Eleven pet trade and welfare bodies have come together to call on Government to consider pet welfare during Coronavirus crisis planning, particularly focusing on the need for specialist pet shops to be exempt from any mandatory retail closures. 

In a letter to Defra, they urged Government not to overlook the needs of the nation’s pets. 

Letter to Lord Gardiner

The pet care sector stands in solidarity with the measures recently taken by Government to protect the public against the coronavirus pandemic.

Pets provide a source of comfort and joy during challenging times

As a nation of pet lovers with almost half of UK households owning a pet (41%), it is important that we consider the wellbeing of the pet population too. The pet population includes an estimated 9 million dogs, 7.5 million cats, 2 million small mammals, 1 million pet birds, 800,000 reptiles and around 4 million aquaria.

Many people will have to stay at home and limit their trips for a period ahead. In these difficult times, and more than ever, their pets will be a source of comfort and bring them many benefits both physically and psychologically.

The risk of unintended consequences 

We are aware that retail closures are a potential emergency measure under consideration and are concerned about the unintended consequences for animal health and welfare should pet businesses be subject to closure. We acknowledge the need for social distancing and self-isolation but are concerned about the additional challenges this will create for many vulnerable people in caring for their pets.

Vital to safeguard the health of the nation’s pets

To safeguard the health and welfare of the nation’s pets, the continued provision of key supplies of feed, medicines, bedding and husbandry supplies is vital for fish, birds, reptiles and small mammals, as well as for cats and dogs. In the possible instance of business closures, we urge you to consider sufficient flexibility for suppliers of essential animal care products and to ensure that all businesses that provide products or services for the care of pets are able to remain operational throughout any emergency closures.

Whilst food stores/supermarkets may be permitted to stay open, they only partially meet the dietary needs of some pets, however, not all pets and all needs. The vast majority of specialist pet food, supplements and even some medication required to keep pets healthy is sold to pet owners via specialist pet shops.

Surging in demand 

One major UK retailer is experiencing 50% higher demand than the same period last year, which clearly demonstrates the consumers need for pet food and other care items at this challenging time.

Forcing these specialist shops and veterinary practices to close will shut down access to vital supplies and this could have major consequences for animal health and welfare. The pet care sector therefore calls on Government to ensure flexibility in the provision of vital services and to exempt pet care suppliers from any mandatory closures.  

The organisations included:

• Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA)
• Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA)
• British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS)
• Canine Feline Sector Group (CFSG)
• Companion Animal Sector Council (CASC)
• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH)
• Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA)
• Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA)
• Pet Industry Federation (PIF)
• Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA)
• The Pet Charity

The Times and other financial websites were reporting this morning about the 18% share price rise for Pets at Home.

While other share prices are falling through the floor, the increase for Pets at Home ranks them alongside other retailers including supermarkets, discount stores and Marks & Spencer as businesses that are best placed to weather the Coronavirus crisis.

In The Times article they say: "According to analysts at Peel Hunt, who spoke with bosses this week, sales so far this month have been “profoundly Christmassy” as owners stockpile pet food, treats and accessories.

Other retailers, such as Ocado, have struggled to keep up with this spike in demand, but Pets at Home is thought to be holding up well."

You can read the full article using this link.

Pets at Home were unable to comment on COVID-19 related issues when Pet Trade Xtra contacted them today.

PetQuip has announced that it will update UK pet businesses scheduled to exhibit at Interzoo on developments following the decision to postpone the international trade exhibition.

Interzoo was due to take place on May 19-20 in Nuremburg, Germany, but the organisers have decided to postpone it because of the spread of coronavirus.

“We will stay in regular contact with the Interzoo organisers ahead of their announcement of the new dates for the event,” said Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of PetQuip.

“We will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation and will be providing our members and show exhibitors with more updates as and when we hear from the organisers.”

Interzoo organisers have confirmed they expect to announce a new date for the show by the end of March.

“We will be working hard to support our members through these challenging times,” added Amanda.

“PetQuip will shortly be announcing a new package of publicity and support to ensure that all our exhibitors’ brands and product introductions are promoted to buyers during the postponement period.

“Then nearer to the new exhibition dates we will distribute our comprehensive press material to all key international journals, plus send our multi-lingual preview to our exclusive database of international buyers.”

Contact PetQuip if you require further advice and assistance:

Tel:  +44 (0) 44 1959 565995

Fax:  +44 (0) 1959 565885

Email: info@petquip.com    

Website: www.petquip.com

In these unprecedented times Pawfect Pet Foods is keen to do its bit to lift the spirits by providing free product to isolated elderly dog owners times, who are some of the most vulnerable people in the current Coronavirus landscape.

