Kennelpak, the long-standing pet food wholesaler and European distributor, which encompasses omnichannel pet care specialist retailer Pets & Friends, has appointed james Langam as Chief Commercial Officer. James has been Managing Director of Natures Menu for the past three years, and as Commercial Director for the two years prior.

The Board role will see James directing and leading the growth strategy of Kennelpak's wholesale and distributor division. The role also includes responsibility for further strengthening the Pets & Friends product offer across the chain of specialist stores, ecommerce platforms and online subscription service. 

Since CEO Claire Bayliss' appointment in June 2021, her focus has been to set out the vision and long-term growth strategy for Kennelpak, building a new Board and Senior Leadership Team who will execute this strategy, of which James' appointment is key.

At Natures Menu James oversaw the company's most profitable years ever.

James said: “I am delighted to be joining Kennelpak at this exciting point in the evolution of the business. I look forward to working with Claire, the wider team and the customer and supply base to maximise the potential of Kennelpak in the market.”

The company, which has a head office in Nottinghamshire, was founded in 1974, and creates high quality pet food and product brands including Yakers, Collards and Dylan, with distribution across the UK and Europe. Kennelpak are also UK distributors for international brands such as Wellness CORE, Whimzees and Taste Of The Wild.

Kennelpak own Pets & Friends, a growing chain of specialist pet care retail stores and a highly rated ecommerce platform. Pets & Friends are dedicated to creating a community of happy, healthy pets and responsible pet parents by providing high levels of expertise, advice and services to its customers, alongside high-quality and great value pet food and products.

Speaking about James' appointment, the company's CEO Claire Bayliss said: “James joins us at a pivotal time as we invest significantly in both our Wholesale and Retail divisions. Over the last year, my focus has been to establish a brand-new management team to deliver profitable growth across the Kennelpak group, building on our heritage and expertise.”

Award-winning company PARK LiFE has produced a short video to demonstrate how one of its treats – Fris-Bix – lives up to its name.

Fris-Bix won a Best New Product Award at last month’s Glee show at the NEC in Birmingham, creating lots of interest from visiting buyers at the trade show.

PARK LiFE’s founder Richard Marles said: “We were inundated with potential customers at the event asking us to demonstrate the product. But it's difficult to throw a Fris-Bix in a crowded trade show, so we decided to have a video made to showcase how far they can fly.”

Richard recruited the services of Dublin video maker Hedgehogs vs Foxes, who shot the film at PARK LiFE’s HQ in Ireland overlooking Ballykeeran Lough on the outskirts of Athlone.

“The dogs had a great time catching Fris-Bix all afternoon,” said Richard.

He will now use the video to promote Fris-Bix on social media platforms, as well as replaying  it on the PARK LiFE stand at PATS Telford in September.

Natural pet food firm Encore is recalling a batch of its multipack dog food because the Beef Steak with Potatoes in Gravy tin, within the multipack, may contain small pieces of metal.

The affected products are:

• Encore Beef Selection in Gravy (Multipack), 5 tins x 156g, batch code LU1-343, best before 09 December 2024
• Encore Beef Selection in Gravy (Multipack), 5 tins x 156g, batch code LU1-302, best before 29 October 2024
• Encore Beef Steak with Potatoes in Gravy (Individual tin), 156g, batch code LU1343D, best before December 2024

The risk statement posted on the Food Standards Agency website says: This product may contain small pieces of metal which makes it unsafe for dogs to eat.

Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice.

The advice to consumers is: Our advice to consumers (pet owners) is: “We urge customers who have bought this product not to feed it to their dog and return it to the store with or without a receipt from where it was bought for a full refund. Further details are available at https://encorepetfood.com/uk/contact-us/

The full alert can be viewed at https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-44-2022

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is investing nearly €65 million (£55 million) in three Consumer Flexibles packaging plants in Europe in order to meet growing customer demand for sustainable pet food packaging solutions. 

The European pet food market has grown significantly in recent years, driven by a consistent rise in pet ownership. This trend increased during the Covid-19 pandemic and is expected to continue for many years to come.

This project is part of Mondi’s previously announced €1 billion expansionary capital investment programme to accelerate growth in sustainable packaging and will further strengthen its leading position in the pet food packaging market.

