care for, and provide healthcare for these animals, but they also need to fund their physical operational costs. In addition, the Covid ‘pupdemic’ has also had dire consequences on the number of dogs who have been given up to rescue homes. PETA estimates that 100,000 dogs are homeless across the UK.
“Nutriment is a business that prioritises animal health, wellbeing and welfare in every element of what we do. We couldn’t operate conscientiously without doing our bit to support animals across the UK who are victim to neglect and homelessness,” comments Ryan Winwright, Head of Commercial at Nutriment.
“This November, Nutriment is launching ‘Together we care’, a campaign which will see us donate a meal to a dog in need for every 10kg of Nutriment Raw food purchased. We’re inviting our customers to be part of our charity story. Together we can make a difference because we together we care.”
In its 10-year history, Nutriment has already donated 60,000 meals to rescue centres through charity campaigns such as Together we care, as well as being active participants in legal campaigns such as ‘Lucy’s Law’ to ban puppy farming.
The recipient of Nutriment’s latest charity campaign is the incredible charity, Animal Rescue Cumbria, a well-established rescue centre who have been working tirelessly to rescue and rehome cats and dogs for over 50 years.
“We want the best for our residents here at Animal Rescue Cumbria, and Nutriment’s generous support has enabled us, as a small charity, to feed a healthy, nutritious and tasty diet to our rescue cats and dogs. We are therefore thrilled to be part of the Nutriment charity campaign this month and are hugely grateful to Nutriment customers for supporting us via the campaign,” commented Marion Yates, General Manager, Animal Rescue Cumbria.
“We’ve seen the amazing improvement that a Nutriment diet can make to the cats and dogs who arrive with us with compromised health, whether suffering from allergies, poor appetite, low energy, weight loss or general poor condition. We have also seen improvements with behaviour once animals are on a natural, additive-free diet. More than that, our animals absolutely love it....and just can’t wait for it to defrost!”
The three most common rabbit health issues are dental disease, gastrointestinal stasis and obesity, Supreme Petfoods’ recent survey of UK veterinary surgeons has revealed...
The three most common rabbit health issues are dental disease, gastrointestinal stasis and obesity, Supreme Petfoods’ recent survey of UK veterinary surgeons has revealed.
These conditions are intrinsically linked to the feeding of poor-quality diets and despite substantial improvements in nutritional knowledge among rabbit owners, 57% of rabbits are still being fed inappropriately.
Dental disease was seen most frequently, with 75% of vets reporting that they see affected rabbits regularly. Dental and other diet-related conditions occur partly because owners do not understand their pets’ dietary requirements, in particular the importance of high fibre nutrition with no added sugar. Nearly 90% of vets said that rabbits often received inadequate quantities of hay, and the survey also revealed that feeding poor-quality concentrate foods, with low fibre and added sugary ingredients, is commonplace.
Claire Hamblion, Supreme’s Marketing Director, explains that educating customers is crucial, saying, “Owners want to do the right thing, but all too often lack of awareness about nutrition leads to poor health and wellbeing. The great news is that progress is being made. 79% of vets say that nutritional knowledge among rabbit owners has significantly improved in the last 10 years, which is in part due to the invaluable expertise shared by pet retailers. We’re keen to build on this and are proud to offer not just high-quality species-specific nutrition but a range of educational materials and free samples to help retailers engage with their rabbit-owning customers."
A high-quality, species-appropriate diet should include unlimited hay, a carefully measured portion of high fibre nuggets every morning and evening and a handful of fresh leafy greens. Recommended by over 90 percent of vets in the survey, Supreme’s Science Selective rabbit lifestage diets are high in fibre, and rich in natural ingredients with no added sugar. When fed alongside unlimited hay, Science Selective supports dental and digestive health and the maintenance of a healthy weight and helps to reduce the risk of diet-related disease.