At a time when small sections of society are panic buying and product hoarding, it’s also refreshing to see truly thoughtful examples of social responsibility, be that people collecting shopping/running errands for their elderly neighbours, prominent high street names like Waitrose, Sainsbury’s & Nationwide extending their opening hours to create ‘bespoke’ over 70 time-frames OR food businesses offering up their kitchens to councils who’re looking to make meals for the truly disadvantaged. 

At Pawfect Foods we’re a small, premium-leaning dog treats business that can do very little to ease the growing swirl of anxiety and apprehension.  What we can do however is implement our own random act of kindness to support vulnerable elderly dog owners whose 4-legged companions would benefit from some nutrient-rich/longer life treats.

Unfortunately Pawfect isn’t big or sophisticated enough to have an online shopping system that can create a standalone over 70 database, so we’ve decided instead to adjust the back end gubbings (technical phrase) of our online shop so that every order automatically doubles at no extra cost, in the hope that both loyalists/new recruits can continue to purchase product whilst passing the extra free product on to elderly friends and local neighbours whose pets would REALLY benefit from receiving some free dog treats.

"On one level, I appreciate that this sounds like an odd offer," said Pawfect founder Prash Patwardhan, "but as someone who lost his own mother in 2019, I think anything that raises a smile, or eases some anxiety is worth considering.  In addition we are also looking at how best to get some FREE product to StreetPaws, a fantastic charity that provides free veterinary assistance to the four-legged companions of the homeless."

Pawfectfoods.co.uk.

Leading Shropshire-based dog food company, Different Dog, which recently appeared on the BBC Worldwide News programme “The Inside Track” and triumphed at this year’s Crufts by winning the prize for the Best Small Trade Stand at the show, has smashed their crowd funding target.

The company sought investment of £750,004 and have already raised £786,730. With 27 days still left to go they have already received 105% of their investment target.

Different Dog was started by husband and wife team, Charlie and Alexandra Thurstan. Charlie said: “I used to work for a company that sold a lot of dog food. One day I got to see the food being made and it turned my world upside down. It seemed crazy to me that a diet of purely processed food, which has a two year shelf life and doesn’t even live in the fridge, could really be the best way to health and happiness. So Alex, Crumble and I set out to prove that adding hand cooked food to a dog's diet would change their life, and make them a different dog.

“We started cooking in our own kitchen for Crumble. We asked an experienced vet, Alison, to join our team. We spent 18 months experimenting with different processes and recipes and testing our food in the lab. The more we tested our food, the more we learnt and the more convinced we became that this food would make a tangible difference to the health of dogs fed processed foods.

“We launched our subscription business in 2018. Since then our customers have told us time and time again that we have changed their dogs’ lives.

“We use the same fresh ingredients and methods you would at home to cook your family meals. Once defrosted, our food requires refrigeration and will only last for 5 days, much the same as if you had made a casserole yourself. We are regularly taking our food to the lab for testing, and we use the results to improve the nutritional value of our food. We are the first to provide a truly varied diet, by cooking new recipes throughout the year. No one else is doing this. This enables us to use seasonal ingredients and strengthens your dog's internal micro biome, an important factor in overall health. Its all about changing dogs’ lives with real food. ” 

The team at Different Dog are as passionate about the environment as they are about dogs, which is why looking after the planet is part of every decision they make, from their eco-friendly compostable pots, to sourcing fruit & veg which isn’t pretty enough to go on supermarket shelves but perfectly good to eat. 

All Different Dog recipes are cooked by hand using high quality fresh ingredients. They adhere to the FEDIAF nutritional guidelines for optimum nutrition for dogs and the company bases their food standards on the Safer Food Better Business guidelines, which are restaurant standard. They also have one of the highest ratings on All About Dog Food (97%) which is the highest in their category and their Trustpilot reviews are phenomenal. (see https://www.trustpilot.com/review/differentdog.com?languages=en&stars=5) In January 2020. Different Dog delivered their 13^th consecutive month of sales growth.

In 2019 Different Dog achieved real traction with the press, including a live interview on the BBC News Channel and 5 minutes of TV coverage on Channel 4 during Crufts which was replicated again this year with another visit from Clare Balding to their stand. “We believe that we are the only UK dog food company that is willing and able to demonstrate its cooking processes at shows and events, and hires chefs from the human food industry,” says Charlie. Different Dog also won “Best Natural Dog Food Company 2019” at the UK Small Business Awards.

50% of the investment money will be spent on marketing and the other 50% will be spent on salaries, tech and working capital. 

As well as shares in the business, investors will also be given a number of other perks. Investments start from as little as £13.36.