Work has already started at Mondi Korneuburg (Austria) and includes investments in new, state-of-the-art machinery and equipment as well as an expanded production area. These changes will lead to a capacity increase, solidifying the site’s position as a market leader in pre-made retort stand-up pouches for wet pet food.

The group is also investing in new, advanced machinery at Mondi Halle and Mondi Steinfeld in Germany, to increase production capacity of sustainable pre-made bag solutions for pet food, as well as home and personal care. This will enable future growth and support customers to switch from multi-layer, non-recyclable packaging to more sustainable alternatives such as mono-material recyclable stand-up pouches and paper-based pre-made bags.

Dirk Gabriel, COO Consumer Flexibles, Mondi, said: “We take pride in being an innovative, agile partner for our customers. With this investment, we continue to take the lead in packaging solutions that are sustainable by design, especially in the pet food industry.  

“This investment also supports our Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030) sustainability framework which is focused on circular driven solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate. With these projects, we’re increasing operational efficiency and reducing our own energy consumption while also connecting our production network.”

Pets at Home is welcoming the ‘return of the Saturday job’ with the introduction of new fixed day/hour contracts for both new and existing colleagues, following an increase in demand for regular part-time roles to fit in around commitments outside work.

The new roles will be called Pet Care Assistants and will come with the same benefits as full-time Pet Care Advisor colleagues. They will be available for a minimum of four hours a week and will likely offer up to a maximum of eight hours each week, similar to the types of contracts associated with traditional Saturday jobs.

One of the key advantages of these new contracts is that they offer the flexibility for improved work-life balance with employees able to dictate their preferred working days and hours, supporting those who may have previously struggled with the unpredictability of traditional shift-based work such as students, carers, parents, and retirees.

These new roles will also help stores to provide additional support at weekends and busier periods, enabling Pet Care Advisors to have more time to focus on providing expert advice to customers resulting in both happier colleagues and improved service for loyal customers.

Jane Beresford, Group Director of People Partnering at Pets at Home, said: “We are delighted to be able to support both new and existing colleagues with the creation of the Pet Care Assistant role. We’ve listened to feedback and understand that the inability to determine your own working patterns and hours can be a barrier to entry to many.

"With this new permanent contract role, we look forward to welcoming even more pet lovers to join us in looking after the UK’s pets, without having to compromise on any of their commitments outside of work.”

There has already been a lot of interest in these roles from within the stores and demand is expected to increase as the new roles become available over the coming weeks.

Jollyes launched Operation Cool Dog during record temperatures across the UK this week, urging shoppers to make sure their pets had a cool spot at home.

And for those that needed to venture out, the leading retail chain offered free doggy ice cream in all of its 80-plus stores.

Each store made sure outside water bowls remained full so dogs visiting Jollyes could hydrate in the face of very high temperatures.

The stores also carried a full range of Frozzy’s frozen yoghurt especially made for dogs in single tubs or multi-packs and in original, blueberry and strawberry.

In many stores too there were Alexander’s Natural Kefir Paws made with organic.

Sales of cooling products for dogs also surged as owners took extra care of their pets while temperatures rose.  From travel water bowls to cooling mats – Jollyes saw a ten-fold increase in sales of cooling products.

Nicola Hughes, who joined Pets 2 Places just six months ago, has achieved amazing success, smashing targets and reaping the rewards, having already earned back her full franchise fee.

Fifty-one-year-old Nicola, who lives in Solihull, West Midlands, with her husband and four children, stumbled onto the opportunity purely by accident.

"My friend is a franchisee of a cleaning business and saw an article about Pets 2 Places in a magazine. Knowing how I was looking for a challenge and my love of animals, she thought it would be the kind of service I’d really enjoy running," she said.

"I launched my business in January 2022 and it’s been a crazy journey ever since. I can’t believe how much the local community value the service. From vets recommending me to even being stopped in the street for a leaflet, I really couldn’t ever have imagined the business would be so successful so quickly.

"Six months in and I am so thrilled that I made the decision to buy my franchise. I love my customers and being able to help them with their pets, they are full of so much praise it really is amazing to go to work every day and feel so valued."

