A film production company is searching for innovative pet product companies to take part in a new BBC series called ‘The Customer Is Always Right’.

The TV programme is an exciting new series that follows budding entrepreneurs from across the UK as they try to make a success of their inventions. They are making everything from pet accessories to health and beauty products, home and garden tools to children’s gadgets.

“This new series will celebrate small businesses, entrepreneurs, and people who are proud and passionate about their products,” said Sarah Brake, a researcher for Firecracker Films.

“From start-ups and prototypes, to products that are already on the market, we’re looking for entrepreneurs and product designers from all over the UK to showcase their work to a larger market and crucial customer testing.”

Each episode of The Customer Is Always Right will feature three entrepreneurs showing the blueprints and prototypes of their inventions. Audiences will hear about the inspiration behind their creation and the sacrifices they had to make in getting their dream item funded and brought to market.

“Crucially, their new products will be tested on the people who are most important – the customers,” added Sarah. “So often overlooked, they are the people who can make or break a business with constructive and critical feedback.

“There will be a cast of returning customers, all with different points of view, who are ready to road test the entrepreneur’s products and unleash their honest thoughts on everything from the design to the practical use to the selling price.

“They’ll unbox and deliver their honest and sometimes funny assessments before scoring each product. And because the customer is always right, they will pick the winner.”

If you are interested in taking part in the series contact the fiml  producers by emailing products@firecrackerfilms.com

The Arden Grange Sensitive products are made to grain and gluten free recipes which not only meet the ever-increasing consumer demand for such diets, but serve a very useful purpose for cats and dogs with delicate digestion or sensitive skin.

Every product contains ocean white fish and potato, making the recipes gentle on the digestive system. In addition to this, all recipes in the Sensitive range benefit from joint care and prebiotics for immune system support.

The Partners Sensitive canned dog food is a single-protein food, whilst the dry products also contain egg – an excellent and diverse source of amino acids.

The dry Sensitive products are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for skin and coat condition. All of the recipes in the Sensitive dry dog food range contain fresh white fish, offering low allergenicity and maximum digestibility.

The Partners Sensitive canned food is a low fat complete wet food for dogs, providing a balanced alternative to a home-cooked, bland diet during recovery from digestive upsets.

The Sensitive dry dog food range has recently grown with the addition of puppy/junior and light/senior life stages.

The Sensitive puppy/junior recipe is suitable for all breeds and contains the optimal balance of vitamins and minerals needed for growing puppies.

The Sensitive light/senior recipe provides boosted levels of joint support and contains fewer calories than Arden Grange’s standard diets, which will benefit older dogs who are less active or dogs needing to lose weight.

Just like all Arden Grange products, the Sensitive range is naturally hypoallergenic, not containing; wheat gluten, beef, soya or dairy products, thereby offering further peace of mind to customers who have a dog or cat with food sensitivities.  

For more information, call 01273 833390 or visit www.ardengrange.com.

Jonathon Moyce, owner and managing director of Loving Pets UK Ltd, has won the prestigious Young Exporter Award 2018 presented by the British Experters Association.

Jonathon brought together all the key elements that the judges were looking for in a winner: he started his own business, has designed products, and has grown his business exponentially since he founded it in 2014 – always with a clear focus on exports. 

The company currently exports to 11 countries and stocks with multinational vendors. 

Clearly happy to roll up his sleeves to do whatever it takes to make the business a success, Jonathon is a true export entrepreneur, said the judges.

Jonathon received his award from Marcus Dolman, co-chairman of BExA at the organisation’s Annual Lunch held at Mansion House last week.

"I feel extremely honoured to receive such a prestigious award from BExA," said Jonathon.

"Developing, managing and growing a business can often be a lonely place, so being recognised for “Young exporter of the Year” makes the sleepless nights, travelling away from my young family and the highs and lows all worthwhile.

"One of the core values at Loving Pets is to build a strong relationship with the customer, make friends and build trust. Winning this award enforces our values and adds credibility to what we are trying to achieve in Europe. Great team effort all round."

Geoff de Mowbray, co-chairmen of BExA and one of the award judges commented: “Having met with these remarkable young people – all of whom are winners in their own right – I’m pleased to report that the spirit of UK exports is well and truly alive!”