The survey also revealed that for rabbits requiring critical care nutrition, Supreme’s Science Selective Recovery Plus, is the number one choice among vets for syringe feeding. With a high crude fibre content (25%) to support digestive health, Recovery Plus has added vitamin C and is rich in natural forage and herbs to stimulate appetite.
Supreme provides a selection of educational materials, from care guides to educational blogs and free food samples, to support retailers in communicating with customers. With highly palatable diets like Science Selective, free samples prove particularly effective in starting rabbits on a lifelong journey of optimum nutrition and are an excellent tool for starting nutrition conversations. Supreme is committed to working with retailers as well as veterinary teams to improve owners’ knowledge around rabbit nutrition, helping rabbits to live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Five new directors were welcomed to the OATA Board at the trade association’s Annual General Meeting which was held on November 1...
Five new directors were welcomed to the OATA Board at the trade association’s Annual General Meeting which was held on November 1.
Ben Bowles, of Pets at Home, Paul Hughes, of Advanced Aquarium Consulting, Phil Jones of Kingston Koi Company, Max Pedley of Ornamental Aquatics Wholesale, and Maurit s van de Pol of Aquadistri UK Ltd, will all now attend Board meetings, which take place four times a year.
EcoMarines’ Laura Carlin officially started her two-year stint at the helm and Dr Donna Snellgrove, of Mars Petcare, takes on the incoming Vice Chair mantle. OATA also said goodbye to Ian Paton of Pets at Home and Pete Carey of CASCO who resigned prior to the AGM following changes of roles.
OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee said: “It’s great to welcome new people to the Board and we look forward to hearing their perspectives in our discussions. We are incredibly lucky to have people who volunteer their time to help OATA and stay with us for a long time. Their hard work and commitment are much appreciated by the staff team.”
OATA’s Board of Directors is currently made up of 17 people who represent the whole of the industry, from wholesalers and manufacturers to importers and retailers. The complete OATA Board of Directors is now made up of:
Ben Bowles, Pets at Home
Laura Carlin, EcoMarines
Robert Edgecock, Independent Aquatic Imports Ltd
Caroline Everett, Anglo Aquatic Plants Co Ltd
Neil Hardy, Neil Hardy Aquatica Ltd
Paul Hughes, Advanced Aquarium Consulting
Phil Jones, Kingston Koi Company
Simon Langdale, Maidenhead Aquatics
Philip Lawton, Kidsgrove Tropicals
Rob Peck, The Coral Centre
Max Pedley, Ornamental Aquatics Wholesale
Brian Schaff, TMC
Pete Smith, Aquasense (UK) Ltd
Dr Donna Snellgrove, Mars Petcare
Matt Stevenson, Seneye
Maurits van de Pol, Aquadistri UK Ltd
Ben Windeatt, Pets Choice
There is still one vacancy on the Board, which is usually made up of 18 people. If you are interested in finding out more about what it takes to join the OATA board then you can join as an observer under the New Blood scheme. To find out more about what this involves call the OATA office on 07946 167121.
Manchester-based entrepreneurs, Felix Robinson and son Tom, who set up their company Pet Trust UK to make the buying of dogs online safer, believe their digital DogTag could help prevent the unnecessary death of pets...
Manchester-based entrepreneurs, Felix Robinson and son Tom, who set up their company Pet Trust UK to make the buying of dogs online safer, believe their digital DogTag could help prevent the unnecessary death of pets.
Since the government’s decision to ban XL Bully, Felix and Tom have learned that euthanisation of a dog can happen in the owner’s home with only suspicion of the breed considered a satisfactory justification, rather than actual proof of the breed.
As a result, they have speeded up production of the Dog Tag. The first version of the product will allow owners of any dog at risk of the bans to upload the documents, ensuring they can readily provide proof when needed, especially during encounters with the authorities.
Pet Trust UK is now working closely with the Met Police, vets and RSPCA to create UK-wide usage of the Digital DogTag.
