Pet Remedy has announced specialist exotic pet insurer ExoticDirect as its latest official ambassador in a partnership designed to support the health and emotional wellbeing of unusual companion animals.

The collaboration brings together two businesses which recognise that parrots, reptiles, rabbits and small mammals have distinct needs that can be very different from those of cats and dogs.

To celebrate the partnership, Pet Remedy customers can receive a 15 per cent discount when purchasing an eligible policy from ExoticDirect.

Customers can claim the offer by visiting www.exoticdirect.co.uk and entering the code PETREMEDY15 when buying their policy.

Andrew Hale, emotional wellbeing expert at Pet Remedy, said: “We are delighted to welcome ExoticDirect as a Pet Remedy ambassador because our organisations share a commitment to seeing the individual animal and recognising that wellbeing is about far more than simply meeting basic physical needs.

“Birds, reptiles, rabbits and small mammals can experience stress and distress, but their signals may be subtle or easily misunderstood. Their emotional wellbeing deserves the same thought and care as their physical health.

“By working with ExoticDirect, we hope to help more owners feel supported in taking a rounded approach to their animals’ care, from creating an appropriate environment and understanding behaviour to preparing for unexpected veterinary treatment.”

Pet Remedy produces calming products intended for use with a wide variety of species including exotic pets such as small rodents, lizards and snakes. 

The company says its calming formulation works alongside an animal’s natural calming mechanisms and can be used during potentially stressful situations including travel, fireworks, visits to the vet, moving home or changes to an animal’s routine.

Unlike products created solely for cats or dogs, Pet Remedy’s range has been developed with multi-species households in mind.
ExoticDirect has specialised in insurance for exotic pets since 1996 and provides policies for animals including parrots, lizards, snakes, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, pygmy hedgehogs and other unusual companions.

The company says its policies are designed to help owners manage unexpected veterinary costs, allowing them to concentrate on securing suitable treatment when an animal becomes ill or injured.

Depending on the type of pet and policy selected, cover may also be available for risks including theft or death.
Exotic animals can require highly specialised veterinary care, while signs of illness or distress may be less obvious than they are in more commonly kept pets.

The partnership aims to encourage owners to consider both sides of responsible care: supporting an animal’s day-to-day emotional wellbeing and planning for unexpected health problems.

Martyn Bartlett- Judge, of Pet Remedy, said: “We’re delighted to welcome ExoticDirect as an official Pet Remedy ambassador.
“Like Pet Remedy, its team understands that every species has different needs and that protecting an animal’s health and wellbeing can provide valuable reassurance for owners.

“Whether you share your home with a parrot, tortoise, rabbit or another exotic companion, ExoticDirect can help you explore specialist cover designed with your pet in mind.”

Treat man’s best friend to a brand-new grooming essential – Orange & Cedarwood Dog Shampoo, created by Jo Malone London in collaboration with pet-care brand WildWash. 

This latest addition to the British fragrance and lifestyle house’s line-up comes personally approved by French bulldog, Blue – who has already appeared alongside his dog dad, Cypress & Grapevine ambassador Tom Hardy, in some of the brand’s films. 

A British pet-care brand, WildWash uses the highest-quality ingredients to create its natural products – a value it shares with Jo Malone London. This has led to WildWash becoming a recognised and trusted go-to for dog groomers and pet owners seeking beautifully fragranced products that work. 

Each 285ml bottle of Orange & Cedarwood Dog Shampoo features an illustration of one of four dog breeds. However, to maintain the surprise element often associated with dogs themselves, the individual design featured on online purchases won’t be revealed until they are delivered. Specific illustrations can be selected in-store – while stocks last.

The new dog shampoo can be found online at www.jomalone.com and Jo Malone London stores. For more information contact jane@wildwash.co.uk

When The Cat Show Live opens at the NEC Birmingham on Saturday, September 12, 6,500 visitors will walk through the doors. With 100s of businesses trading, three theatres will run talks all day, and over 30 pedigree breeds will meet the public face to face.