This is what one of Nicola's customer had to say: "What a find! My car is out of action and I can’t get a local taxi to take my dog to the vets and as she was poorly I didn’t want to walk her. Willows gave me Nic’s number and I gave her a call. What a wonderful service. She picked us up in a lovely air conditioned vehicle and strapped us in properly. We were taken to the vets while Nic waited until we had finished then took us home again. Nic is a lovely chatty person with dogs and cats of her own so is very empathetic. Good value for money as she waited until we were finished so there was no hanging around waiting for the taxi to arrive back from somewhere else to take you home. Highly recommended for any sort of domestic pet."

Pets 2 Places was established in 2014 in Milton Keynes by its founder Claire Harris who saw a gap in the market.

"There really isn’t anyone doing what we are doing, people who don’t drive need to get their pets to places, like the vets and groomers. When I started, I didn’t quite appreciate all the services we could offer to support our client base. The service grew and grew locally and customers were calling form all over the UK who needed to get their pets to places. I have a growing database with over 600 people waiting for the service to start in their area with Manchester and London topping the table.

"A franchise model seemed the obvious answer. I love being my own boss and I want others to love what they do."

Even the vets are on board with the praise too, with one saying: "Having Nic to bring our customers who don’t drive to the vets has really helped us out, the amount of calls we used to get from distraught customers whose pets need to get to the vets, but we just couldn’t help them, we didn’t have any suggestions before other than asking friends or family. Its so much quicker and easier for us to give out Nic’s number now.

"She’s been bringing pets without customers too, so it’s good to know we can recommend her. The customers love Nic and have been singing her praises to us, so we know she’s doing a great job helping people."

If running a pet taxi in your area sounds like something you would love to do, the only requirements for the role, other than being able to drive of course, is being kind and loving animals.

Here’s what Claire had to say on the success of her first franchisee: "I’m honestly over the moon, I always knew a pet taxi would be a success based on the number of enquiries I get on a daily basis, but Nic’s success has even surpassed my expectations."

For more information visit https://pets2places.co.uk/

Those young people considering university but are put off by eye-watering tuition fees are being urged to consider a career in dog grooming.

University students have long been required to scrimp and save but a recent article by Save the Student estimated the cost of a three year undergraduate degree in the UK to be more than £27,000 for tuition fees alone.

In addition, the rising cost of living coupled with the increased competition for degree places is enough to make most people's heads spin - and means those who thought higher education was their next step might be looking to reconsider.

So if you think you're barking up the wrong tree with your plans for the future and you're 'mutts' about canines, then a career in dog grooming could be for you.

Between 2020 and 2021 the population of dogs in the UK rose from 9million to 12 million - and with 17 of the 20 most popular dog breeds now requiring regular grooming, this has led to a significant surge in demand for Dog Groomers.

If you're not sure where to begin, the iPET Network – an Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation specialising in qualifications for the Animal Care and Veterinary Science Sector - has put together a one-stop guide on how to become a dog groomer for those thinking about getting into the industry, including information about the relevant qualification they have available. 

The company was founded by Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty, who have a background firmly rooted in dog grooming training, dog grooming salons and other doggy businesses giving iPET Network the foundation to development industry led qualifications.

Sarah and Fern said: "The pandemic puppy boom has led to a considerable shortage of groomers and the effects of Covid-19 have left many looking for more rewarding and flexible career options.

"If you're an animal lover looking to retrain then dog grooming could be the choice for you.”

"We are proud to have developed a brand new introductory dog grooming qualification, the Level 3 Award in an Introduction to Dog Grooming. This qualification consists of theory work and a five day practical course where candidates are trained in skills such as prepping, bathing, scissoring, clipping and nail trimming on several dog breeds. 

"There is no requirement to sit a formal exam and no prerequisites to enrolling, meaning you can join at level 3 without having completed a lower level course first. 

"Setting up a dog grooming business gives you the opportunity to be your own boss, tailor your working hours to suit your needs and regain a healthier work/life balance.”

"Working with animals is rewarding and enjoyable - you will form relationships with the dogs as well as their owners, and build a rapport with regular clients."

Dog grooming course costs start from approximately £1190 and you can start earning straight away once qualifying. 

Visit the iPET Network website and enter your postcode to find your nearest iPET Network training provider and learn more about the available Dog Grooming qualifications.

https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/guides/a-guide-to-becoming-a-dog-groomer/

There is just one week to go before entries close for prestigious PIF Awards.