Felix, who previously worked as a representative for Snowboarding for England, was inspired to set up the Pet Trust UK business following the puppy boom generated by the Covid pandemic.
She said: “During the lockdown, a Manchester breeder was threatened by two men in masks and machetes. Her dogs and puppies were stolen from her home after a meet and greet with an alleged prospective family. Sadly, she wasn’t the only one as reports of attacks rose. My family and I knew that no platform supported breeders and prospective dog owners to make connections safely.”
“Prospective owners are buying dogs online with no way of checking the breeder's credibility, health certificates and breeding practices. Some were spending their hard earned cash without knowing if there was even a real puppy waiting for them. Or they were falling in love with their new addition to their families and finding their puppy cruelly ripped from them six months later due to poor breeding and hidden health conditions. Due to the many problems in the pet industry, we decided to set up Pet Trust UK to make buying animals online safer.”
Felix believes that the current system for buying and selling dogs online is broken and leaves users vulnerable with the welfare of the public and animals clearly not a top priority for the government and local councils. She feels there is no process in place to protect either the owner, the public or the animals. Coupled with the shocking process in how suspected banned breeds are determined, both Felix and her son found a solution with their dog tag.
The Pet Trust UK Digital DogTag uses the latest technology to ensure its secure and tamperproof. Using their system, you can upload all of your dog's data, including:
Owner details
Portrait and Photos
Identification
Temperament
Anxiety issues
Feeding plan
Medical information
Vet details
The Pet Trust founders believe their Digital DogTag will go a long way to protecting beloved pets from being killed due to misidentification and misinformation that’s increasing daily due to recent media reports and the government’s mishandling of the ban of the XL bully.
“By ensuring that all dog owners have their documentation to hand when they take their dog out for a walk will give them peace of mind as the law states you must be in position of this documentation at all times,” added Felix, who is the proud owner of a five-year-old rescue Boxer called Sammi.
The Bone Idol Academy is urging pet owners to get clued up on canine first aid, by offering an accessible and informative online course...
The Bone Idol Academy is urging pet owners to get clued up on canine first aid, by offering an accessible and informative online course.
After working in the pet industry for many years, and with decades of animal care experience in the business, the aim of the £30 course is to get as many people as possible to learn the basics of canine first aid, so that they react calmly and appropriately in a crisis.
Many pet parents choose to do hands-on first aid qualifications or courses, but others maybe don't have the time, or money to take that step, so Bone Idol tutor Jon Clark says that this course is the introduction to the subject which will give dog owners key life saving skills.
He said: "The more people that have the basics of canine first aid the better, and this course, which can be done at your own pace, takes around two hours in total to complete and contains great information, which will help you react quickly and decisively in an emergency.
"From the basics of CPR, to understanding when to call the vet, this course is a great place to start for people who are strapped for time. It's a positive step in the right direction and will help keep your dog and other dogs you meet safer."
Qualified tutors at the Bone Idol academy have taught canine first aid qualifications, so this short course distils some of that key information in a bitesize and easy to digest way.
Jon added: "We have been part of the pet industry for many years, and as a business we have taught hundreds of people pet first aid as a qualification. But this course is accessible, online and useful for the wider public."
Topics on the video course which is led by Jon include CPR, poisoning, wound care and choking, and some modules include demonstrations of key techniques.
" There is key information and advice that you may not know about your dog, and who knows, taking this course might inspire you to go for the qualification to expand your knowledge." Added Jon
BIRA, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, will be running its campaign, called Love Your High Street Week later this month, and is urging all shops, businesses and communities to throw their support behind it.
Taking place between Monday, November 13 and Sunday, November 19, the event has been designed to shine a spotlight on the diversity and rich offerings found on the high street and within our local communities, which serve as a backbone to the UK.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: "This event is about rallying support for our high streets during what has been a challenging period for them all, and within the Golden Quarter of shopping as we reach the festive period.