This year 18 cat rescues have taken a space, alongside charities including The Cinnamon Trust, Pet Blood Bank UK, Animal Cancer Trust and Animal FoodBank UK.

For most of them, this is the single biggest audience they will stand in front of all year.

"These are small teams, often a handful of volunteers working out of their own homes," said Jay Jones, Head of Operations. "Filey Cat Rescue, Stray Cat Rescue Team West Midlands, Next Steps in Shropshire, Cat Watch Rescue Shelter. They spend the year fostering cats in spare rooms and fundraising fifty pounds at a time. On the twelfth they get to stand in front of six and a half thousand people who all own cats and all want to talk about them."

The charities cover a striking range. The Cinnamon Trust exists so that elderly and terminally ill people do not have to give up their pets. Pet Blood Bank UK runs the blood bank that keeps cats alive during surgery. Animal FoodBank UK feeds the pets of families who are struggling to feed themselves. Rain Rescue, Lola's Mission, Club Cat Rescue and Happy Paws will all be rehoming and fundraising across the day.

Away from the rescue aisle, visitors will find the Cat Village, where over 30 breeds from Maine Coons to Sphynx can be met in person alongside their breeders, with TICA and the GCCF in attendance. Three theatres run talks from vets, behaviourists and breed experts. Social media famous cats appear throughout the day.

There is a children's area, and a managed quiet zone for neurodivergent visitors who need a calmer half hour away from the crowds. Under 5s go free and the venue is step free.

The Cat Show Live, Saturday 12 September 2026, Hall 3, NEC Birmingham, 10am to 5pm. Adults £35, children 5 to 16 £27, under 5s free, family of four £97. Tickets at thecatshowlive.co.uk.

In 2027 the show returns to the NEC and adds a second event at ExCeL London on Saturday 22 May.

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A popular family-run pet shop in Dartford has closed its doors for the final time after 38 years in business as owners retire.

Pet & Garden Supplies closed on Saturday as owners Marion and Andrew decided to spend more time with their growing family.

They told customers of their decision on Facebook, saying: “We would like to say a big thank you to all of our customers who have supported our dream over the past 38 years.

“It’s now time for us to say goodbye and retire, so we can spend more time with our growing family.”

After the final day of trading, the couple added:

“Thank you to everyone who came in to say goodbye and for your thoughtful cards and gifts. So many flowers around the house.

“I will miss you all, but from my heart it’s been a dream for 38 years.”

Andy Clarke, British Agility’s Director, has announced a four-year partnership with CSJ, saying: “We are delighted to announce that British Agility and CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds have signed a four-year sponsorship agreement, marking an exciting new chapter in our partnership.”

Ceri Rundle of CSJ said: “We are delighted to be British Agility’s Nutritional Headline Sponsor.  We have been involved with the Agility sport for over 30 years with dogs fed on CSJ products achieving numerous top honours.”

CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds will become the Headline Nutritional Sponsor of British Agility, supporting its major events including:

• The British Agility Championships
• The British ABC Agility Challenge
• The British Dog Sports Festival

Andy continued: “This is an exciting step forward for British Agility, and we’re looking forward to everything we can achieve together.  

"CSJ’s dedication to supporting dogs, handlers and competitors across the working and sporting dog world is fantastic, and we are incredibly pleased to welcome them on board as a major partner of British Agility.”

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

Norfolk-based independent pet retailer Pettitt and Boo is continuing its growth with the opening of a new store – its fourth in total – in the heart of King’s Lynn.

The new shop, located at 22 New Conduit Street, will offer an extensive range of carefully selected foods, natural treats, toys, accessories and everyday essentials for dogs and other pets.

Pictured is a mock-up of the new store in King's Lynn.

Pettitt and Boo is particularly known for its high level of expertise in canine nutrition. Its knowledgeable team helps owners understand the different feeding options available and select products suited to their dog’s age, lifestyle and individual needs. This includes specialist guidance on raw feeding, natural diets and food sensitivities.

