The Pet Care Trade Association is changing its name to the Pet Industry Federation, in a move designed to establish the organisation as the pet industry’s foremost trade body.

The Federation will operate as an umbrella organisation for the British Dog Groomers’ Association and the re-named UK Kennel & Cattery Association (formerly British Kennel & Cattery Association). 

Three new associations will be formed to join them:  the Pet Retailers’ Association, the Pet Manufacturers and Suppliers’ Association and the Pet Services Association. All existing members will automatically become members of the associations relevant to their business.

"Since joining the organisation in December 2012, I have been impressed by the diversity of our membership," said Nigel Baker, chief executive of the Pet Industry Federation.

"The task of representing members that differ so widely in scale and nature is complex. Creating associations for each sector of membership allows us to rise to the challenge and better represent our members’ interests.

"Each association will have its own committee which will be made up of a board director and members. The committees will help to develop our membership benefits and help form policy for better communications with government decision makers. As we grow in numbers the authorities will be compelled to give greater credence to the organisation and its members’ views, which means the industry will have an even more powerful voice.

"One of the main advantages of the name change is to give the Pet Industry Federation a separate identity to that of the Pet Care Trust. The name change will bring greater clarity to both organisations and allow the Pet Care Trust to launch a number of new initiatives. The Pet Care Trust is the public-facing charitable arm of the Federation."

The launch of the Pet Industry Federation is accompanied by a raft of new membership benefits, tailor-made to each divisional association.

"Our extensive membership benefits are designed to add value to membership in real monetary terms," explained Nigel, pictured above.

"We are able to capitalise on our unique position as the only body encompassing all sectors of the pet industry and will be offering exclusive member to member opportunities on a regular basis."

The Federation will continue to support its members in striving for excellence in their businesses through its comprehensive education programme and an exciting events calendar. Further developments will be announced shortly.

The new name was launched at PATS Sandown.

For more information about joining the Pet Industry Federation, visit www.petfederation.co.uk or call 01234 273933.