"We invite every shop to take part in this celebration, encouraging shoppers to show their support for the local businesses that form the heartbeat of our communities. It's easy to take part, and we have a host of collateral such as window posters, social media assets and website banners for businesses to use for free. It's all about celebrating the spirit of local entrepreneurship and getting our consumers engaged with their shops, our incredible independents who work so hard to bring variety and life to the high street on a daily basis."
For more details about the event, and to download assets, visit this link or follow the #LoveYourHighStreetWeek hashtag on social media.
Leading pet and wild bird food producer Henry Bell & Co has appointed Andrew Mellowes as National Sales Manager to support the company’s growth in the garden centre sector...
Leading pet and wild bird food producer Henry Bell & Co has appointed Andrew Mellowes as National Sales Manager to support the company’s growth in the garden centre sector. He will work alongside an extensive network of sales agents to consolidate and develop customer relationships.
Andrew, with vast experience of the gardening trade, has held a variety of positions over the past 20 years. He worked at Gardman, where he became Commercial Support Director, and was General Manager of Woodlodge Products, a supplier of garden and indoor pots and accessories.
Before joining Henry Bell, Andrew was Commercial Director of Burpee Europe, a wholesale supplier of vegetable and flower seed to the UK’s home garden seed market.
“I am really looking forward to working with the Henry Bell team to build on the company’s significant success and to re-engage with customers and colleagues across the garden centre industry,” he said.
Henry Bell Managing Director Thomas Lee added: “We are delighted that Andrew has joined us. His experience and knowledge of the garden centre and wild bird care markets make him a great asset to our company, and I am extremely pleased to have him on board at this exciting time.”
Andrew who has three grown-up children and enjoys cooking, gardening, walking and cycling in his spare time, took up his new role on 1 November. Retailers interested in becoming a Henry Bell stockist should contact Andrew by email, andrew@henry-bell.co.uk, or telephone 01476 565761.
The British Independent Retailers Association has said it's set out some high expectations from the government to create a positive impact for the high street after such a difficult year...
The British Independent Retailers Association has said it's set out some high expectations from the government to create a positive impact for the high street after such a difficult year.
BIRA, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had some tough hurdles ahead of him to create a budget on November 27 which will have a positive impact on the high street and retail sector in the coming year.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: "With the November budget approaching, we are eager to express our expectations and hopes for the forthcoming policies that will significantly impact the retail sector. We believe that the proposed measures can pave the way for a robust and sustainable economic recovery, benefiting both businesses and consumers alike and we wish for the government to stand up and take note of the following requests from us to help rebuild our high street."
In the request, Bira highlighted the following issues that need to be addressed:
Business Rates It is imperative that the government considers retaining the current retail discount at 75% for businesses with a rates payable value of up to £110,000 per annum. To promote a stable business environment, we urge the freezing of the rates multiplier, along with the implementation of measures that provide certainty to businesses, fostering an environment conducive to investment. Making the current rates discount permanent would be a significant step in this direction.
Corporation Tax We advocate for the introduction of an allowance in corporation tax similar to the system implemented for income tax. This move will be instrumental in supporting businesses, ensuring their sustained growth and contribution to the overall economic landscape.
Tax-Free Shopping Reintroducing tax-free shopping is critical to stimulating retail activity, not only in major urban centres but also in all tourist destinations across the country. By reinstating this system, the government can foster increased spending, catering to the rising number of tourists and promoting economic resilience within the retail sector.
National Minimum Wage and Employer Support Recognising the upcoming increase in the National Minimum Wage, we emphasise the necessity of a proportional increase in the employer's national insurance allowance by 20%. This adjustment will provide essential support to businesses, enabling them to manage costs and maintain a balanced operational framework.
Business Grants for Sustainability Bira strongly advocates for the continuation of business grants designed to support small enterprises in implementing energy-saving investments. Independent retailers are committed to fostering sustainability, and adequate government assistance in this area will play a pivotal role in facilitating their efforts.