The King’s Lynn opening represents an exciting new chapter for the family-run business, which already operates successful stores elsewhere in Norfolk.

Ali Pettitt, co-owner of Pettitt and Boo, said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing Pettitt and Boo to the centre of King’s Lynn. As a Norfolk family business, opening another store within the county is a very proud moment for us.

“Our aim has always been to offer much more than shelves of pet products. We want customers to feel that they can come in, ask questions and receive friendly, knowledgeable advice from people who genuinely care about their pets.

“Canine nutrition is one of our particular areas of expertise, and we look forward to helping even more local dog owners make confident and informed choices about what they feed.”

The new store will combine the personal service of a traditional independent retailer with a broad selection of high-quality products, including many specialist lines that may not be widely available through larger national chains.

The expansion will also create new employment opportunities in King’s Lynn, with the company building a local team of enthusiastic pet care and retail advisers.

Further details about the store’s opening date and launch celebrations will be announced shortly through the Pettitt and Boo website and social media channels, although the store is expected to open in early September.

Pettitt and Boo currently has two stores in Norwich and one in Cromer.

The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint against pet brand NutriPaw over a social media advertising campaign promoting a dog dental care product.

NutriPaw Ltd (t/a Healthy Dog) apologised to the ASA, stating the ad had been removed and would not be used again. The company explained it had improved its advertising approval process to ensure similar issues did not occur in the future.

A paid-for Facebook ad for Healthy Dog 24/7, seen on 22 April 2026, promoted NutriPaw’s Dental Powder, a dog dental care product, displayed text that stated, “Bad Breath […] the dental range makes it simple” and featured an embedded video that opened with text and narration that stated, “If you've ever signed a form that lists death as a risk of anaesthesia [sic] just to get your dog's teeth cleaned, drop everything and listen.” The ad was narrated in the first person by a woman wearing vet clothing who stated, “After 14 years as a veterinary dental specialist”. 

The narration, accompanied by on-screen text stated, “There are three lies every dog owner believes that are literally killing their pets. Lie number one, anaesthesia is routine and perfectly safe […] healthy dogs go under for a tooth cleaning and never wake up. […] Lie #2 Professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. This is the most profitable lie in veterinary medicine. The science exists to break it down safely at home. They just don’t want you to know.” The ad also stated, “Three dogs same month, all routine cleanings, all healthy screenings, all dead”, and “One in 1,000 healthy dogs die under anaesthesia. For senior dogs, higher. For dogs with heart murmurs, higher still. And they’re dying for a teeth cleaning”.  

The ad also stated, “you’re trapped between two impossible choices. Sign the waiver, say the goodbye, hope your dog wakes up […] or do nothing. Watch bacteria spread from their mouth into their bloodstream. Watch their organs fail slowly. Both options feel like killing your dog.” 

The ad further stated, “I found Dr. Rachel Chen veterinary dental specialist […]  she spent two years developing an enzymatic formula that breaks down tartar cement at the molecular level for conscious, non-sedated dogs” and, “I tested it on a 10-year-old beagle […] severe tartar. Heart murmur […] anaesthesia was too risky […] day three […] the brown cement edges were starting to soften. Day seven, a chunk of tartar literally fell off while he was eating […] Day 21, his teeth looked cleaner than they had in five years”. 

It also stated, “I ran a real trial. 47 dogs […] 90 days later, 43 showed dramatic tartar reduction. 18 dogs too old for anaesthesia got clean teeth for the first time in years […] at-home powder that uses natural enzymes to shatter calcified tartar at the molecular level […] without risking your dog's life. How it works? Kelp enzymes penetrate the tartar element and break the calcium bonds […] spirulina seals the microscopic gaps in gums, leaky gums […] peppermint kills the bacteria […] stopping sulpfur [sic] that create the death breath smell. One scoop in their food […] NutriPaw's dental powder is the only way to get professional-grade tartar breakdown without playing anaesthesia roulette.” 