Marion Stinton, Business Manager of the award-winning Mr Johnson's brand, is retiring after a career spanning 37 years in the pet trade.

During her time in pet product sales and marketing Marion has worked for: Alton’s, Thacker’s Pet Products, BP Nutrition, Spooner’s wholesale, Purina, and Supreme Petfoods.

For the past 14 years she has been Business Manager at Henry Bell & Co (Grantham) Ltd & Mr Johnson’s.

"it’s the longest I have worked for one company. It’s been challenging, fulfilling and enjoyable and a great finale to my days in sales and marketing," said Marion.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to Tom Lee and Carol Foster for the opportunities and support they have given me over the years. Thank you also to Alan Gittins for his support – we have worked closely together developing the Mr Johnson’s business and have become firm friends."

Alan Gittins took on the role of Sales Manager for Mr Johnson’s in July.

Marion added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the pet trade, it’s an industry that’s full of personable characters and over the years I have forged strong business relationships as well as friendships with customers and colleagues.  

"When I first started in sales it was very different to today. The majority of sales people on the road were men, when you needed to check in with the office each day it was a case of finding a phone box that worked. Later on mobile phones were introduced, although they were not mobiles as we now know them, they came with a battery nearly the same size as the one under the bonnet of your car and it’s hard to believe that all you could do was make a call from them, if you could find a signal.

"The pet trade will always have a place in my heart. But it's time to ease my foot off the accelerator, spend more time relaxing with my husband Dennis, and enjoying our passion for walking in the beautiful countryside and wildlife photography.

"I would like to wish friends, colleagues, customers, suppliers and the trade all the best for the future."

Marion is pictured with Alan Gittins, Sales Manager for Mr Johnson’s, after winning a PATS New Product Award.

Armitage Pet Care’s Good Girl Advent Calendar for Cats has joined the Good Boy Advent Calendar for Dogs in a nationwide survey listing the Top 50 Christmas Bestselling Products.

The popular GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts which track the top selling products in garden centres nationwide, using Epos data, has the dog advent calendar at No 11 in the Christmas Products list, with the cat advent calendar at No 33.

Trevor Pfeiffer, director of GTN and Bestseller analyst, said: “Advent calendars for pets are always very popular between now and December but to show up so high and so early is testament to the product’s on-going success.

“We all know that pet owners love to spoilt their animals and this is another example of dogs and cats becoming a cherished part of family life.

“I would urge all pet retailers to stock up on Christmas stocking fillers for dogs and cats this year. You could be on to a winner.”

For more information visit www.goodboy.co.uk

Passionate about ensuring health and happiness in pets, EUKANUBA’s Veterinary Expert, Kellie Ceccarelli shares her advice for supporting your canine companion through the fireworks season. 

“With firework night on the horizon, it can be a very exciting and fun celebration, especially if you have small children. However, it’s important to be mindful that not everyone in your household will enjoy the bangs and bonfires, especially our canine companions. 

"Earlier in the year, we embarked on a unique project to assess the impact that classical music has on dogs’ stress and anxiety levels.

"Working with classical music composer, Iain Jackson, we created ‘A Dog’s Tale’, an original score of classical music designed specifically for dogs.

"We even concentrated on the number of beats per minute which replicated that of a dog’s resting heartbeat in a bid to find a new, unique way to help keep dogs calm and look after their wellbeing.

"The results showed that after listening to our dog friendly classical score the pulse rate of the dogs in our focus group reduced by a staggering 22%, revealing that classical music can aid in reducing stress and anxiety in dogs. 

"So as fireworks night looms, we are encouraging owners to create a haven for their pet.

"Keep your dog’s away from the unfamiliar and loud firework sounds and help keep them calm with classical music.

"Whether you opt for Bach, Strauss or even Iain Jackson’s ‘A Dog’s Tale’ give them a relaxing environment to settle in and calming music to listen to. 

"Avoid unnecessary anxiety on and around the 5th of November and talk to your vet about additional ways to help reduce noise phobias - so the rest of your family can be outside enjoying the bonfire night spectacles while your dogs are tucked up calmly listening to ‘A Dog’s Tale’

"At Eukanuba, we want to help people to live a long, healthy life with their dogs, and we now know that classical music has a real impact and can help dogs and owners to live life well together.”