As we anticipate the upcoming budget, Bira remains committed to working collaboratively with the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the proposed measures align with the collective interests of the retail industry and the broader business community.
IVC Evidensia has announced a new partnership with The Responsible use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E) to greater support the profession in educating clients of the dangers of Antimicrobial Resistance...
As part of this year’s London Vet Show, IVC Evidensia has announced a new partnership with The Responsible use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E) to greater support the profession in educating clients of the dangers of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Together with RUMA CA&E, the leading veterinary group have produced a free Social Media Toolkit for any UK veterinary professional to use, which contains both visual assets and captions.
It will give veterinary professionals extra support in educating clients on social channels about AMR and the safe disposal of antibiotics and will also extend support offered beyond the usual Antibiotic Amnesty month of November.
The assets will be launched at London Vet Show and will be accessible via QR codes printed on fridge magnets, which will be distributed by the IVC Evidensia team as part of the two-day event.
This will be from their dedicated stand (R70), which surrounds the IVC Evidensia lecture theatre which, as before, has a packed schedule of speakers for delegates to enjoy.
John Dinsdale, Country Medical Director for IVC Evidensia, commented on the new partnership: “Our network allows us to communicate effectively with our own practices and give them the most up-to-date information to help keep clients in the know.
“We are therefore delighted to announce our partnership with RUMA CA&E and support a campaign that informs and educates pet owners over the dangers of AMR.
“To that end, I hope that this new partnership will create more positive conversations around AMR and give practices the tools they need to talk about it confidently and clearly.”
Responsible prescribing and supporting the responsible disposal of medicines used in veterinary treatment is a key role for the veterinary profession, and with AMR being such a threat to the effectiveness of medicines worldwide, we all need to play our part.
RUMA CA&E Secretary General, Steve Howard, commented: “It has been fantastic to partner with IVC Evidensia on this AMR project, which is a great opportunity to engage with practices and help provide useful tools that can be used to educate and inform clients about AMR. This initiative perfectly aligns with our role and remit of encouraging innovative and proactive efforts to improve the responsible use of medicines, and responsible disposal, whilst optimising and protecting animal health and welfare, as well as human and environmental health and welfare.
“This toolkit, developed in partnership with IVC Evidensia, contains the resources to enable all members of the veterinary team to raise client awareness about antibiotic stewardship in general and contribute positively to the fight against AMR.
“The more support the profession can offer to clients and our vet colleagues on the subject of AMR, the more we can turn the tide and ensure we can, as a profession, protect the efficacy of antibiotics long into the future for the benefit of human and animal health and welfare.”
Stay tuned for the launch of our new Social Media Toolkit, due to be released on the first day of London Vet Show (Thursday 16th November) and available as a QR code which will distributed from the IVC Evidensia stand.
The best of last edition of Pet Trade Xtra
The top-read stories from last week's Pet Trade Xtra can be seen below, if you missed them...
Thailand company SCG Packaging has acquired a 100% stake in Law Print, a prominent packaging solution provider in the United Kingdom and Europe, with aims to strengthen sales channels and expand customer network...
Thailand company SCG Packaging has acquired a 100% stake in Law Print, a prominent packaging solution provider in the United Kingdom and Europe, with aims to strengthen sales channels and expand customer network.
It has also taken a 85% stake in Bicappa, a renowned medical supply and labware manufacturer in Italy.
Wichan Jitpukdee, Chief Executive Officer of SCGP, disclosed that the company has progressed with investments in packaging solutions businesses and expands its sales channels to reach new customer segments in high-growth markets.
Law Print offers extensive packaging solutions services ranging from design, printing, and quality assurance through international logistics management, with network of accredited packaging manufacturers and suppliers. Law Prints' key capabilities are dedicated to catering the needs of customers, especially in pet food industry, with detailed analysis for in-depth understanding of the evolving packaging requirements. Law Print effectively fulfills clients' demands and connects them with high-quality flexible packaging suppliers including the sourcing of SCGP flexible packaging products for UK & European clients.