For more information on the crowd funding scheme, go to www.seedrs.com/differentdog

For further information on Different Dog visit: www.differentdog.com or Tel : 01743 384562

ChickenGuard, the automatic chicken coop door opener manufacturer, is today issuing advice for all chicken owners, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As supermarkets across the UK continue to experience shortages of many food items, demand for fresh eggs has reached an unprecedented high. As a result, the British Hen Welfare Trust has already reported a surge in people interested in rehousing its rescued commercial-laying hens.

There are currently over 1 million chicken-owning households in the UK.  As interest in acquiring hens continues to spike, many may find themselves at increased risk of their eggs- or even their beloved pets - being stolen.

In light of this, ChickenGuard is issuing some safety advice for chicken owners, in a bid to help keep their flocks safe. As well as following standard welfare practices, and taking the usual precautions against predators, it’s important for chicken owners to take extra precautions in order to keep their birds secure, particularly at night and in the event that they have to leave the house:

• Increase visibility – the majority of us will be staying in for large parts of the day so it’s a good idea to position your chicken run somewhere that is easily visible from the majority of the house, if possible.
• Collect eggs regularly – removing your girls’ eggs as soon as possible will leave left for wandering hands to steal.
• Lock securely. Bolts may keep hens from escaping, but they are not adequate in deterring thieves.  Make sure to use padlocks, or something similarly secure, when locking your hens in for the night.  If you’re concerned about being there to let them out in the morning and prefer using an automatic coop door opener, such as a ChickenGuard, just make sure that their run is securely locked to keep your birds safe.
• Consider Motion Sensor Lighting. Motion detection lights will turn on when they detect any motion near the coop, deterring any potential thieves. They can also be modified to send you an alarm when the lights are activated.

ChickenGuard is currently operating as usual, whilst taking every possible precaution to ensure the health and wellbeing of its staff and their immediate families.

The company’s office and website is still running as usual, so if you have any enquiries, please do get in touch via the website https://www.chickenguard.co.uk/contact-us-2/ or call 01223 855636.

For any chicken owners who are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of their birds during the current outbreak, please do keep an eye on the company’s blog for regular advice and updates. https://www.chickenguard.co.uk/blog/

Sarah Hormozi, Head of Science and Education at PFMA, shares her tips on how to look after pet dogs in the current climate.  

There are so many concerns right now, not least the health and well-being of those people affected by the novel Coronavirus outbreak and the financial insecurity and damage that has already hit many jobs and sectors. But as always let's not forget about our companion animals' health and welfare during this time of national crisis.

These are the steps I am taking to ensure my dog (Levin) stays healthy and exercised, while practicing a good hygiene, and supporting our local vets and dog-walkers.

1. While practicing social distancing, following the UK government’s advice, I will carry on walking Levin in less busy outdoor spaces twice or three times per day. This will help him stay fit, while also contributing to my own physical and mental wellbeing by providing a daily routine.

2. Currently there is no evidence that dogs/cats can be infected with the new coronavirus (WHO). However, I am limiting who can touch or pet my dog, as their fur can still potentially carry the virus, similar to other surfaces.

3. I will carry on buying pet food as normal, every few weeks. There is no evidence to suggest that there will be a shortage of pet food, so I will continue as normal to help allow access to all products for all shoppers.

4. Despite working from home and not requiring a dog walker as frequently as before, I intend to keep engaging our dog-walker on a weekly basis to support her business in this extremely challenging period.

5. If I am required to self-isolate, I will follow the advice of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) by keeping Levin isolated with me but restricting my contact with him. If we require veterinary assistance for Levin during such a time, I will call my veterinary practice, instead of attending in person, and follow their guidance.

6. Given the speed of events, I will monitor the official advice and latest science on a daily basis to ensure I stay up to date with best practice guidance.

7. I will keep monitoring the local community news and updates via social media, and speak to neighbours and friends, to ensure I can offer my help and support where possible.

Vital Pet Group has launched a new survey entitled ‘We hear you!’. The UK wholesaler will be asking retailers to take around 10 minutes out of their day to complete the online survey to gauge confidence in the future of the pet trade and to find out what retailers really want and need from wholesalers and suppliers.

Retailers can take part at http://bit.ly/2U1CaWJ or can visit the Vital Pet Trade Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/vitalpettrade/ where the survey is posted at the top of the page. One winner drawn at random will win a £100 voucher to use against an order placed with Vital.*

Vital Sales and Marketing Director, Heather McManus (above) says too often the needs of pets and their owners are considered but not the needs of retailers, “There’s a vast amount of untapped knowledge in the trade. We want to find out what retailers expect of a trade launch, what products they need to help make their business successful and what matters ‘at the coalface’ of British retailing.”