To download the track, visit www.SoundCloud.com/EukanubaUK

To watch the creative process visit https://vimeo.com/258770525 (password: Pawchestra18).

Higher Nature is expecting a surge in sales of its Pet Calm product ahead of the busy and noisy fireworks season.

Higher Nature Pets Calm is a relaxing blend of calming nutrients to help nervous and anxious pets. Theanine increases the feeling of calm, tryptophan helps reduce anxiety and magnesium is a natural relaxant.

This formula can be given to pets during situations that make them stressed such as bonfire night, car journeys, new introductions and thunderstorms.

It can also be given on an ongoing basis if they are particularly nervous or anxious animals. The powder can be mixed into their food or with a favourite treat, and is also 100% vegan.

Higher Nature also supports Blue Cross, with 50p from the sale of each product in the UK being donated to the charity.

Unipet International has been announced as Swale Business of the Year 2018!

“This is both our second year of entering into the Swale Business Awards, and being nominated as a finalist, so we were over-the-moon to have been announced as the winner,” said the company.

The awards celebrate and showcase the best businesses in the Swale area, including Faversham, the Isle of Sheppey, and Sittingbourne.

Unipet is a long-term Swale resident, having grown from a single farm unit in Grovehurst, up to the 8 unit, two-and-half acre site it currently occupies on Sittingbourne’s Trinity Trading Estate.

Operations director Jason Davies-Baker described the feeling of winning at this year’s awards as “absolutely fantastic. There was a lot of hard work put in by the team; in fact the team are the business. I’m really, really proud of their efforts, certainly over the last two-and-a-half years. This award is for them and it is onwards and upwards now!”

The company directors are heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business, with their enthusiasm reflected in the staff and team ethic.  A large number of employees have been with the company for many years.

A dog really is a man’s or woman’s best friend when it comes to finding love, according to a new study.

Pet Wingman, carried out by Webbox, reveals that singletons can increase their chances of finding their perfect match by 117% if they use their pet dog to help them do it.

On average, men receive 38% more swipes on Tinder and Bumble if their profile picture features a dog, whereas women can see a massive 69% increase by adopting the same tactic.

The study followed a man and woman as they used the two dating apps for a period of two weeks. The first week, they used a single profile picture of themselves on both platforms and swiped right 100 times. For the second week, they included their four-legged friend in the photo and used the exact same tactic, then recorded the results.

Potential partners unanimously favoured the dogs being in their photo for both men and women. The male candidate Dan, 24, saw the number of matches (30%) and Super Likes (200%) increase across Tinder, with a significant jump in messages (75%) and even some messages specifically about his dog Ted.

The female candidate Gemma, 35, saw a massive jump in the number of matches (117%) and Super Likes (100%) on Tinder, with another major increase in messages (150%) and also messages directly about her dog, Ralph.

It was a similar story on Bumble, with Dan seeing an increase in matches (42%) and messages (40%), and more than a third of his matches commenting on Ted.

Gemma also received more matches (22%) and Super Swipes (100%) on Bumble when Ralph was in her profile photo. As girls have to message first on Bumble, that statistic wasn't counted for Gemma.

Both singletons found that their pet dogs played a major role in helping them to find potential suitors, with Gemma even going on a date with another dog owner after striking up a conversation about their canine companions.

The Manchester-based actress and presenter said: “Ralph really is my pet wingman! Not only did he help me secure more matches, I couldn’t believe how many times he was mentioned in messages.

“I also found that it was a good conversation starter, particularly for men who had dogs themselves, as it instantly gives you some common ground. I’ve already been on a date with a fellow dog owner so watch this space!”

Dan said one of the most frequent messages he received was that having a dog makes a man seem more approachable and easier to relate to.

The ecommerce manager from West Yorkshire said: “Ted has been the star of the show - I think some women actually swiped right more for him than me! It’s so much better to start a conversation with ‘your dog is so cute’ rather than a standard ‘hey’ or ‘hello’.

“Although I’m still single, it’s showed me that there are some lovely people out there. Who knows - the next date time I go on a first date we could swap a drink in a bar for a dog walk!”

To view the results of Pet Wingman and see how much your four-legged friend could contribute to your love life, visit: https://www.webbox.co.uk/pet-wingman/.