Montage imagery, throughout the ad accompanied the narration, showed owners with dogs, individuals visibly upset and individuals being physically sick as well as dogs undergoing veterinary procedures, including anaesthetic, dental treatment, injections and CPR. The ad also showed mouths and teeth of multiple dogs with severe plaque and tartar, that were brown and yellow in colour; then later imagery of mouths of other dogs with clean, white teeth.

The ASA said the complainant challenged whether: 

1. the ad misleadingly and irresponsibly implied dogs undergoing veterinary treatment had a higher chance of dying; 
2. the ad made medicinal claims for an unauthorised product; and 
3. the efficacy claims for NutriPaw’s Dental Powder were misleading.

In its ruling the ASA said:” The ad must not appear again in the form complained about. We told NutriPaw Ltd t/a Healthy Dog to not make efficacy claims unless they held adequate, robust evidence and not to make medicinal claims for an unauthorised product. We also told them not to misleadingly and irresponsibly imply dogs undergoing veterinary treatment had a higher chance of dying.”

The full ASA report can be viewed by clicking here.

Fish4Dogs discusses how its dog-friendly office policy has helped shape a mutually beneficial company culture for both employees and their pooches...

Demand for pet-friendly workplaces is increasing – over half of workers say they would consider switching jobs if it meant they could bring their pet to the workplace (55%), while 41% of 18 to 24-year-olds are actively looking for pet-friendly policies when job hunting.

But while bringing a dog to the office might sound the ultimate workplace perk, the reality is few employees have access to it. According to The Kennel Club, less than a third of dog owners are able to bring their dog to their workplace.

This isn’t the case for one Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire-based business. Fish4Dogs has been making nutritious fish-based food and treats for more than 15 years. And with the health and welfare of dogs at the heart of its business, the company has always welcomed man’s best friend into the workplace, not only benefitting the dogs, but the people too.

“We’ve noticed that for many people, the dogs bring a welcome relief during the working day,” Sarah Fowler, CEO of Fish4Dogs, commented. “At the very least, they are a reason for people to get out from behind their desks and into the fresh air with the dogs for the necessary ‘comfort breaks’.

“We also find that the dogs create a social opportunity – staff members from different teams walk together, so the dogs break down boundaries between teams effortlessly.”

The office's canine community started small, with two dogs belonging to the company's Finance Director, Lucy and Amber. As the business grew, so did the pack. Today, the Fish4Dogs office can have up to 11 dogs on its premises on any given day, all of whom are expected to be properly toilet trained and well behaved enough to work alongside their human colleagues.

But having a dog-friendly office isn't simply a case of opening the doors and letting the dogs roam free. Fish4Dogs has spent years working out what does (and doesn't) work when dogs and people share a workplace…

Give dogs their own space

Just as employees need somewhere to concentrate, dogs need somewhere they can retreat to when the office gets busy.At Fish4Dogs, every dog has its own bed beside or underneath its owner's desk. These provide a familiar, safe space where the dogs can settle down during the working day. The company has also used baby gates in the past to create a more contained area for individual dogs when needed.

Keep dogs exercised and give them regular breaks

A working day can be a long time for a dog to spend in one place. Owners should regularly take their dogs outside for exercise and toilet breaks, giving dogs the opportunity to get outside, interact and burn off some energy before returning to their beds.

Put it in writing

For businesses considering a dog-friendly policy, employers should set out their expectations from the beginning. A written policy will ensure the responsibility lays at the feet of the owner and avoids any scope for disagreements down the line. It's also an opportunity to establish some basic principles, such as dogs being housebroken and what to do if someone isn’t comfortable with dogs.