The survey results will be shared with suppliers to help them better service retailer needs and inform Vital’s future strategy so that retailers receive the service they deserve and that is so important to their profitability and long-term sustainability. 

Heather is asking as many retailers of pet products as possible to fill in the survey, “We’d like this to be fully representative of the trade – so it doesn’t matter if you are a one man (or woman) band, a multi-chain outlet, a grooming parlour with a small range, or a garden centre with a pet section, or which wholesaler you use. The more responses we receive, the more accurate the results. The future is in the hands of all of us and the team here at Vital is determined to do all we can to make it a bright one.”

The survey is open until 5pm on the 20^th April.

*Terms and conditions apply: https://www.facebook.com/notes/vital-pet-trade/terms-and-conditions-for-we-hear-you-survey-competition/2955782837844708/

Premium quality bird seed manufacturer Johnston & Jeff is flying high with the announcement of a £1m expansion of its factory. 

The investment is also helping the family firm mark its 140^th anniversary celebrations. 

The business, based at Gilberdyke, East Yorkshire, is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high-quality feed for garden birds, parrots and aviary birds, as well as handcrafted hutches, bird tables and nest boxes. 

It can count well-known large chain garden centres among its clients and independent pet shops across the whole of the UK, and is making the investment due to rising demand across all of its key markets. 

Johnston & Jeff’s Managing Director, Richard Johnston, said the expansion was the biggest investment the company has made since moving from its original premises in Hull to Gilberdyke in 2002. 

The money is funding a new, 12,000sqft warehouse, and a four-fold increase in pallet bays, from 485 to 2,000. 

It will also see Johnston & Jeff build new offices on their site at Gateway Business Park, and fund new machinery including two computer-controlled multi-head weighers, a new bagging line, and a palletising robot which loads the sacks on to pallets. 

Mr Johnston said: “People love birds, be it pet owners whose passion is keeping aviary birds and parrots, or the people who simply want to attract more wild birds in their garden by feeding them, because of the sheer pleasure of watching them.

“As a result, we’ve seen significant growth in all our key markets and that is what has prompted us to make this investment. We’ve committed to ensuring we can continue to meet the rising demand for bird feed of the highest quality, and expanding our factory and investing in new, state-of-the-art equipment is the best way we can achieve that.”

Johnston & Jeff employ 50 staff who make around 500 tonnes of premium bird food each week, across more than 300 product lines. 

Work has already got underway on the new warehouse, and once the project has been completed the business’s output is expected to rise significantly due to extra capacity and the efficiencies the investment will bring.

Mr Johnston added that Johnston & Jeff’s 140^th anniversary was a fantastic and timely opportunity to take the business to the next level. 

As part of the celebrations, the company has also launched a new, limited edition product called No Mess, No Grow Wild Bird Food, specifically formulated not to germinate when dropped on lawns, beds or borders. 

Mr Johnston said: “Johnston & Jeff started life in High Street, Hull in 1880. To be still owned by the same family 140years later and to be celebrating that with an ambitious expansion plan is a very special feeling.

“We cannot wait to share everything we have planned this year.”

Paleo Ridge has announced exciting plans for the year ahead, reaching a ‘key marker on their roadmap’. The business has recently hired two new positions in its Sales & Marketing Department, announcing the appointment of Helen Ellwood as Head of Sales & Marketing and Will Green as its new Ecommerce Marketing Manager.

“From the very beginning, our focus has been around building a trusted brand of superior quality products before focusing on Sales & Marketing with the same tenacious attitude. We know we have an industry leading product, that already has more accreditations and awards than any business in our sector. As a business, we chose to focus on building a trusted brand with products that delight our customers and their dogs, who see the incredible health benefits of feeding a high-quality product to their beloved animals. We’re now reaping the benefits of our long-term approach,” said Tyler Daly MD of Paleo Ridge.

The company plans to relaunch its logo in the coming weeks, before rebranding their popular 80-10-10 range of balanced meals by summer this year. They’ve also announced plans to launch an exciting new range of treats.

“This year will see us moving to the next stage of our long-term plan. In true Paleo Ridge fashion, customers can expect to see us reach new heights in our ability to innovate and create truly unique products that we hope our customers and their owners will enjoy!”

In addition to this treats range, Paleo Ridge has big plans to increase both their online and in store presence, already announcing partnerships with a number of leading retailers and online stores.

Meanwhile, Paleo Ridge is the first ever Raw Dog Food company in the UK to achieve the ISO.9001 accreditation.