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Westland says it’s ‘business as normal’ following its acquisition of the Gardman Group, one of Europe’s leading consumer garden product firms.

Westland Horticulture has acquired Gardman Group and has immediately taken them out of administration. The purchase includes all trading assets, stock, infrastructure and Gardman brands, which include Cole and Bright, Grow It, Moulton Mill and Gardman Wild bird care.

This acquisition will bring much needed stability for our customers and to the Gardman business. The immediate focus will be to work with all customers to provide as much continuity as possible and ensure a smooth transition over the coming weeks.

The purchase of Gardman provides the opportunity to put a greater focus on core gardening by joining together the product strengths in Westland and Crest with those of Gardman. The growth of wildlife, the increased interest in the outdoor space and the opportunity to re-energise propagation and growing were factors in purchasing the business.

Edward Conroy, Managing Director at Westland, said: “We have always believed that Gardman is an important part of the gardening landscape, and we are committed to maintaining this for the long term.

“Gardman is fundamentally a strong business with good products. Our focus is to work together with all customers to make the transition simple and clear to all. It is imperative that in the coming days we keep our lines of communication open with customers and stakeholders alike. Westland is focused on delivering a strong future for Gardman categories which can only thrive from being part of the Westland family. For now, it’s very much business as usual for all concerned.”

For more information about Westland visit www.gardenhealth.com.

The Pet Industry Federation has revealed the finalists for this year’s PIF Awards.  

The Pet Industry Federation Awards not only celebrate those pet businesses that have made outstanding achievements throughout the year, but it also provides a fantastic opportunity for the whole industry to come together, socialise and network over a three-course meal with entertainment.

This year’s entries were particularly high-calibre in the pet service sectors, such as home boarding and doggy daycare, reflecting the growth these types of businesses in recent years; and in product innovation - a new category which has proved exceptionally popular. Judges will now focus on whittling these quality finalists down to winners.

This year’s finalists are

Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance)

Digbys Pets & Aquatics, Skegness

Kennelgate – Pets & Friends, Lichfield

The Dog House, London

PetLondon, London

Redpaw Pet Supplies, Plymouth

The Pet Experience, Weymouth

Manufacturer of the Year (sponsored by PATS)

Danish Design

Doodlebone

Marriages Specialist Foods

Naturediet

Natures Menu

Perf1c Bybenji

Export Strategy Award

Benevo

Wildwash

Grooming Business of the Year (sponsored by Jelf)

Barkingham Park Pet Spa, Neath

Canny Cuts, Shrewsbury

KD Grooming Studio, Wincanton

Muddy Pawz, Wakefield
The Dog House, London

Kennel of the Year

Home from Home Pet Care Ltd, Hull
Orchard End Kennels, Crediton

Quintessential Quarters, Stafford

Cattery of the Year

Chequer Trees Cattery, Heathfield

Hedgerows Cattery, Norwich

Lea Wood Cattery, Gainsborough

Mayfield Cattery, Mayfield

The Cats Whiskers, Bedford

Dog Walking Business of the Year

Friends for Pets, Bristol Branch

Happy Hounds, Winchester

Muddy Pawz, Wakefield
Woof Walkies, Wrexham

Home Boarding Business of the Year

Barking Mad, Fife & Kinross

Friends for Pets, Bristol Branch

Holidays 4 Dogs, York
The Pet Joint, Denbigh

Woofies Pet Services, Abergele

Dog Daycare Business of the Year

Buddies Doggy Daycare, London

Claire’s Comfy Canines, Burnham

Doodley Dogs, Crawley

Happy Hounds, Winchester

The Wag Club, London
Willow Tree K9, Biggleswade

Woof Walkies, Wrexham

Product Innovation Award

Naturediet Eco-Friendly Packaging Range

Peak Pet Products Pet Weighter

Pet Trade Innovations Doc & Phoebe’s No Bowl System
Poppy’s Picnic
Siccaro Supreme Pro Dog Drying Robe

SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect

The Groomi

Sustainability Award

Marriages Specialist Foods
Naturediet

Pooch & Mutt

WaggleAntics

Wildwash

The Awards winners will be announced on Tuesday 27 November at a themed black-tie dinner to be held at the Whittlebury Hall, Towcester, Northamptonshire. Additionally, guests will also discover the recipient of the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award and a new Special Award category, presented to someone who has made a unique contribution to the industry.