CEO Tim Law said: “I am pleased to announce that Law Print & Packaging Management Ltd (LPPM) became a member of the SCGP Group of companies. SCGP is a leading multinational consumer packaging solutions provider offering innovative products and services in the paper and polymer sectors, one of the fastest growing packaging companies in Asia with global reach and end to end activities in the packaging markets. LPPM will now sit within a group that offers a wide range of Paper and Polymer products in both flexible and rigid formats.
“The activities of LPPM will now be supported by some of the most modern manufacturing and R&D facilities in the world, with cutting edge developments allowing the production and supply of truly sustainable packaging products.
“At LPPM, we have always placed customers at the forefront of our minds. The merger of LPPM into SCGP presents us with the opportunity to continue to support our clients at the highest level and to ensure that we can continue to offer the most relevant and appropriate products backed up by the security necessary to deliver safe and sustainable packaging now and in future years.
“The growth of LPPM over the last 19 years is wholly attributable to the dedication of a fantastic team of employees, the strength of our suppliers and the trust and support of our clients. The decision to join SCGP has been made to ensure we can continue to support our existing customers, and further develop relationships with existing and new clients, whilst meeting the strictest demands of today’s packaging market.
“Looking ahead, it will be business as usual at LPPM. We will continue to grow our team of committed and valued employees, add new products and services to our portfolio, and remain focussed on our core values and goals. The trust and support of our clients is not something we consider lightly and we look forward to your continued partnership in the coming years.”
Award-winning pet care brand Animology from Group55 has reached an agreement that will see its products stocked in pet stores across Australia...
Award-winning pet care brand Animology from Group55 has reached an agreement that will see its products stocked in pet stores across Australia.
The Animology range will be distributed by family-owned wholesale pet product company Prestige Pet Products in a move that will enhance the brand’s global popularity.
Michael Haigh, Brand Manager at Animology, said: “Australia is a very important market to Animology. Firstly, it is a brand new market for the brand which presents an exciting new opportunity, and secondly, because it is exactly the market demographic where Animology does extremely well. Pet parents in Australia are sophisticated, educated and appreciate the value of high-quality products for their pets. Animology’s strong brand look, established history and high performance products align very well to the Australian pet market.”
Prestige Pet Products will be handling 99% of the Animology product range: Shampoos (250ml and 2.5l), Sprays, Fragrance Mists, Grooming Products, Cat Shampoos and Animology Essentials.
Created in 1997, Prestige Pet Products is a family-owned wholesale pet product company committed to providing customers with quality products that pets love. They have Sales Representatives on the ground covering every state in Australia and in addition to providing an extensive range of brand name products, Prestige offers customers exclusivity on a wide range of unique brands. Their state-of-the-art warehouse facility is based in Caboolture in South East Queensland, 30 minutes north of the Brisbane Domestic and International Airports, and boasts an onsite showroom that showcases our comprehensive ranges. Prestige Pet Products proudly services a wide variety of the Pet Industry including Online Stores, Pet retail Stores, Groomers, Rural and Stockfeed businesses, Vet Clinics, and Vet Wholesalers throughout the whole of the Australian continent.
The pet grooming services market in Australia is a part of the larger global industry, which was estimated to be valued at nearly USD 151.23 Million in 2021. While specific market figures for Australia may vary, the overall growth trends and factors driving the industry are quite similar. There are over 2,000 professional groomers in Australia which currently dominate the pet grooming services market. However, there is a growing demand for at-home and mobile grooming services as pet owners seek convenience good care for their pets.
The Australian market for pet grooming services aligns with the global market trends, with a focus on pet health, hygiene, and overall well-being.