Be mindful of unsuitable areas

A dog-friendly office doesn't mean every part of a business needs to be dog-friendly. Safety and hygiene should always be paramount in a workplace, so areas like kitchens, toilets or dangerous areas, such as warehouses, should be out-of-bounds for four-legged friends. It’s also a good idea to establish dog-free zones where employees and visitors who don’t want to interact with office dogs. Afterall, a genuinely successful dog-friendly workplace has to work for everyone, including people who don't own dogs.

Make sure dogs are truly ready for the workplace

More often than not, the workplace is a louder and busier space than at home. So, an office may not be right environment for every dog, and both owners and employers need to acknowledge this and be responsible. That doesn't mean every dog needs to be perfectly behaved, mistakes are going to happen. But placing a highly reactive dog, for example, in a high-stress environmental should never happen, for the wellbeing of other dogs, employees, and that dog itself

The Innocent Hound has given two school students the opportunity to undergo work experience at their factory in North Yorkshire, where they experienced the whole process of designing and creating the next bestselling dog treat. 

Throughout the week they became part of the product development team and took on the exciting challenge of creating a brand-new dog treat from concept to launch.

Students Zara and Tabitha produced a new brand – ‘Street Dog’ – which aims to allow dogs to experience the same street food recipes we all love, in a healthy way.

Street Dog launched its first product ‘Fish & Chips’, a sliced, air-dried dog treat. Whilst designing the product, the students opted to set aside some of the earnings from Street Dog to the charity Dogs on the Streets, which focuses on supporting the vulnerable community with pet dogs. 

Containing 70% fish, all sustainably caught, this low fat, grain free fish and chip product including apple cider vinegar and dill, is a healthier option whilst maintaining a great taste, creating a high-quality and sure to be popular product.

Chloe Heaton, founder and MD of the Innocent Hound, said: “We wanted to offer young people the full experience of what we do, to support them and provide them with skills in this challenging time for finding work.”

Follow their journey as the students take over The Innocent Hound’s social media @theinnocenthound

This limited-edition treat will be available to buy from Friday at theinnocenthound.co.uk

MSD Animal Health has announced The Big Pet Parasite Check, a nationwide roadshow of pop-up vet stations, offering free personalised parasite risk assessments and one-to-one flea and tick checks with veterinary experts to dog owners across the UK. 

Visting six dog-friendly events across the UK from summer through to winter, these pop-ups will help owners to understand how factors such as lifestyle, environment and the prevalence of parasites in their local area can influence the protection their pet may need throughout the year.

The roadshow locations will include:

• North East Dog Festival, County Durham – Saturday 22nd August
• All About Dogs, Norfolk – Sunday 30th August
• All About Dogs, Knebworth – Saturday 12th September
• Dogfest at the Palace, Oxford – Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th October
• Top Dogs Day Out, Glasgow – Saturday 17th October
• Pawfestivities, Kent – Saturday 28th November 

Every pet has different needs when it comes to parasite protection. Factors such as where pets are walked, whether they mix with other animals, travel habits and household environment can all influence their risk of catching fleas and ticks. The Big Pet Parasite Check has been designed to help owners understand these differences and encourage informed discussions with their vet.

By meeting owners while they are out with their dogs, The Big Pet Parasite Check will make practical, expert advice easier to access, addressing common misconceptions about parasite risk and reinforcing why parasite protection should be considered year-round, not just in the summer.

For pet owners, this roadshow is an opportunity to get practical advice tailored to their pet, ask questions and learn how to spot potential parasite risks. Whether they have recently become a new pet owner or have had dogs for years, The Big Pet Parasite Check is an opportunity for owners to brush up on their parasite knowledge and ensure their pets are protected. 

In addition to receiving expert advice on fleas and ticks and a personalised recommendation, pet owners who take part at the events will receive a complimentary goodie bag containing helpful information on parasite protection and pet care.

Sian Stockford, Veterinary Technical Lead, Companion Animal Business Unit at MSD Animal Health, said: "Many pet owners are surprised to learn that parasite risk is not the same for every pet. Lifestyle, environment and behaviour can all influence exposure to fleas, ticks and worms. 