With a range of 20 categories, awards are a great showcase for the breadth of the pet industry and highlight this year’s inspirational success stories.

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, commented: “We know from speaking to past winners that winning a PIF Award gives companies a huge boost and we are delighted to have once again received a fantastic standard of entry so far. We would encourage all businesses thinking of entering to submit their entry by July 29^th to make sure they are in with a chance of taking home a coveted PIF Award trophy.”

Sponsored by Cliverton, Tuft and Collar, the 2022 PIF Awards are free to enter; category criteria and details on how to submit an entry can be found at www.petfederation.co.uk

PIF Award winners will be revealed at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire on November 17th.Tickets are on sale now at www.petfederation.co.uk

Nigel added: “We are all very much looking forward to hosting the PIF Awards again this year. With a great venue, band, drinks reception and three course menu already booked, it’s guaranteed to be a fantastic evening to meet up with customers and colleagues and celebrate the pet industry. Tickets and rooms sold out last year so we’d encourage everyone to book early to make sure they’re not disappointed.”

This year’s PIF Awards take place on Thursday November 17 at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire. Tickets to the black tie event include a complementary drinks reception, three course meal with wine and live entertainment. Individual tickets can be purchased at www.petfederation.co.uk with savings for tables of ten and a discount code for accommodation at Whittlebury Hall.

Sponsorship is available at Headline or Category level and provides excellent promotional and networking opportunities. To find out more about sponsorship, telephone Daniel Everett, PIF’s Events Coordinator, on 01234 224507 or email daniel.everett@petfederation.co.uk. 

Inspired Pet Nutrition, the home of some of the nation’s most-loved pet nutrition brands, has expanded its wet food offering, with the launch of Harringtons’ new wet puppy food. 

Available in single 380g and 6x multi-packs in a delicious chicken flavour, the new wet puppy range is packed full of wholesome nutrients and goodness, ensuring natural healthier taste, while meeting the needs of growing puppies. The wet puppy range is available online and in selected Morrisons stores across the UK.

Harringtons believe that a Harringtons puppy is a healthy and happy one, which is why the new recipe has been created using 70% freshly prepared chicken, with salmon oil as a natural source of omega 3, to aid in a pup’s cognitive development.

The brand-new recipe is also grain-free to meet the needs of all puppies, including those with sensitive digestive systems. No surprises, just natural, wholesome goodness! 

Similar to the adult wet dog food range, Harringtons uses its unique FreshCook® method to gently cook and create an exceptional wet puppy food. This method uses human grade quality ingredients that are freshly prepared and gently cooked to give your four-legged friends not only a great, mouth-watering taste, but to lock in nutrition - making it digestible for your pet’s health and happiness. 

The final recipe has been perfected by experts at Harringtons to ensure a nutritionally balanced meal for healthy dogs, free from grain, dairy, soya, artificial flavours and colours. 

Will Bushell, Head of Dog Marketing, at Inspired Pet Nutrition, said: “Here at Harringtons, we know that puppies everywhere deserve and require the correct nutrition in order to grow into happy and healthy dogs. We wanted to cater to consumer needs and provide owners with an option to help support their pups in their development. The brand-new wet puppy range does exactly that, providing the correct nutritional value to help puppies grow into fit and healthy dogs.”

Available in two sizes, the wet puppy range can be purchased in:

• Wet Puppy 380g single packs, at an RRP of £1.30
• Wet Puppy multi-packs (6x 380g), at an RRP of £7

To find out more about Harringtons wet puppy range visit: https://www.harringtonspetfood.com/collections/harringtons-grain-free-wet-dog-food/products/chicken-with-potato-vegetables-grain-free-wet-puppy-food-8x380g

As part of IPN’s Positive Pawprint initiative, Harrington’s has also introduced fully recyclable packaging in its wet food multipacks.

Chloe Smith, founder of Tuft Global, the innovative grooming app for pet owners to find, book and review local groomers, has been recognised as a 2022 Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year finalist at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

The category celebrates businesses across the UK that are leading the way in providing a new or established service in their industry, and Tuft was selected out of over 5,300 entrants — the most the awards has ever had.

Launched in June 2021 by young entrepreneur Chloe Smith, Tuft is the UK’s first app-integrated salon management software that gives dog groomers a convenient way to manage their business and reach new clients.