ISO.9001 is a globally recognised standard awarded to businesses who can demonstrate the quality controls they have implemented and continue to implement, to ensure quality is managed to the highest possible standard.  

Tyler Daly said “This ensures we not only meet our customers’ expectations in terms of product and service quality, but through continuous improvement, will build on our already trusted brand to develop better products and services. We are proud to be the first raw manufacturer to achieve this accolade and hope to set a precedence for the future of raw pet food manufacturing."

Broadreach Nature had an amazing time at Crufts 2020. Even with the Coronavirus worries Crufts 2020 had a large group of visitors and so did their stand.

The team on the stand met with both dog and cat owners as well as service dogs and Therapy Dogs. such as Sasha who Broadreach Natures sponsors with their food and treats.

The Broadreach Nature Team were available to answer all sorts of questions and give advice on which products where best suited in supporting various ailments.

A common thread was upset stomachs such as Hugo, a second year visitor to their stand, who after suffering from an upset stomach last year was put to rights with Broadreach Nature’s Probiotic Paste within days and now also uses their Fibiotic Pro to help maintain a healthy digestive system.

In the same light, Joanne, owner of Oscar, a GSD x American Bulldog visited their stand last year as Oscar had symptoms of Colitis. Joanne went away with their Probiotic Pastewhich “overnight was the one thing that sorted his stomach. She is now interested to see what else she could try with Oscar to maintain this and the team suggested she try the new Probiotic Digestive Care for Dogs Duo Pack which has the Advanced Digestive Probiotic Chews for Dogs (Wheat Free) and Probiotic Paste.

Of course, Crufts would not be Crufts without treats, and as Broadreach Nature had a lot of furry visitors to their stand, they were treated to their 65% Duck and Chicken Digestion Reward Treats

On the last day of Crufts, Amanda Hopewell from Broadreach Nature was interviewed by the Crufts Podcast team.

Should you have missed Broadreach Nature’s stand at Crufts or would like to find out more about the products mentioned above as well as their many other High Quality, Ethically Sourced Pet Supplements, Healthcare Products, Treats and Food visit their site at www.broadreachnature.com

Manchester-based pet bedding supplier Scruffs has announced a new partnership with laser therapy company LaserPet.

LaserPet was founded by registered Veterinary Nurse Lauren Keenan to bring her experience and the benefits of low level laser therapy to the animals of the North West of England.

LaserPet has invested in a K-Laser, the most advanced and effective class IV therapy laser platform in the world. Class IV is the highest class of therapeutic laser available.

Lauren, founder of LaserPet, said: "I have always had a passion for helping animals live healthier and happier lives and this passion led me to become a qualified veterinary nurse back in 2011. I have worked in local practices, larger hospitals and locum work in both the UK and USA. I am an experienced horse owner, although currently taking a break from ownership to concentrate on LaserPet. Eric the whippet is a very important member of our family, he also joined us on our adventures to the USA. I look forward to meeting all my LaserPet clients and their lovely pets and equine partners."

A spokesperson for Scruffs said: "We are excited to confirm our partnership with LaserPet. Laser therapy goes hand-in-hand with several Scruffs® bedding collections, including our orthopaedic and thermal beds which offer enhanced muscular support and aid recovery. Over the coming months we will be releasing various types of content to explain how our partnership can benefit pet owners across the UK."

As part of the new partnership, any bookings made with LaserPet using a Scruffs referral code will automatically be given 25% discount code to use on the www.petslovescruffs.com website.

Leading Yorkshire-based pet accessory company, Collared Creatures launched some exciting new products at Crufts this year including an exciting new range of handmade rope collars and leads in a variety of attractive colours, a deep over-stuffed dog bed and a new range of buckled collars all made from waterproof webbing.

Collared Creatures is a family run business based in Yorkshire. Every person who works with them is an extension of the Collared Creatures family and at the business’s core is a passion for dogs. Attention to detail is also important and taken very seriously from sourcing foam inserts to the fabrics that are used so that everything is made from the finest of materials to the highest specification. The company’s slogan is “Made in Yorkshire with love.” 

One of their most popular ranges is their collars and leads made from Harris Tweed. All of the handmade dog collars use 100% wool fabric that is hand-woven on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. The dog collars are available with an Alumax clip, buckle or martingale style. All collars are lined inside with Kona Cotton fabric and have a strong webbing core inner for strength and durability and are fitted with a welded stainless steel D ring.   