The Blue Cross charity says it is encouraged by a report released yesterday (Wednesday) which calls for an independent review of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and further research into whether banning breeds is an effective method for protecting the public and preventing dog attacks. 

After hearing evidence from Blue Cross among other animal welfare charities and experts, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee has published a report which supports the view that the current policy is not fit for purpose and ‘changing the law on breed specific legislation is desirable, achievable and would better protect the public’.

Blue Cross is also pleased to see the committee has taken note of the concerns around the rehoming of Section 1 dogs, recommending that the legislation be changed to allow animal welfare organisations to rehome loving and well-behaved dogs who have been assessed by behaviour experts and who could make someone a fantastic pet. This would help to reduce the number of dogs like Duncan, pictured, who are needlessly sentenced to death based on looks alone.

Steve Goody, Deputy Chief Executive at Blue Cross, said: “Efra’s report is a positive step in the right direction. The Efra report recommendations if adopted by government could save the lives of hundreds of innocent dogs a year.

“As an organisation, Blue Cross believes that the current Dangerous Dogs Act unfairly targets breed types solely based on the way they look. We know that each year, many Section 1 dogs are seized unnecessarily and can spend months stuck in kennels awaiting court decisions which can negatively impact their welfare. 

“As a charity that finds new homes for pets, we are particularly encouraged to see that Efra has recommended that wherever possible Section 1 dogs that pass rigorous behavioural assessments should be found new homes rather than being put to sleep unnecessarily.

“We just hope that government take the recommendations on board so we can have effective legislation that reduces the number of dog attacks, encourages responsible dog ownership and improves dog welfare.

“Blue Cross wants to see an end to legislation that singles out dogs based on looks alone and the focus switched to prevention. We will continue to campaign on this issue to ensure dogs like Duncan are given the chance to lead a healthy life in a happy home.”

This month the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association has welcomed four new diverse pet food companies in to membership.

The companies are: Poppy’s Picnic, the raw pet food company of Dragon’s Den fame; Daly Partners, another member for the dedicated PFMA Raw Producers Group; Frozzys, producers of a lickable frozen yogurt for dogs and Thunderbrook pet food and treats.  This now brings PFMA membership to 85 companies which accounts for over 90% of the market.

Michael Bellingham (pictured above), PFMA Chief Executive, is delighted to welcome the new members onboard and advised: “PFMA offers a range of benefits to members including technical support, market data, networking and training events. We also have specific sector groups within PFMA, the Raw Producers Group for example have worked together to develop guidelines for best practice in the sector.”

“One of our most active groups at present is our Brexit Task Force which is making sure industry is in a strong position to deal with Brexit outcomes.” Michael continued.

Louise Mackintosh, Director of Poppy’s Picnic, has jumped straight in to the PFMA Communications Committee taking part in her first strategy meeting recently: “Given the broad range of sectors in the pet food industry, it was hugely encouraging to see colleagues from diverse backgrounds come together for the common good – pet wellbeing. Being part of a collaborative committee and working together on projects has been fun and incredibly rewarding.”

For more information on PFMA membership, please visit: https://www.pfma.org.uk/about-membership 

Cotswold RAW believes that ‘non heat treated’ pet food is a lifestyle choice, a cradle to grave outlook that ensures dogs of all ages enjoy mealtimes where well-rounded flavours, beneficial nutrients and long-term good health sit at the very heart of these meticulously assembled recipes.

Naturally, it makes sense that any meaningful raw offer should include something for young pups. Cotswold RAW's improved/purpose-built recipe was conceived to help inquisitive hounds make the all-important transition from their mum’s milk to solid food.

Raw is a very ‘instinctive, nutritionally sound’ lifestyle that’s served dogs well for centuries, so the company's 80/20 Chicken Complete Meal provides the perfect stepping stone for small dogs with big food aspirations.

Cotswold RAW brand owner, Mark Lewis, said: "Inevitably our puppy proposition is based on chicken, the perfect starter meal for hungry hounds taking their first tentative steps at mealtimes, a well-balanced 80/20 recipe offering the ideal calcium to phosphorous ratio for young tummies.  