The inspiration for Tuft came to Chloe when her father struggled to get their family dog – a very hairy Yorkie – in for a groom. Groomers were either too busy with other customers to answer the phone or it was difficult to find high-quality, local groomers on the internet.

Following a successful year and the pet tech brand increasing its downloads by 29% since January, Tuft has expanded into Europe and is on track to become the leading international pet services app.

Chloe Smith said: “Myself and the Tuft team are thrilled to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. Providing an excellent service to both dog groomers and dog owners globally is what Tuft is about, so it’s an honour to be announced as a finalist after dreaming about the business for over 10 years!

“It’s particularly rewarding to be flying the flag for the pet industry next to the innovative rawhide-free edible greeting card brand, Scoff Paper.

“Congratulations to all the incredible finalists; I look forward to meeting you all this November.”

Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, adds: “The quality of applications is consistently excellent year on year, but we have been especially blown away by the innovation, drive and determination demonstrated this year.

“This year’s finalists should be so proud of what they’ve already achieved both in business and in being shortlisted for an award - we’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the Finals and unveiling the winners!”

The winner will be announced at a Grand Final at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Monday 21st November and to book your place, visit: greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com 

Find out more about Tuft here: https://tuftapp.com/

The indoor enclosure for guinea pigs and rabbits from Trixie consists of 12 elements, 35 x 35 each (metal, powder-coated) and is easy to put together.

It can be enlarged as desired and offers ample space for rodents.

With the matching elements, it can be expanded to an enclosure appropriate for the species. For rabbits, at least one other enclosure should be placed on top to prevent the pets from jumping out. This way, furniture, plants and cables can be protected from the little pets that love to nibble.     

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Birmingham Dogs Home’s kennels are currently at full capacity as the charity has been receiving record number of dogs being handed in every day.

Between February and June 2022, Birmingham Dogs Home received over 80 dogs every month, more than double the number it received in the same months in 2021.  

“We have capacity for over 120 dogs in Solihull and 90 more in our Wolverhampton centre and every kennel is full,” said a spokesperson.  

“Our canine carers are working hard to help every dog and to find new homes for them as quickly as possible, but we are stretched to our limits.

“We are appealing to local dog lovers to consider offering a second chance of happiness to these dogs who find themselves homeless through no fault of their own.

“This is our 130th birthday year and the current situation shows how vital the work of our charity still is today. We will continue to support the Midlands community and be here for every dog that needs us for many years to come.”

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has responded to announcement that the UK inflation rates have risen to a new 40-year high.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have showed the government’s consumer prices index which measures the price of living – was up from May’s 9.1% figure.

Inflation, which stood at 2.5% in June 2021, has now risen for nine months in a row and it's now expected to peak at above 11% when energy bills rise again in the autumn.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, has pointed to the increases in Retail prices below the overall Inflation rate as evidence that margins are being reduced. Retailers are struggling now to not to pass on to consumers ever rising commodity prices, but we are now seeing signs that retail prices are drastically increasing in most sectors.

Mr Goodacre added: "This latest increase to 3.1% Retail Inflation seemed inevitable and we are not surprised to see that some sectors have been effected worse than others.

"Since last summer we have been warning of double-digit supply chain inflation that would result in higher prices. However, retailers are doing all they can to limit the price increases as they recognise that the shoppers have less money to spend. By far the largest Retail Price inflation is seen in Furniture which accelerated to 5.6% in June as retailer’s were forced to pass on supply chain increases.

"These latest increases will, we worry further damage consumer confidence and reduce expenditure. Furthermore, we are concerned about the rising cost of debt payments as a result in interest rate rises as many more independent retailers have increased levels of debt due to Covid.

"We feel that government needs to review the options for paying back the bounce back loans and offer more flexibility to the businesses dealing with a tsunami of cost increases," he said.

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) chaired its first working party to identify ways in which the UK pet industry can provide aid for dogs and cats affected by the war in Ukraine and the PIF team were truly humbled by its results.

Working with charity partner, U-Hearts, the session was attended by representatives in Ukraine, USA, Germany, Austria and France in addition to UK businesses including Jollyes, Pets Corner, Pets Choice, Mackle Pet Foods, Parklife and Fish4Pets. All present were visibly moved and pledged their support to the Save Pets Of Ukraine initiative in the coming months.