"The Big Pet Parasite Check has been created to bring those conversations into the real world, helping owners better understand their pet's individual risk and encouraging them to seek tailored advice from their veterinary practice. 

"By meeting pet owners at events across the UK, we hope to highlight the need for parasite protection to be considered all year round and that veterinary teams are best placed to provide personalised recommendations."

Pet owners are encouraged to look out for The Big Pet Parasite Check pop-ups at these upcoming events and stop by with their dog for free, parasite risk assessment. These events offer an easy way to learn more about parasite risks and get practical, vet-led advice on keeping pets protected throughout the year.

Seeing the latest pet product launches under one roof is one of the major attractions for visitors to PATS, and this September’s show at the NEC Birmingham will be no exception, with over 450 new items set to be showcased.

The Pet & Aquatics Trade Show takes place over three days in Halls 3 and 3A at the NEC from Sunday, 27^thSeptember, to Tuesday, 29^th September 2026.

An impressive line-up of entries to the popular New Product Showcase is a positive sign that PATS exhibitors are excited about their latest products and eager to show them to visiting retailers and buyers.

Products entered into the Showcase, sponsored by Leopard Co and supported by media partner pbwnews, will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show to decide the winners of the New Product Awards.

Exhibitors recognise that winning a New Product Award can certainly increase the profile of the items to the trade.

Barkin Bistro won a New Product Award at PATS last year with its Pancreatic Support range. “Winning the award was a fantastic moment for us. It was great recognition of the work we’re doing around natural, functional nutrition, and it really reinforced that there’s a growing demand for this type of product in the market,” said director Joanne Tohill.

“The award has definitely helped elevate the product in terms of exposure. It’s given both customers and stockists added confidence and has opened-up new conversations with retailers who may not have come across us before.”

The Showcase is designed to help visitors find easily the latest and most exciting products to hit the pet trade. There is an information card beside each product, giving details such as suggested retail price and where to find the item’s exhibitor.

New Product Award categories

This year's awards feature 12 categories:

• Cat Accessories & Toys
• Cat Food Products
• Dog Food Products (sponsored by Petfellas)
• Dog Treat Products (sponsored by Law Print & Packaging)
• Dog Accessories & Toys (sponsored by Paws Wholesale)
• Dog Harnesses, Leads & Dog Wear
• Small Animal & Bird Products
• Pet Care Products (sponsored by Pedigree Wholesale)
• Grooming Products
• Aquatic Indoor Products
• Aquatic Outdoor Products
• Reptile Products

PATS 2026 will once again be co-located with BETA International, the leading equestrian trade exhibition, taking place on 27–28 September 2026. Retailers and buyers will be able to visit both events with a single registration, giving BETA International visitors access to PATS and vice versa.

Visitor registration is now open at https://bit.ly/4aLE1Hp with free admission available to qualifying trade professionals. For more information about PATS 2026, including a full list of exhibitors, visit www.patshow.co.uk

As questions around dog food ingredients and manufacturing hit the headlines, meat for dogs has launched a deliberately provocative tool asking owners how much they really know about what they feed their pets.

Dog owners are being challenged to take a closer look at what's actually in their dog's bowl with the launch of a new online Kibble Calculator.

Created by British raw dog food brand meat for dogs, the free tool asks owners a series of questions about what they expect from dog food; from recognisable ingredients and meat content to fillers and processing.

It then calculates just how compatible those expectations are with kibble.

The calculator arrives as dog food ingredients and manufacturing are receiving renewed scrutiny, following recent high-profile product recalls and growing questions from owners about exactly what goes into the food they give their pets.

Rather than focusing on individual manufacturers, meat for dogs wants owners to ask a much simpler question: Do you actually know what you're feeding your dog?

The brand argues that dog food has become increasingly complicated, with lengthy ingredient lists, nutritional terminology, supplements and highly processed products becoming normalised.

