The PetQuip Industry Awards are set to be a strongly contested affair after the finalists for the September showpiece were announced.

The awards, sponsored by Burgess Petcare, Westland, Petface, Group55 and PATS, are aimed at bringing together suppliers and retailers in the UK and internationally.

List of Finalists
UK Pet Retailer of the Year

• The Natural Pet Pantry, Gosport, Hants
• Just for Pets, Nationally
• Diddy Dapper Dogs, Morecambe, Lancs
• Tails ’n’ Whiskers, Oakham, Rutland
• Scampers, Soham, Cambs
• Not Just Pets, Bath, Wilts
• Dobbies, Atherstone, Warks

International Pet Retailer of the Year

• Musti ja Mirri Oy – Finland
• Ranzijn Tuin & Dier – Holland
• Animax – Romania
• Aveve – Belgium

 Groomer of the Year

• Joanne Angus
• Colin Taylor
• Zoe Duffy
• Alison Rogers

Supplier of the Year

• Lily’s Kitchen
• Burgess Petcare
• Hagen
• Symply Petfoods
• Natures Menu
• Beaphar UK
• Gor Pets
• Wagg

Wholesaler of the Year

• Collarways
• Peregrine Livefoods
• Pet Revolution
• Vital Pet Products
• Pedigree Wholesale
• Bestpets

Pet Product Innovation of the Year

• EezyEat4Pets with the Eezy Eat Collar 
• Baggee & Doggee with the Baggee Lush range
• Animal Care College with their Pet Shop Assistant Course
• Group 55/Animology with Fox Poo Shampoo
• Pure Pet Food for their pet food range
• Pooch & Mutt for their Treats
• Pet Revolution with the Wildwash
• Westland for the Natures Feast range

Pet Product Exporter of the Year

• Dog Rocks
• Group 55 Ltd
• Litter Kwitter
• Get Off
• James & Steel
• Barking Heads/Meowing Heads
• The Canny Company

Working in a pet shop is becoming a highly sought-after job with hundreds of people applying for too few vacancies. In the past month Pets at Home have received more than 750 applications for just 12 positions at two new stores.

The pet retail chain is set to open its 355th store on September 20 in Bletchley, and more than 360 applications were received for seven jobs.

And Pet Trade Xtra reported two weeks ago that nearly 400 people applied for just five jobs at a new Pets at Home store due to open in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts.

Employment experts believe that more people see the prospect of working in the pet industry appealing and are therefore applying for jobs in pet stores. But there is also the general trend that jobs in any sector nowadays attract huge numbers of applicants.

Pets and Home is investing £487,000 in the 7,810 sq-ft store at Beacon Retail Park, Bletchley and creating seven jobs.

Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart MP welcomed the “prestigious household name to Bletchley."

Store manager Paul Wright, 34, lives in Wolverton, and has been with Pets at Home for 10 years.

He said: “It’s been a busy few months and now my team and I can’t wait to open the doors and welcome our new customers and their pets to the store.”

Doncaster is set for a jobs boost thanks to a £400,000 development creating a new pet shop.

Pets at Home is opening the new store at Thorne Road Retail Park on Friday September 20.

Taking over the premises formerly occupied by Suite Success, the new, 9,900 sq ft store has created seven new jobs for Doncaster residents.

Doncaster Central MP, Rosie Winterton, said: “The new Pets at Home store will be a welcome addition to Wheatley Hills, bringing much-needed jobs to the area and contributing to its retail landscape.”

Area manager Paul Doyle said: “There was a strong demand from local pet owners for Pets at Home to come to Thorne Road Retail Park, and we’re very pleased to have been able to grant them their wish.

“Pets at Home is committed to recruiting from the local area and I’m pleased we’ve found a team of talented individuals in Doncaster. They’re all extremely passionate about pets and can’t wait to get started.

Applicants go through a number of stages to assess their compatibility for the role. Those recruited are given the option to gain specialist qualifications in pet care during their career with Pets at Home.

Store manager Emma Baines, 28, who lives in Chesterfield, has been with Pets at Home for eight years, having previously worked at the Clay Cross and Chesterfield branches.

Emma said: “It’s been a busy few months and now myself and the team can’t wait to open the doors and welcome our new customers and their pets to the store.”

The company, founded in 1991, has more than 350 sites across the UK employing more than 6,000 people and is proud to have won The Sunday Times Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For 2013.

Seahorse Atlantic has re-launched its innovative Kelp Care supplement range with a creative new organic look and feel.

The redesign symbolises the high quality of the product and the scientific yet natural look to Kelp Care.

Kelp Care is a range of recipes derived from Atlantic grown kelp (seaweed) tailored to the nutrient requirements of each animal. A natural product with a difference as it has been scientifically proven and veterinary trialled.