PIF CEO, Nigel Baker, commented: “With a pet population of 7.5 million cats and 5.1 million dogs in Ukraine before the war, there is a real need for support in terms of food, equipment and medical supplies for those pets that have been left behind when their owners have either sadly been killed or had to flee their homes. It was truly heartening to see the UK pet industry coming together during the session to pledge food and financial aid. This crisis is not going away so if any other businesses would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.”

To find out how you can help, email info@petfederation.co.uk

To view the full presentation given at the working party, click here: https://vimeo.com/730249638

Plans have been submitted to turn the former Marks & Spencer Foodhall and Carphone Warehouse sites in Spalding, Lincolnshire, into a Pets at Home store. 

Schroder Real Estate Investment Management has applied to South Holland District Council to convert the units into a Pets at Home retail store.

Documents lodged with the planning application state: “The proposed store will provide a pet grooming facility and a vet service, which are part of the overall offer of a Pets at Home store. The in-store ‘Vets4Pets’ area provides general animal health treatments and welfare advice to emergency medical procedures and offers the full range of veterinary services.

"The store will also accommodate a Groom Room salon which offers treatments across a range of services to enhance the well-being of dogs.”

People and pets are often hard to see not only in the dark, but also in fog, rain or snow. Trixie's broad product range of luminous, flashing or reflecting items for pets and their owners make them clearly visible, not only during the dark season.    

Flash luminous rings are simple and at the same time noticeable with a range of visibility of up to 500 metres.

They can be set to flashing or continuous light as desired, and they can be recharged without problems via the integrated USB port or the cable included.  

Agria, one of the world’s leading pet insurance companies,has announced a partnership with Riding For The Disabled (RDA).

Agria, which has won multiple awards for its pet insurance, is supporting this week’s RDA’s National Championships at Hartpury College in addition to raising funds for this much-loved charity.

“We are incredibly excited and proud to be involved with the RDA,” says Vicki Wentworth, Agria’s managing director. “We are so aware of how much horses do to enrich our lives and what building a relationship with a horse can do for building confidence and happiness. Nothing illustrates this more than the amazing work done by the RDA, which is such a valuable and loved charity. As a horse lover, for me this charity epitomises all the good that horses bring to our lives.”

Clare Prysbet from Riding For The Disabled says: “We are delighted to be starting a new partnership with Agria at this important time for both our organisations. With Agria’s help, we can continue to support our groups all over the UK, delivering life-changing opportunities for disabled people to benefit from time spent with horses.

“With disabled people having been disproportionately affected by COVID and lockdown, our activities are more important than ever, and we are doing everything we can to help our groups get back to strength and help more people take part,” adds Clare. “The RDA would like to thank everyone at Agria for supporting our plans and making a real difference.” 

The iPET Network has gained approval as an End Point Assessment Organisation for the Equine Apprenticeships. 

iPET Network are now approved for 4 apprenticeship standards, Animal Care and Welfare Assistant, Dog Groomer, Equine Groom and Senior Equine Groom. iPET Network are also awaiting approval for the Keeper and Aquarist standard.

This development marks a massive step for the emerging Awarding Organisation, which this year was granted an expansion of scope by Ofqual to offer qualifications across the whole Animal and Veterinary Science Sector.

Becoming an End Point Assessment Organisation, regulated by Ofqual for the Equine Groom and Senior Equine Groom marks iPET Network's move into the wider Animal Care and Veterinary Science Sector, following the success of the businesses' award-winning canine and feline qualifications.

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty, co-founders of iPET Network, said: "We are thrilled to become an End Point Assessment Organisation for these equine apprenticeship standards.”

"As an organisation, the iPET Network's core priorities have always been to enhance our animal care industries with high quality training and qualifications, drive up standards and ensure that animal welfare is at the heart of all we do.

"We are thrilled to be expanding these principles to the equine field too."

The Equine Groom is a fundamental occupational role in all equine businesses, and vital to an industry that contributes over £8bn to the British economy each year.

Grooms are an integral part of equine businesses, ensuring the welfare of the horses are maintained to a high standard. 

They are involved with feeding, grooming, cleaning equipment, handling, preparing, exercising the horses and carrying out routine yard duties. 