The last three years have seen Harris Tweed remain "on-trend" and a regular feature in both High Streetstores and on catwalks in couture collections and the increase in popularity has led to the training of a new generation of weavers to meet production demands.   Harris Tweed is used by many well-known clothing and footwear brands and is used to make hand bags, purses and other fashion items. New markets are emerging within the BRIC nations and more traditional markets are reviving in the USA and Europe as well as East Asian countries including South Korea. Sales forecasts are optimistic for the cloth. The Collared Creatures Harris Tweed dog collars are therefore the perfect pet accessory to complement the currents trends in fashion. They are available in an attractive range of colours and designs to fit any size of dog.

Collared Creatures are also well known for creating the Dog Cave and the Deluxe Cocoon Dog Bed. Known for its thick tubular bolster pillow that creates a ring of supported comfort, the Cocoon dog bed is also made from the highest quality handpicked fabrics. The outer shell made up of luxury fabric that creates a soft and practical hood. The fabric used is a very closely-knit fibre which creates a hair repellent like surface, making it suitable for wiping with a damp cloth. The internal of the cocoon dog bed is lined with a luxury faux fur fabric, that is soft to touch, but made to last.

Another addition to the Deluxe Cocoon Dog Bed is its removable 10 cm solid foam pillow, which essentially can act as a separate bed and can be easily removed. The Deluxe Cocoon comes with a removable tube, which is intended to be used as an aid for familiarising a pet owner’s dog with entering.

Collared Creatures are also famed for their luxury range of dog drying coats, towels and mitts which help to prevent muddy shake-off from your dog after a long walk and also help to keep their muscles nice and warm preventing joint problems. The Dog Drying Coats have a double thickness and are made of high-quality quick-drying, 358gsm microfiber cotton towelling inner and a 300gsm fleece outer.

The coats are ideal for drying your dogs after bathing, walking and swimming. Not only do they help dry your dog quicker, but they also keep them warm and safe. The drying coats are packed with features such as a waterproof zip to the front to allow for dogs with a wider girth neck. Not only that but when fully zipped down the complete fleece collar can be folded back to allow for my breathability once your dog’s warming up. At the rear of the neck, you will find a hole for attaching leads, perfect for walks and getting them out of the car. 

Collared Creatures’ dog drying towels and mitts help to remove wet dog smell and are eco friendly. They are made from Bamboo cloth. Bamboo is renowned for its absorption qualities, is highly water absorbent and is able to hold 3 times its weight in water. Bamboo is considered to be one of the most sustainable plants because it grows quickly and does not require chemicals or irrigation. 

For further information visit: www.collaredcreatures.com

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FirstVet  ​(​www.firstvet.com​),  ​the  UK’s  leading  provider of on-demand video consultations with local, qualified vets, is making its services available for free to all pet owners and animals across the UK until April 30th, in cooperation of is insurance partners Bought By Many, LV= and Waggel. 

As  COVID-19  continues  to  spread  across  the  world,  FirstVet  aims  to  alleviate  some  of  the  stress  and uncertainty  for  UK-based  pet  owners  by  providing  its  services  without  charge  over  the  next  six weeks, regardless  of  the  individual’s  insurance  status.  Appointments  will  be  available  from  Wednesday  18th March  to  Thursday  30  April,  for  five hours per day: from  12:00 - 17:00. FirstVet has also made its services available for  free  in  the  Nordics,  where  the  Stockholm-founded  company is headquartered. Since launching in the UK last year,  FirstVet  has  taken  in  excess  of  seven  thousand  consultations  with  British pet  owners  (and  their  animal friends, from cats to horses, dogs to tortoises). 

Whilst  the  reporting  of  COVID-19  focuses  on the human health sector - and rightfully so as there are no  known  risks  for  animals  -  the  decision  has  been  made  as  FirstVet  has  experienced  a  dramatic  20% week-on-week  increase  in  pet  owners  using  its  video  vet  service  due  to  self-isolation  and  mandatory  quarantine.  In  addition,  veterinary  clinics  across  the  UK  have  temporarily  closed  and,  by  administering availability of the FirstVet service, the company hopes to alleviate the pressure on the clinics that are still open, as well as ensuring that pets and pet owners continue to have access to qualified veterinary care. 

David  Prien,  CEO  and  co-founder  of  FirstVet,  comments​:  ​“Our  number  one  concern  is supporting the  health of pets and their owners alike, which is why we and our insurance partners have decided to make our services available to all, regardless of insurance status, until the end of April 2020. We are aware that the situation we find ourselves in is, for many, unprecedented, and we are keen to do all we can to help take  away  some  of  the  stress  and  uncertainty that we know pet owners are experiencing. We are also  committed  to  playing  our  part  in  reducing  unnecessary  travel  when  social  distancing  measures  are  in place and hope that we can reduce some of the pressure experienced by the physical vet clinics that are being impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.” 