Its alternative is deliberately less complicated: raw meat, bone and offal.

The Kibble Calculator takes that philosophy to its logical (and admittedly ridiculous) conclusion.

The brand describes its methodology as: “Scientifically questionable. Emotionally accurate.”

Users receive a score at the end which can be shared on social media, while meat for dogs plans to follow the launch with research into how well British dog owners actually understand the ingredients and processing behind their pets' food.

Independent pet retailers interested in becoming a meat for dogs stockist can request a free sample box and try the range for themselves.

Take the Kibble Calculator: meatfordogs.co.uk/pages/kibble-calculator

Interested in becoming a meat for dogs stockist? Request a free sample box at info@meatfordogs.co.uk

The Pet Industry Federation has announced that veterinary surgeon and broadcaster Dr Scott Miller will attend the PIF Awards 2026 as a special guest.

Taking place on Thursday 5 November 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Stoke-on-Trent, the PIF Awards celebrate outstanding achievement, innovation and commitment across the UK pet industry.

Dr Scott Miller is one of the UK’s best-known veterinary broadcasters, having appeared on programmes including Vet on the Hill, This Morning, The Paul O’Grady Show and Blue Peter. He is also the author of Puppy Parenting, hosts the Rescue Vet YouTube channel and the new My Pet Hates podcast, and runs independent small animal practice The Chobham Vet in Surrey.

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: ‘We’re delighted that Scott will be joining us at the PIF Awards this year. He is a highly respected veterinary professional and broadcaster, with a real passion for animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

‘The Awards are all about celebrating the people and businesses that make the pet industry such a special sector; Scott will be a fantastic addition to the evening.’

The PIF Awards 2026 are held in association with Platinum Sponsor Natures Menu, with support from Headline Sponsors: Cliverton, The Animal People Recruitment Company, Mackle Petfoods and Rosewood Pet Products.

Businesses and individuals still have time to enter, with the deadline for entries on Monday 7 September 2026. Entry is completely free and open to PIF members and non-members. Tickets for the black-tie Awards evening are also now on sale, with accommodation available at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

For entries, tickets and further information, visit the PIF Awards website at https://petfederation.co.uk/pif-awards/

Family-run pet retailer Pets Corner is expanding its premium nutrition offering with the launch of Gentle Kitchen, a new fresh frozen dog food subscription service deigned to deliver high-quality, irresistible meals straight to your home.

Formulated by Pet Corner’s team of nutritionists and veterinary partners, Gentle Kitchen is created to give pet owners an easy way to feed wholesome, nutritionally complete meals packed with succulent meat and tender vegetables. The range has been developed to support dogs’ joint health, brain function and glossy coats, without compromising on quality nutrition, or value.

Available in four recipes – Rustic Chicken, Hearty Beef, Tender Lamb and Salmon – with prices starting from RRP £3.99 per pack, Gentle Kitchen combines premium ingredients with expert formulation. Each recipe contains 67% real meat or fish, making it one of the meatiest fresh frozen dog foods available, surpassing many leading competitors in the category. And, with carefully selected vegetables and functional ingredients, including salmon oil and hemp oil, the meals provide essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Gentle Kitchen is gently cooked at just 72°C, the lowest cooking temperature of any major fresh frozen dog food brand in the UK. This delicate cooking process helps preserve more of the natural vitamins, amino acids and beneficial oils found in the ingredients, while offering the convenience and reassurance of a cooked meal.

Unlike some fresh food recipes on the market, Gentle Kitchen avoids ingredients such as red lentils, which can be difficult for some dogs to digest. Instead, the recipes use highly digestible ingredients including rice and prebiotic-rich chicory, to support digestive health and sensitive stomachs.

Fresh frozen dog food has become increasingly popular among pet owners seeking minimally processed nutrition. The launch of Gentle Kitchen reflects growing demand for fresh, high-quality pet food that delivers both convenience and proven nutritional benefits.