The Senior Equine Groom will provide for and coordinate the day-to-day care of the horses and have all the necessary skills to implement effective systems relating to the running of the yard.

iPET Network have developed assessment tools to ensure continuing robustness (independence, consistency and accuracy), and will be working with employers in the equine industry.

Sarah and Fern added: "iPET Network is so proud to be contributing our skills to an industry so steeped in tradition and helping to ensure that the Grooms of the future have top quality skills and training."

A pet shop has used its social media platform to debunk myths about animal welfare during a heatwave.

Maggie’s Pet Store in Stockport, Greater Manchester, has posted on its Facebook page the following advice to pet owners:

The hot weather has brought out the usual myths on social media! So I just wanted to clear this one up for you:

• DO NOT walk dogs in this heat - true
• DO NOT leave dogs in hot cars - true 
• DO NOT give your dog ice cubes - false 
• DO NOT give frozen treats or frozen KONGs - false 

There are lots of posts in circulation sharing an unnamed vet's advice that giving ice or frozen treats will cause serious harm or even death. This is simply not true.

When you see anything shared on social media, question the source. An unnamed vet, a post copied and pasted or simply posted from a cropped screen shot is an instantly questionable source.

If your dog is fit and healthy with no signs of heat stroke they are more than safe to:

• eat an ice cube
• play with ice cubes
• have ice in their water bowl
• have frozen food/doggy ice cream
• have a frozen KONG
• enjoy frozen treats inside ice

These can only be dangerous when a dog is already suffering from heatstroke and have been given iced water in an attempt to cool them down. This can cool them down too quickly and potentially send their body in to shock.

If your dog is overheating or suffering from heatstroke, then please get your dog to a vet as soon as possible!

Picture taken from Maggie’s Pet Store page, credited Jennifer Bartlett, Canine Behaviourist

Paleo Ridge, a leading producer of high-quality raw dog food, has launched seven VIP raw dog food clubs to support its customers and help them save on orders. The clubs include an Agility Club, a Breeders Club, a Bulk Buyers Club, an Ambassadors Club, a Vets Club and an Affiliate Club building on the pre-existing Stockists scheme.

Members of the Breeders Club will receive 20% off all orders, plus a free special puppy pack for new puppy owners and referral codes that provide additional discounts on future orders. The exciting new puppy packs have an RRP of £19.99 and include a defrost tub, serving tool, an informative puppy leaflet, a bowl, a towel and more.

Any customers associated with a UK agility club will be able to join the new Agility Club, receiving a 20% discount. Customers ordering over £250 in raw dog food will be offered a 15% discount and free shipping as part of the Bulk Buyers Club. Through joining the Ambassadors Club, customers promoting Paleo Ridge on social media or other platforms will also receive a range of discounts.

The Affiliate Club is designed for customers with a website or other platform that would like to earn loyalty points for the Paleo Ridge website. Meanwhile, Stockists are championed as an important and valued extension of the business and receive a variety of benefits, from competitive trade discounts to POS materials. Members of the Vets Club will have access to a generous discount and freezer deals, while also having the opportunity to provide their patients with a highly nutritious diet.

Will Green, Director of Marketing at Paleo Ridge, says: “I am extremely proud of our wide range of raw dog food clubs. These new clubs have been specially designed to offer customers the best possible access to our premium raw dog food, supporting them in providing their dogs with the best diets to lead long, happy and healthy lives.” 

Applying to join a club is simple, visit the Paleo Ridge website for more information and to get started - https://paleoridge.co.uk/raw-dog-food-clubs

A new podcast has launched this week to help pet parents navigate the remarkable yet challenging journey they go through with their furry friends.

Hosted by one of the best-known Cotswolds farmers and rural TV presenters in the UK, Adam Henson, and curated by the specialist pet insurer Agria, the podcast All Ears provides a wealth of guidance and advice to make owners feel supported in looking after their pets.

Welcoming expert guests including dog behaviourist, trainer and nutritionist, Anna Webb, through to The Webinar Vet, Anthony Chadwick; the podcast covers the key concerns for new ‘pawrents’, including how to truly nourish your pet through diet and sharing tips on how to become a more sustainable pet owner.

In the first episode, founder of Puppy School, Gwen Bailey, joins Adam to talk about the important milestones leading all the way from an adolescent pup to an old-aged pup (OAP).