How to book a consultation 

Using  the  app,  pet  owners  can  video  call  UK-registered  vets  who  can  offer  advice  on  treatments  and  symptoms,  from  the  comfort  of  their  own  home.  Video  appointments  can  be  booked  in  as  often  as necessary, with users often being able to meet with vets within 30 minutes of requesting an appointment.  

The standard FirstVet consultation session prices (£20 + VAT on weekdays 9am-6pm, and £30 + VAT out of hours) will be waived over the next six weeks.  

Originally scheduled for 23-29 March 2020, London Dog Week (LDW) has been postponed until further notice due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. 

The organisers along with partners including Kiehl’s, Eurotunnel, Atmosphere at Millbank Tower and The Serpentine’s Chucs Café believed delaying the event was within the best interests of the public.  Taking the precautionary steps to safeguard vulnerable guests comes in light worldwide activities relating to the virus and what LDW believe will soon to be steps to ban large and mid-sized public events.  

Whilst tickets sales for the second London Dog Week were selling well and interest was growing, LDW Founder, Aneka Johnson says: ‘London Dog Week is about celebrating the therapeutic power of dogs and how they can help bring the community together, but the health and safety of guests is our top priority considering the circumstances.  We want guests to truly enjoy the experience without feeling worried about how they could be infected.  I think if possible, most events in the UK should follow suit until we can statistically stop worrying about the threat of the virus." 

During the 23 – 29 March, LDW will launch #Pawsitivity an uplifting online interactive event series on the LDW social channels, giving tips and advice on how to make the best of dog life at home when social distancing, championing dog brands, offer inspirational stories and how to stimulate your dog at home whilst self-isolating. Featuring Q & A sessions from canine experts including, London Dog Week Vet, Stephanie Wenban, a photo call to action encouraging dog and owner to share their pics in self-isolation together, and exclusive content.  

LDW Founder, Lois Mallett Walker says: ‘Whilst we are sad that this has to be postponed, we are really excited about the events we have lined up which is likely to be in the summer period.  We think that our #Pawsitivity social campaign can really help raise people’s spirits in the meantime and cultivate a sense of togetherness whilst we are being asked to ‘socially distance’ ourselves."

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing people all over the world to practice social distancing and stay home – but some of their housemates might be making the transition easier: their pets.

Researchers at the Centre for the Human-Animal Bond in Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine say pets can provide a source of social support during stressful times and that interacting with companion animals can provide stress relief that can be measured biologically. For example, a recent study showed how service dogs can have measurable positive effects on the health and well-being of individuals with physical disabilities.

Maggie O’Haire, associate professor of human-animal interaction in the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine, is leading research that reveals the science behind how companion animals support humans.

 "During a time when many people are practicing social distancing from their human support networks, animal companionship may be an increasingly important source of social support,” O’Haire says. “Evidence from the field of human-animal interaction highlights the often profound capacity of pets to provide interaction, joy and comfort."

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 6 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. 

Veterinary clinic, Station Vets, are the first practice in East Ayrshire to achieve accreditation as a Silver Cat Friendly Clinic, an internationally recognised status that has been developed by the International Society of Feline Medicine.

The clinic had to prove adherence to a stringent set of criteria aimed at reducing stress in cats visiting the clinic, as in-patients and out-patients. As part of ensuring the best, stress-free care for cats in the area, Cat Advocate at the clinic, Liz Cornall recently completed the ISFM Feline Nursing specialist diploma, qualifying with a distinction grade.

She said: “I was very proud to complete the diploma with a distinction and receive the silver Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation.

“We wanted to make sure that a trip to our clinic was as stress-free an experience as possible for our cat patients and their owners. Cats can get very anxious when taken out of their usual environment, and this can make owners reluctant to seek veterinary attention when their cat needs it. By undertaking Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation, we’ve committed to delivering high standards of cat care, with compassion and expertise.”

Clinical Director at Station Vets, Susan Hepburn said: “We are very proud of Liz’s achievement in obtaining this grade, she is dedicated to providing a high standard of care to all of our patients and we are very lucky to have her as part of our team.”

The International Society of Feline Medicine launched the Cat Friendly Clinic initiative to encourage veterinary clinics everywhere to make changes to improve the welfare of cats in their care. The programme advises clinics on how to make their environment as welcoming to cats as possible, as well as providing support in staff training, handling techniques and cat-specific client care.