The launch comes as Pets Corner continues to invest in innovative, nutritionally focused products that help pet owners make healthier choices for their animals.

Lucy Marcham, Nutritional Expert at Pets Corner, said: "We're delighted to introduce a fresh frozen dog food to our range, made with gently steamed single-source protein and vegetables before being frozen to lock in their natural goodness. It's an excellent choice for pet owners looking to explore fresh nutrition while providing their dogs with a wholesome, highly digestible meal.

"Cooked at just 72°C, the lowest temperature in the category, this gentle process helps preserve more of the natural vitamins, amino acids and beneficial oils in every recipe. The result is a nutritious, delicious meal that supports dogs' health and wellbeing."

Dean Richmond, CEO at Pets Corner, said: "As the pet food market continues to evolve, we're committed to offering the products our customers are increasingly looking for. With fresh frozen nutrition continuing to grow in popularity, we're delighted to bring a higher quality option to the market.

"Customers can choose the flexibility of one-off purchases in-store or enjoy the ease of a subscription service through our website. As a family-run business since 1968, Pets Corner remains proudly independent, with a focus on delivering wholesome, honest food at an excellent price, backed by decades of expertise and care."

The Gentle Kitchen range is available now in Pets Corner stores and online at www.petscorner.co.uk, from RRP £3.99, with both one-off purchase and subscription options available.

Pet-tech start-ups have until 11 September 2026 to apply for the next edition of Unleashed by Purina, as the deadline approaches for the global accelerator programme. 

Now entering its eighth edition, Unleashed is looking for growing businesses developing practical new solutions that could help pet owners and veterinary professionals provide smarter, more personalised, and preventive care. 

Selected start-ups will take part in a 20-week accelerator programme, working with a dedicated team of Purina experts from across pet care, technology, AI and innovation. As well as tailored mentorship, each selected business will receive funding of up to CHF 50,000. 

This year, Purina is particularly interested in businesses working in areas including AI-powered health monitoring, digital care platforms, diagnostics, nutrition, insurance and tools supporting veterinary professionals. 

Purina is also looking at how AI could help identify emerging behavioural trends, support more personalised interactions through digital assistants and expert advisory tools, and improve the development and activation of new pet care solutions. 

Over the past seven years, Unleashed has received more than 2,400 applications from over 50 countries and supported 46 start-ups working across a wide range of pet-care challenges. 

Previous winners have developed and scaled solutions spanning AI-enabled health monitoring, mobile-first pet adoption, consumer and veterinary diagnostics, preventive pet insurance and personalised nutrition support. 

Hong-Kong based scale-up Petalife partnered with Purina through Unleashed, helping to develop its AI-powered preventive pet health platform, helping pet owners and clinics detect early health risks through everyday signals. 

Eugene Siu, CEO and Co-Founder at Petalife said: “The Unleashed Accelerator has been a truly transformative experience for Petalife. Beyond the exceptional mentorship, the opportunity to collaborate closely with Purina's global experts challenged us to think differently, sharpen our commercial strategy, and better understand how to build a scalable solution that creates real value for both pet owners and the wider pet care ecosystem.” 

Jeanne Chatelle, Europe Head of the Purina Accelerator Lab, said: “Some of the most exciting ideas in pet care are coming from entrepreneurs who see an everyday challenge and find a smarter way to solve it. Unleashed works with start-ups that already have a solution in place, helping them accelerate their growth through access to Purina’s expertise, global network, and opportunities to scale. 

“With the application deadline approaching, we’re looking for innovative, tech-savvy people, hungry to learn and eager to grow their businesses with us. If that’s you, we’d encourage any and all start-ups with to apply. We’re looking forward to seeing the thinking that will shape our next cohort.” 

Final call for applications 

Applications for the next Unleashed cohort close at midnight on 11 September 2026, with selected start-ups due to be announced in early 2027. Onboarding for the programme will then begin in February 2027. 

For more information about the programme and to apply visit: https://www.unleashedbypurina.com/