Previously Head of Animal Behaviour at one of the UK’s largest animal welfare charities, Gwen has lived and worked with dogs all her life and in this episode, she provides enlightening advice, spanning from how to introduce a new dog into the family, to how to care for your animal friend as they get older.

Vicki Wentworth, Managing Director at Agria Pet Insurance, says: “We are delighted to launch the All Ears podcast - the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee. Since spending more time at home over the last few years, so many of us have added a new furry friend to our family or an additional walk to our daily routine. As a pet owner myself, with a menagerie of mostly rescued animals including horses, a dog, a cat, and ex-battery hens, I know how important it is to equip yourself with tips to help our pets to thrive. By collaborating with some of the most experienced individuals in the pet industry, we are hoping to make pet parents feel confident in their animal ownership – providing a lifetime of love – guaranteed!”  

Adam Henson, Cotswolds Farmer, rural TV presenter and All Ears Podcast Host, says: “It’s a pleasure to be a part of Agria’s All Ears podcast. I’m passionate about sharing my love of animals with others and the podcast not only allows me to do this, but as a pet owner myself, I have also gained some valuable hints and tips from the insightful pet experts that I can apply at home. I can’t wait to hear what our listeners think!”      

All Ears with Agria Pet Insurance is available to listen to and download from Spotify, Acast, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible and all main podcast directories. There are five episodes to enjoy, the first launching yesterday (13th July). Episodes will be launched bi-weekly thereafter. New Agria Pet Insurance customers can receive their first month free and a luxury hamper for their pet when quoting EARS at agriapet.co.uk.

One of Spain’s most respected veterinary groups has joined UK-based VetPartners. VetPartners is made up of some of the UK’s most respected and trusted small animal, equine, mixed and farm practices and production animal health business.

Alianza Petsalud, which has 21 small animal practices, as well as the Vetersalud business, has become the biggest group in Spain to join forces with UK-based VetPartners.

Founded in 2004, Alianza Petsalud was established by vets, including founding partner and CEO Jose Antonio Carrillo.

The group chose to join VetPartners, which is expanding across Europe, because of shared values, including the importance of focusing on its people in practice and supporting them to deliver the best possible care of pets and an excellent service to clients.

VetPartners aims to become one of Europe’s leading animal health businesses and currently has more than 600 locations across seven European countries, as well as complementary businesses, including laboratories, two nursing schools, a locum agency and online retail businesses.

After being launched in York in 2015 with three practices, VetPartners, which is led by vet and CEO Jo Malone, pictured right, now has practices in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland.

In January 2022, Praxia, a referral practice specialising in various fields, including cardiology and orthopaedics, based in Elche, Alicante, became their founding practice in Spain, where it now has more than 40 practice sites following the acquisition of Alianza Petsalud.

Jose Antonio Carrillo said: “We are delighted to be joining a group which shares the values of Alianza Petsalud. By joining forces, we can be a force for good in the veterinary profession in Spain and the rest of Europe.

“Both parties are dedicated to delivering clinical excellence for our patients, as well as supporting the wellbeing and development of our people, which is why we felt VetPartners was the right home for our organisation.”

VetPartners’ operations and expansion in Spain is overseen by managing director Augusto Macías, a vet, pictured left, who also has 30 years’ experience in the veterinary business. He is President of AGESVET-GGA Group in AVEPA association and professor in Universidad Europea.

Mr Macias is delighted to welcome Alianza Petsalud, and believes there also potential for more growth in Spain.

Mr Macias said: “VetPartners and Alianza Petsalud share the same values, and together we want to create a great place for our vets and nurses to work, where they feel valued and supported. Both groups have been founded and are led by vets so we understand what is important to our people and to the profession.

“We also want to be renowned for providing an excellent service and care of our patients with investment in our practices and continued development of our team members.

“By focusing on its people and the veterinary profession, VetPartners is making a huge difference. We want to focus on attracting and growing talent, with good professionals and good people who can continue developing in the profession. This will enable VetPartners to become the group of choice in Spain and Alianza Petsalud are a very welcome addition to our family of practices.”

As well as veterinary practices, Alianza Petsalud also has Vetersalud, which provides services, including training, to independent clinics.