"Naturally we insist on a finer cut of meat which is ideal for smaller mouths and includes our natural worming supplement Diaturm – Diatomaceous Earth and Turmeric – which works alongside pumpkin seeds to promote gut health, an all-natural deworming alternative to unsavoury toxic chemicals."

Produced in the Cotswolds using only finest quality meat and locally grown seasonal veg, this rudimentary recipe uses nothing but the finest, freshest, human-grade ingredients where nothing is added that hasn’t been listed on the label.

Cotswold Puppy was conceived in consultation with veterinary and nutritional consultant Nick Thompson, a practicing vet and founder of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society.

Available inn 500g & 1kg trays.

www.cotswoldraw.com

The latest Consumer Price Index figures from the Office for National Statistics published yesterday (Wednesday), reveals that inflation in September stood at 2.4%.

This figure is used to calculate the business rates multiplier for the next financial year, meaning retailers will face an extra £180 million on their annual business rates bill from April.

The retail industry makes up 5% of the economy (Gross Value Added), pays 10% of business taxation and pays a quarter of the business rates bill, £7 billion per annum.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “These figures confirm that the retail industry, which is under significant pressure from public policy and a consumer and technology-led transformation, will face yet another eye-watering rise in business rates next April.

"The burden of the current business rates system, which is in urgent need of reform, is leading to store closures and hindering the successful reinvention of the retail industry.

“Ministers need to act to address this £180 million increase in retailers’ already unsustainable business rates bill, along with other public policy burdens which retailers are struggling to absorb the cost of.

“We need a freeze in the business rates multiplier until the next revaluation to help save shops, protect jobs, and future-proof retail, and to give the Government time to work with industry to reform the business tax system and make it fit for purpose in the 21st century.”

It was a case of all change for Pets at Home top execs this week, when a key new appointment coincided with the announcement of a surprise departure.

Chief executive of the company’s veterinary business, Andrei Balta, is to step down, with his role being covered on a temporary basis by the recently appointed group chief executive Peter Pritchard (pictured).

Just as this news was released, it was also announced that a new role of chief data officer was being filled by Robert Kent, who formerly fulfilled the same role with the Royal Mail. The move is being seen as a strategic shift towards supporting online growth, tapping into customer data to increase the size of the business.

Peter Pritchard said: "It is six months since I took over the role of group CEO and trading momentum continues right across the business. I am taking the time to assess our strategy and develop the plan that will ensure Pets at Home remains successful over the long term.

“I'm therefore delighted that Robert Kent will be joining us as chief data officer. The CDO is both a new and strategically important appointment for Pets at Home, where Robert's wealth of expertise will help us maximise the value of our data.”

Kent will join the business at the beginning of November. He will report to Pritchard and be a member of the group executive management team.

Pritchard added that Balta was stepping down after seven years: “Andrei has decided to leave and I would like to thank him for his contribution to Pets at Home,” he said.

Armitage Pet Care’s Good Boy Advent Calendar for Dogs is already proving very popular with pet owners this year, appearing in the top five bestselling Christmas products in a nationwide list.

The popular GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts which track the top selling products in garden centres nationwide, using Epos data, has the dog calendar at No 5 in the Christmas Products list, behind festive favourites like History & Heraldry Angel Hanging Decoration,  Suki Personalised Angel Ornament, Suki Personalised Snowman/Snowgirl Ornament, and History & Heraldry Personalised Gift Box.

Trevor Pfeiffer, director of GTN and Bestseller analyst, said: “Advent calendars for pets are always very popular between now and December but to show up so high and so early is testament to the product’s on-going success.

“We all know that pet owners love to spoilt their animals and this is another example of dogs and cats becoming a cherished part of family life.

“I would urge all pet retailers to stock up on Christmas stocking fillers for dogs and cats this year. You could be on to a winner.”

For more information visit www.goodboy.co.uk

• 40% of pet care buyers would spend just as much money on their pet at special events as on a friend.
• Britain’s men are nation’s top dog lovers: 35% own one.
• 18% of dog owners aged 16-24 pay for dog walkers.

New research from Mintel confirms the nation’s passion for pets shows no sign of abating as 51% of pet care buyers say they would rather cut back spending money on themselves than on their pets.

But it’s Britain’s Millennials (aged 19-38) who are the most prepared to lavish love on their animal friends, with 54% of these pet care buyers saying they’d prefer to cut back spending on themselves.

