More than 20,000 visitors attended the London Pet Show 2013 at Earls Court Two at the weekend with organisers and stand holders declaring the event a huge success.

“We increased space for the show by 40% this year with over 180 exhibitors selling some fantastic products and services. Many stand holders sold out of some of their lines on the first day, having to stock up overnight. It was by far our best show yet,” said Nicole Cooper, Director of London Pet Show. 

Adam Whiteley, head of pet insurance at headline sponsor Direct Line, said: “Our aim in supporting the show was to raise awareness of the importance of protecting your pet with insurance. We also wanted to help improve owners knowledge of their pets’ welfare by sponsoring the talks and clinics in the discover dogs and cats zone.

"Direct Line’s own vet nurse, Madeleine Pike, had a tremendous audience of keen dog and cat owners wanting to keep their pets healthy. We were amazed by the number of entrants for our pet friendly holiday at our stand. It was a great day out for all the visitors that came along.”

Gemma Duffield at Royal Canin, sponsor of Discover Cats, said: “We were really pleased to be able to support the London Pet Show event for the second year and feel the show continues to get bigger and better year on year! Fantastic footfall all weekend with a great buzz of passion and excitement filling the room. It was an opportunity to meet new customers and talk to them about a shared passion – putting their pets first to ensure all their nutritional needs are met, helping them fulfil a healthy and happy life!”

ITV2’s Top Dog Model Simba and his fellow finalists opened the show in a lively ceremony on Saturday, appearing alongside performances by the UK’s top freestyle dog trainers Donelda Guy and Mary Ray, hosted by BBC Radio London dog lovers Jo Good and Anna Webb, who launched their new book at the show.

There were over 450 animals for visitors to meet and popular activities and exhibits ranging from show jumping rabbits to racing micro-pigs, a new pony club area and exciting dog agility and flyball displays entertained the crowds who were there to find out more about what pet was right for them, how to care for their pets and to buy the latest pet products and gadgets. 

Sir Bruce Forsyth joined the Endal Awards organised by Dogs Today magazine to see his daughter Debbie Matthews receive an award for her Vets Get Scanning campaign to help owners find their stolen and lost pets, along with other pet heroes who received awards. He thrilled the audience with an impromptu speech.

The show included four dedicated zones: Small Furries sponsored by Burgess Pet Care; Cats sponsored by Royal Canin; Dogs, sponsored by James Wellbeloved; and Aquatics and Exotics sponsored by RC Hagen, each with a huge range of animals to meet and demonstrations. Home hygiene experts Zoflora sponsored the Animal Action Arena, the World of Cats and Cat Talks. 

Top animal charities including the RSPCA, Cats Protection, Wood Green and People’s Trust for Endangered Species and many more popular animal organisations including the Kennel Club, the Pony Club, Governing Council of the Cats Fancy, TICA and the Rabbit Welfare Association supported and exhibited at the show.

Companies interested in participating in London Pet Show 2014 should contact Tanya Cohen or Norman Grodentz on 07753 301 093 or email tanya@londonpetshow.co.uk or norman@londonpetshow.co.uk. For sponsorship contact Nicole Cooper on 01273 857820 or email nicole@londonpetshow.co.uk