Accreditation has been made available in partnership with Ceva, Royal Canin, Boehringer Ingelheim, Idexx, Elanco and Zoetis. It aims to promote well-being and high standards of care for all cats visiting or being hospitalised in a veterinary clinic. Under the programme, a clinic has to prove rigorous adherence to a set of criteria which includes provision of facilities and demonstration of staff activities and attitudes aimed at reducing stress in cats, both as in-patients and out-patients. The criteria includes having separate dog and cat waiting areas, feline-friendly hospitalisation cages, and veterinary equipment specifically for treating cats. Most importantly, staff are encouraged to approach and handle cats sensitively and respectfully. Clinics are expected to maintain high standards of veterinary care, including continuing to update their knowledge of feline medicine as new knowledge becomes available.

The organiser of Interzoo, scheduled to take place in Nuremburg, Germany, in May, has decided to postpone the international pet trade exhibition to a later date yet to be determined.

“In view of the current situation pertaining to the spread of the coronavirus in Germany and in Europe, the organiser sees itself forced to postpone the world's leading exhibition Interzoo 2020,” a statement said.

The statement continued: “Given the current situation and its extremely dynamic proportions, paired with the unforeseeable consequences of the pandemic, WZF as Interzoo organiser, as well as NürnbergMesse being assigned with the organisation of the event are unable to sufficiently guarantee for the health of all trade fair participants if the event were to take place in May as scheduled.

Managing Director Alexandra Facklamm said: “Our decision is based on the WHO’s recommendations as well as the German Robert Koch Institute’s risk catalogue ‘General Principles of Risk Assessment and Recommended Procedures for Major Events’. Holding Interzoo in May 2020 is unfortunately impossible.”

Interzoo is the world’s leading trade fair for the global pet supplies industry, attracting trade visitors from more than 120 countries. 

“Until recently, all indications were that the May 2020 trade fair would prove to be a highly successful event. Exhibitors and visitors alike expect the global industry’s premier trade fair to provide them with sterling international trade contacts and excellent opportunities for business”, says Dr Rowena Arzt, WZF’s Director Exhibitions. 

“Based on the current situation, it is impossible for an event in May to honour this performance bond. Apart from the self-evident health risk, the massive travel restrictions currently experienced do not allow unimpeded transnational traffic.”

“Postponing Interzoo is a challenging, but necessary step. For the sake of the industry and to serve its interests in the best possible way, we see no other solution,” explains Norbert Holthenrich, President of Germany’s Pet  Trade and Industry Association (Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe ZZF), the honorary sponsor of Interzoo. “We sincerely hope that our members, exhibitors and stakeholders understand that this was the only sensible choice we could make.”

“We are aware of the major importance this trade fair holds for all stakeholders involved. This is why we are working full speed together with NürnbergMesse on an alternative date for the trade show. We aim to announce the new date as soon as possible”, declares Dr Rowena Arzt.

An online petition calling for a ban on ‘harmful’ rabbit hutches has attracted more than 26,000 signatures.

The Rabibit Welfare Association and Fund is petitioning Zac Goldsmith, the Minister of State for Animal Welfare, on the change.org website and is calling for a new law for minimum housing sizes.

The RWAF states: “Imagine being trapped in a small enclosure for your entire life. Imagine not being able to stand up straight all day. Imagine eating, sleeping and urinating in the same space. That’s the reality for many of the UK’s pet rabbits.

 “There are nearly one million pet rabbits living in UK homes and, although rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK, they are sadly the most neglected. One of the biggest causes of suffering in pet rabbits is inadequate housing, where rabbits can spend as much as 20 hours of their day cramped inside spaces not even big enough for them to stand up.

 “Inadequate sized hutches are both physically and emotionally crippling to pet rabbits, resulting in damaging effects on their health and wellbeing. From causing stress and depression to painful and permanent spinal deformities, small hutches can result in a lifetime of suffering and premature death for pet rabbits.”

The RWAF is seeking a ban on the sale of inadequately sized hutches and wants a legal minimum requirement for rabbit housing – 10ft x 6 ft x 3ft.

“We want retailers to stop stocking small hutches,” adds the RWAF. “If you are a rabbit owner, please refuse to buy small hutches and always advise against it. The longer they are on the market, the longer people think they are acceptable and the longer this pain continues.”

The petition, which can be found by clicking here, had reached 26,056 signatures yesterday (Wednesday). The target is 35,000!

Pet shop owner Zoe Sielski won Best of Breed at Crufts with her German Shorthaired Pointer puppy Orchidstar Jenga.

Zoe was delighted when eight-month-old Jenga won her class and then picked the Best Puppy award.

But she was shocked when the judge Dr RW James chose Jenga as Best of Breed.

“I wasn’t expecting to win, and the judge said that they had never given a puppy Best of Breed before."

Zoe, owns two pet shops in Lancashire with her husband Ivan, and has 14 other German Shorthaired Pointers.