Mintel research reveals that 30% of Millennial pet care purchasers say they like their pet to keep up with the latest trends (eg clothes, grooming styles), which compares to an average of one in five (19%) buyers.

And if you happen to be friends with a Millennial, be prepared to share their love as Mintel research finds two in five (40%) of these pet care buyers would spend just as much money on their pet at special events (such as Christmas or their birthday) as they would on a friend. This compares to an average of 32% of all buyers.

Meanwhile, some 38% of Millennial pet food buyers say they are interested in buying human-style pet food made by regular food brands (eg pet-friendly chocolate) compared to 29% of all buyers; a far cry from the proverbial “dog’s dinner”. 

Overall, 59% of British consumers own a pet, with full-time workers the most likely to own one (66%). Proving dogs really are man’s best friend, ownership peaks among men, with 35% of men owning a mutt compared to 31% of women, and younger Millennials aged 19-28 (42%).

Meanwhile, cat ownership peaks among Brits aged 25-44. And while the age-old argument over whether cats or dogs are better is guaranteed to send owners into a frenzy, it seems that dogs have the edge, as a third (33%) of Brits own a dog versus three in ten (29%) who own a cat.

Chana Baram (pictured), Retail Analyst at Mintel, said: “As pets increasingly become viewed as family members and are ‘humanised’, pet owners are willing to offer them their own products and unique items, which often carry a higher price tag, and help to drive category growth. This ranges from animal-friendly pancakes and wine to dog hiking boots and animal sleeping bags. While the more pampered of pooches even enjoy dog beds with memory foam mattresses. Our research shows that Millennials are particularly devoted to their furry companions. As the age of having children increases, we know some young people are opting to first get a pet and treat them as a family member. Additionally, there are many pet ‘influencers’ on social media, which are likely to appeal to the Millennial demographic, such as ‘Doug the Pug’, a dog with 3.6 million Instagram followers.”

“There are already pet Christmas and birthday presents available from a number of retailers, but the willingness to spend just as much on a pet as a friend shows that there is an opportunity for retailers to offer more event-specific products. Having pet products for seasonal events such as Valentine’s Day would likely prove popular with young consumers, and this could extend to other key events such as weddings or funerals.”

Brits to spend over £2 billion on pet care products and services by 2023

Brits’ love for their furry friends is expected to see the value of the pet care products and services (including toys and health check-ups) market reach £2.1 billion by 2023, a 25% increase from an estimated £1.7 billion in 2018.

Just under six in ten (57%) pet owners bought pet products in 2017**, with toys (37%) being the number one pet care product purchased. But when it comes to play, it seems the nation’s pups are being the most indulged as 41% of dog owners say they have bought their pups toys compared to 35% of cat owners.

When it comes to pet services, pet health check-ups (17%) and pet grooming (16%) lead the way. Keen to keep their pooches in good shape, 10% of dog owners have paid for dog walkers, rising to almost one in five (18%) dog owners aged 16-24. Meanwhile, 7% of dog owners have paid for pet sitting.

“The pet food and pet care industry is growing well, underpinned by stable pet ownership and an increasing desire to treat pets with premium food, products and services as they become a more integral part of the family. Additionally, with pet ownership peaking among full-time workers, there is an opportunity to provide practical services such as dog walking and daycare.” Continues Chana.

Pet owners risk it with no insurance

Finally, while Brits clearly adore their fur babies, Mintel research shows that as many as 45% of pet owners (34% of dog owners; 50% of cat owners) don’t have pet insurance. More than a third (36%) of owners of uninsured pets believe pet insurance does not offer good value for money, while 21% don’t trust insurers to pay out if a claim is made. Highlighting rising cost issues, 13% say they used to have cover but it became unaffordable. And while pet insurance is far from universal, just 21% of pet owners say that they could afford to pay the vet bills if anything went wrong. 

“Brits are clearly passionate about animals, but our research shows that just under half of pet owners still don’t have insurance, highlighting the scope for further growth in the future. Communicating the real expenses involved in taking a pet to the vet for serious treatment, compared to the monthly cost of insurance, is a compelling case in favour of getting cover. Convincing reluctant consumers that policies are comprehensive and pay out most of the time is key to increasing take-up of pet insurance,” concludes Chana.

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