The seaweed is sourced from the highest quality Atlantic waters ensuring a product which absorbs its mineral rich environment creating a unique recipe with dense in vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients.

Kelp Care Cat – Uniquely developed to address the feline digestive system providing a natural source of fibre, anti-inflammatory properties and skin healing properties.

Kelp Care Dog – Contains all the benefits of fish oil with Omega 3 & 6, anti-inflammatory properties ideal for dogs suffering from arthritis or old age whilst the most popular customer testimonial comes from the allergy and skin healing properties reducing the need for external treatments.

Kelp Care Equine – A unique species designed specifically for the equine digestive system based on its low content in iodine reducing iodine toxicity in horses whilst abundant in trace nutrients and amino acids often lacking in a balanced horse diet

Seahorse Atlantic will be exhibiting at PATS Harrogate where it will launch the results of their veterinary canine trial and launch the new website www.seahorseatlantic.ie in the week leading up to the show. 

Independent pet retailers are a vital part of a local community, and by offering a unique service they can thrive in today's highly competitive market place, says Diana Truman, of the Pet Product Retail Association.

Diana will share her views on why ‘being independent does not mean being on your own’ at this year’s PATS Harrogate seminars, sponsored by Pedigree Wholesale, on September 15 and 16.

PATS Harrogate have secured a strong line-up of speakers for two days of seminars designed to give pet retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential.

Here we catch up with Diana for a 60-second interview to get a taster of what’s to come during her seminar at 1.30pm on Monday, September 16.

Q. Why should people come to your seminars? 

Diana says: To learn about Pet Product Retail Association and the many services, advice, help and money saving benefits a specialised trade association offers independent retailers.

Q. How can the independent pet retailer continue to compete against the growth of multiples and the increase in internet shopping? 

Diana says: By being unique and selling more specialised products that encourage the consumer to shop with them. Independents cannot compete with the multiples, but they can offer nutritional advice and specialist goods.

Q. How can the PPRA help independents? 

Diana says: The Pet Product Retail Association has a wealth of services our members can utilise to help their businesses run more smoothly. These services include an excellent credit and debit card package, reduced banking rates, the use of our bira legal service that offers professional advice and guidance.  We provide a unique insurance package specifically written for pet product retailers that is only available for our members. We also have a committee made up of PPRA members who constantly look to improve the membership benefits and understand what independent retailers require from their trade association.

Q. What advice would you give a pet retailer in tackling the challenges ahead? 

Diana says: Look to how you can encourage the consumer to use your business – with specialised products and quality foods, you can help the consumer to ensure their pets are well cared for. Independents are in the position to offer a wealth of advice and knowledge, which the consumer cannot obtain so easily in the multiples. By offering something different you can help your customers feel your business is where they should shop.

Visit the Seminar Theatre at PATS Harrogate, sponsored by Pedigree Wholesale, to be inspired and motivated by fantastic speakers. Register to attend the show now at www.patshow.co.uk

PATS Harrogate takes place on Sunday, September 15, and Monday, September 16, at Harrogate International Centre.

Gencon, an established supplier of patented dog headcollars and leads, will be hoping for a ‘best in show’ when it introduces its new look branding at PATS Harrogate.

Gencon champions gentle control of dogs that pull on the lead: ensuring happy dogs and happy dog walkers. Using patented technology and an understanding of dog psychology, they have developed a simple and effective range of headcollar products for pet owners’ canine companions.

In order to get groomed to perfection, Gencon has teamed up with a design and communications agency to develop a clear and simple brand identity. The new brand reflects the Gencon’s love of dogs and concern for dog welfare, but also communicates the professional knowledge and unique technology behind the development of the products.

The Gencon All-in-1 and Headcollar are made from soft yet durable fabric and are specifically designed not to pull up into a dog’s eyes or uncomfortably turn their head. Consisting of two simple loops that apply gentle pressure when the dog pulls, the lead gently but effectively stops the dog pulling forwards.

The team at Gencon are currently working on a new website platform, social media channels and exciting PR campaigns. There are more ways than ever to get in touch with their canine experts, learn about the headcollar products and garner tips for better dog walking. You can find out more by visiting their facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Gencon-Allin1 and twitter account @GenconAllin1.

Gencon Owner, Andrew Treleaven says: “We are looking forward to exhibiting at the show and hope that our range of new branding will set tails wagging with customers and suppliers alike. We know how exhausting and embarrassing it can be when your dog is frantically pulling on the lead, or lunging at other dogs and people.

"The Gencon products work simply and gently to bring your dog under control and create a better relationship between pet and owner.”