The market’s expansion can be attributed to the increasing adoption of pets and growing awareness of pet health. According to Animal Medicines Australia, There are currently an estimated 28.7 million pets in Australia, and we have one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. Approximately 69% of households in Australia own pets, with dogs being the most common (48%) followed by cats (33%).
Overall, Australian households are estimated to have spent over $33 billion on pet services and products in 2022, Dog owners spent the most, with an estimated average of $3218 spent per animal each year. (RSPCA knowledgebase)
Pet accessories supplier Long Paws has reached an agreement to help nationwide wholesaler Stax Trade Centres to expand its pet offering...
Pet accessories supplier Long Paws has reached an agreement to help Stax Trade Centres to expand its pet offering.
Stax claims to be the largest non-food wholesaler in the UK, with six branches located nationally providing wholesale support for independent retailers and trade professionals.
Long Paws national sales manager Lauren Bentley said: “The partnership is to elevate their pet offering specifically their dog accessories range. They have seen good growth year on year within this area so want to keep on building on this.
“We are helping them break into the accessories market, being the first dog collar and lead supplier to enable them to offer a range of high-quality dog accessories to their customer base.”
A West Sussex pet store has joined forces with a rescue centre to create a pet food bank for the area...
A West Sussex pet store has joined forces with a rescue centre to create a pet food bank for the area.
Toni Marsh, of The Pet Pantry in Selsey, said: “I’m proud to announce that myself and Labrador Rescue are joining forces to create the Selsey Pet Food Bank. We will be working in conjunction with Selsey Care Shop who will distribute alongside the regular food bank ensuring that everyone who needs a helping hand gets it.
“We know that the cost of living crisis has pushed many people to the edge and for a lot of people they are having to choose between heating & eating themselves and feeding pets.
“We know how important pets are for wellbeing and mental health and we never want people to have to make that choice and so we’re here to help as much as we can!
“Myself and Jane (Labrador Rescue) will be funding as much as we can but we are also gratefully accepting donations (food or monetary) towards this cause. We will be accepting any donations in store and then all stock will be taken to the Selsey Care Shop who will then distribute.
“Currently we are planning to do this for the next 6 months to ease the pressure in the Winter months, if the scheme needs extending past that point then we will reassess in the Spring.”
The switch from plastic to paper ensures the same great-tasting, high-quality treats are still delivered in a sustainable way. With no compromise on taste or quality, customers can now enjoy their favourite Soopa treats with peace of mind knowing they are supporting an environmentally friendly company.
Manchester-based entrepreneurs, Felix Robinson and son Tom, who set up their company Pet Trust UK to make the buying of dogs online safer, believe their digital DogTag could help prevent the unnecessary death of pets.
Felix believes that the current system for buying and selling dogs online is broken and leaves users vulnerable with the welfare of the public and animals clearly not a top priority for the government and local councils. She feels there is no process in place to protect either the owner, the public or the animals. Coupled with the shocking process in how suspected banned breeds are determined, both Felix and her son found a solution with their dog tag.
Law Print offers extensive packaging solutions services ranging from design, printing, and quality assurance through international logistics management, with network of accredited packaging manufacturers and suppliers. Law Prints' key capabilities are dedicated to catering the needs of customers, especially in pet food industry, with detailed analysis for in-depth understanding of the evolving packaging requirements. Law Print effectively fulfills clients' demands and connects them with high-quality flexible packaging suppliers including the sourcing of SCGP flexible packaging products for UK & European clients.
CEO Tim Law said: “I am pleased to announce that Law Print & Packaging Management Ltd (LPPM) became a member of the SCGP Group of companies. SCGP is a leading multinational consumer packaging solutions provider offering innovative products and services in the paper and polymer sectors, one of the fastest growing packaging companies in Asia with global reach and end to end activities in the packaging markets. LPPM will now sit within a group that offers a wide range of Paper and Polymer products in both flexible and rigid formats.