Andrew continues: “Our products are endorsed by dog trainers and behaviourists, and we know that our simple but effective technology can make a big difference to a dog’s behaviour when on the lead. If you have customers who experience problems with their dogs pulling on the lead, please do get in touch with us, either at the PATS show, or via our website www.gencon-allin1.co.uk.”

Gencon will be showing off its brand new look at Stand B35, where they will be exhibiting alongside 3P Enterprise, leading UK distributor of pet products and accessories. 

Time is running out to enter the biggest canine photography competition of the year, and with prizes including a day with a professional photographer and a prestigious artist painting the winning image, the competition is one not to be missed.

The Kennel Club Dog Photographer of the Year Competition celebrates the bond we have with our dogs and the wonderful artistic license our canine best friends provide us with. It is free to enter the annual canine photography competition, however time is running out as the deadline for submissions is 31^st August.

This year the overall winner will have their image painted by acclaimed artist Sara Abbott, and will also receive a signed cartoon by ‘Life with Dogs’ artist, Rupert Fawcett and an underwater camera housing courtesy of Overboard. Recognising the potential of young contestants, the winner of the 16 and under category will receive a day’s course in canine photography with award-winning photographer, Andy Biggar.

Artist Sara Abbott is gifted in canine art and this year will be recreating the overall winning image in her unique and celebrated style. The self-taught artist specialises in the surface of living things, be it skin, hair or fur, and her unique specialty lends itself perfectly to canine art.

The winner of the 16 and under category for the competition, entitled, ‘I Love Dogs Because’ will receive the unique opportunity to spend the day with photographer Andy Biggar. The prize is aimed at helping give talented young photographers a step on the ladder to a career or successful past time in photography.

Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko, said: “This competition is a highlight of the year. In each image, a hint of each dog’s personality is revealed - there are no two images the same. It is wonderful to see what talented dog owners we have out there and witness the pride owners have for their dogs.

“The prizes have been carefully chosen to give the winners something they will treasure forever, be it an unforgettable experience with an award-winning photographer or a priceless painting of your image. The images of our dogs are so beautiful, I wish everyone could win.”

There are six categories to enter: five that are open to all ages - Dog Portrait, Dogs at Play, Dogs at Work, Man’s Best Friend and Puppies - and one category open exclusively to those aged 16 and under; ‘I love dogs because.’

For more information about the competition or to enter visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dogphotocompetition.

Marriages are launching a new Honeyfield’s Conservation Grade Wild Bird Range, which offers consumers a product that actually gives something back to nature.

"We will have our Marriages brand on show at PATS Harrogate, giving the retailer the chance to see the wide range of animal, bird and pet foods we have available," said a Marriages spokesperson.

"We will have hoppers with Marriages products in so the retailer can actually put their hands in and feel the product.

"We are very excited about launching our new Honeyfield’s Conservation Grade Wild Bird Range at the show, which we are very proud of. Honeyfield’s offers the consumer a product that actually gives something back to nature, to be part of something that reverses the decline in much of our most loved and rarest wildlife.

"The media is informing us how close we are to losing species such as the Hedgehog, the drop in numbers of bees and butterflies are visible to all of us in our own gardens. These are things people really care about, issues on our own doorstep."

Police and RSPCA officers have seized 30 dogs in raids at six properties across north Wales in a crackdown on dog fighting and dog baiting.

North Wales Police said it set up Operation Morpheus with the RSPCA to target "certain individuals".

One person was held during raids in the Anglesey, Caernarfon and Llandudno areas and more are said to be expected.

No details of the dog breeds have been released though some have injuries that are being treated by a vet.

Ch Insp Ian Briggs, of the RSPCA's special operations unit, said: "Today's activity is the latest in the RSPCA's ongoing investigations across England and Wales into people using dogs to bait and fight wild animals.

"We have worked closely with North Wales Police's wildlife crime team and we appreciate their assistance in helping us get closer to tracking down those suspected of organised animal cruelty.

"Such activity causes barbaric levels of suffering. Hopefully joint working such as that seen today will help bring us closer to bringing an end to animal abuse."

There's an unusual baby down on the Cornish Camels farm in Helston, Cornwall - Colin the wallaby is being hand-reared by devoted owners Jan and Stuart Oates.

Jan and Stuart have a menagerie of wallabies, camels, peacocks plus cattle and sheep at the beautiful Cornish venue where they host weddings, holiday cottages, a camel farm and a family visitor experience.

Colin's mum died unexpectedly in the spring of this year, and Jan found him cold and hungry. At about five months old, he weighed just 420g and had no hair.

Three months on, and Colin has grown furry and fast! His growth comes courtesy of pet food firm Royal Canin, whose Babydog Milk is designed for new puppies whose mothers don't produce enough milk.

Jan says: “Colin lives in the house with us, and comes everywhere we go in his baby pouch - he's visited National Trust properties, he meets all the visitors, he even does the supermarket run! At home he's becoming much more agile, and he is making great progress.

"When we started hand-rearing him we found that his lactose-free baby milk made him poorly, so we checked out the internet and found a wallaby who had been reared successfully on puppy milk.

“Royal Canin have been absolutely fantastic, and made sure that Colin can stay on their product until he's weaned onto solid foods.”

Check out Colin's blog at www.colin.cornishcamels.com

Gemma Duffield, Royal Canin retail marketing manager, comments: “Providing dogs and cats with nutritional solutions to suit every stage of their life is our daily routine - so a wallaby is a bit of a different issue for our customer service staff! However, when Jan got in touch and told us about Colin, we were delighted to be able to help. 

"In fact, it seems that wallabies are not the only exotic species to be enjoying Royal Canin - we've heard in the past that meerkats, fox cubs and hoglets (baby hedgehogs) have all had it on the menu.”

New Lap-It-Up! from CSJ is a complete feedstuff milk replacer designed for weaning puppies, for bitches in whelp and can be used to give a conditioning boost to any dog – particularly those which have been ill or under the weather.

With multiple uses the milk powder has been developed with CSJ’s own long expertise as world renowned dog breeders, handlers and competitors together with the UK’s leading nutritionists.

It is also particularly useful in diluted form to encourage dogs to drink – enabling owners to keep their dogs hydrated when in competition on hot days.

In a re-sealable 5kg tub Lap-It-Up! is a must in every serious dog owner’s armoury and on every retailer’s shelf.

For more information visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745 710470.

Veterinary Thermal Imaging has welcomed Victoria Lindsay to its team of thermographers.

Victoria is based in Aberdeenshire but will be travelling all over Scotland, providing VTI’s non-invasive and fully mobile thermal imaging service. As per all VTI’s thermographers, Victoria has a background that complements the service on offer and a passion for animals, particularly horses and dogs.

“I’ve been working with animals since I was 16, and I carried on this connection throughout my time at the University of Cambridge, where I studied Preclinical Veterinary Medicine,” says Victoria.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t for me, as although I loved the anatomy and physiology elements, I hated the heavy pathology and pharmacology parts, so I graduated with a degree in Preclinical Veterinary Medicine with Natural Sciences. This led to a job with the Scottish SPCA, where I’ve been working with dogs and horses ever since!”

VTI uses state of the art Infra Red cameras to scan animals in their own home. The scans are totally non-invasive and there’s no need for sedation as if an animal moves, the image can be retaken. The service can be used as a diagnostic tool, much like x-rays, but can also be used for performance management, to monitor a condition or treatment plan and even as part of a pre-purchase examination.

“We’re pleased to welcome Victoria to the team,” says Helen Morrell, MD of VTI. “With Victoria’s background and experience, she’s able to offer an excellent service to people in Scotland. We pride ourselves on the quality of our team as this ensures we provide a really useful, valuable service and also enables our thermographers to work with vets, physios, farriers (for horses) and other professionals to get the very best for the animal being scanned.”

“I’m really looking forward to being part of VTI,” says Victoria. “It allows me to utilise the knowledge I gained at vet school and my interest in animal health. The thermal imaging technology used by VTI is really impressive, and I can’t wait to get out there, helping to make a difference to the health and performance of people’s horses and dogs.”

 VTI scans start from just £30 plus travel. To find out more about VTI, see www.veterinary-thermal-imaging.com or call 0844 544 3314.

Kate Moss is said to have hired an expert to help tame her pet dog.

The 39-year-old supermodel has sought the help of a French dog whisperer in a bid to calm Archie, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, after he caused chaos for the nanny by ripping up carpets and attempting to escape while Moss is holidaying with her family in Ibiza.

A source told the Daily Mirror: "Kate's nanny told her Archie had been chewing the carpet, trying to escape and going off his food.

"He's very highly-strung for a dog, as he's a sensitive soul. He's taken this holiday really badly and is obviously pining for his family."

Moss - who is away with husband Jamie Hince and daughter Lila Grace - has been instructed by the pet psychologist to move Archie to Hince's parent's home until they return from their trip.

The source continued: "The French animal expert has been telling Kate exactly what to do to try to calm Archie down. Apparently, she should have given him special walks before leaving, and must be more assertive with him in future."

The source said: "Kate's been going back and forth between the dog whisperer and her nanny. She's spent hours on the phone.

"It's been a huge weight on her mind but at least she knows what to do for next time."