Pet food brand Nature’s Variety has announced it will now be sold through Amazon and has offered a 25% discount to consumers switching to the online retailer.

Under the heading ‘WE ARE MOVING!’, the popular brand from the Natures Menu stable advertises: “Find your pet’s favourites on Amazon and save on your first order.”

The range of products was originally launched in January 2020 by Natures Menu under the True Instinct brand following an investment of £2.8m in freeze dried technology. The brand changed names later that year following the purchase of the Natures Menu portfolio by Spanish dry pet food experts Affinity Petcare.

New, bold orange packaging was designed to catch the eyes of retailers and customers alike and to provide clear signposting to the brand instore and online.

But now the brand’s owners feel that the Amazon channel is the best path for it to go down, tempting pet owners to switch with the money-off first order deal.

Pet Trade Xtra approached Nature’s Variety for a comment but there hasn’t been a response at present.

The team from The Ark, Devon, after receiving the UK Retailer of the Year Award 2022.

The prestigious PetQuip Awards, which celebrated its 10^th anniversary last year, is set to take centre stage again in 2023.

This year’s event will again see awards presented to deserving winners from the pet industry on the first evening of PATS Telford on Sunday, 1 October 2023.

Entry into the awards is free of charge and is now open. Email info@petquip.com to receive an entry form, guidelines and T&Cs.

The categories for the 2023 PetQuip Awards are:

• The Theresa Swann Exporter of the Year Award
• Celebrating Green and Organic
• Supplier of the Year
• Business Service of the Year
• New Starter Award
• Product of the Year (three categories): Accessories/Technical; Food/Treats; Healthcare/Animal Grooming
• International Retailer/Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year
• UK Retailer of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement

The closing date for full entries is 30 June.  Entries will be put through an initial screening test and the finalists will be announced in July before the independent judging panel sits down to choose the winners at the end of August.

Commenting on the launch of this year’s awards and the continued success of the event, PetQuip trade association manager Pat Flynn said: “Such has been the success of the PetQuip Awards that suppliers, retailers and our friends in the industry eagerly await the launch each year so they can submit their entries. 

“The industry in general looks forward to the announcement of the winners at PATS Telford.”

Work on a new veterinary hospital is well underway in Birmingham as it gets ready to open its doors later this year. 

With construction now complete, Blaise Veterinary Referral Hospital in Longbridge has reached fit out stage and the site team is working toward its doors opening in Autumn 2023, when it will provide a specialist-led, multi-disciplinary referral service and 24/7 emergency care for pets in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.

Blaise is the first purpose-built multi-disciplinary hospital for IVC Evidensia, one of the UK’s leading veterinary care providers. Driven by the boom in pet ownership over the last three years, it will accept patients referred from primary care vet practices across the UK and will offer a wide range of specialist treatments including orthopaedic and soft tissue surgeries, cancer treatment, specialist cardiology procedures, and a specialist-led anaesthesia service. There will also be an emergency and critical care service offering ICU and out of hours care. 

Located at the new West Longbridge regeneration site, the 36,000 sq. ft hospital is named after the patron saint of veterinarians. Known for his kindness and empathy towards animals and his ability to heal them, St Blaise was said to be able to tame the fiercest of animals and help timid creatures become braver. Animals trusted him and looked to him for help.

A series of personnel announcements has also been made for the hospital, including clinical director Andrew Kent. A European Specialist in veterinary internal medicine, Andrew has worked in referrals for over 10 years and will oversee the hospital from opening, driving it forward to become one of the UK’s top specialist veterinary hospitals.

Mr Kent said: “I am very much looking forward to joining Blaise Veterinary Referral Hospital and IVC Evidensia in this exciting project and creating a hospital that is an amazing place to work as well as one that offers exceptional levels of patient care.”

Mr Kent’s appointment is accompanied by two heads of service who are also esteemed practitioners in their respective disciplines. Joining his team are European specialists in small animal surgery Lara Dempsey, as head of soft tissue surgery, and Mike Farrell, as head of orthopaedic surgery. More service leaders are to be announced ahead of opening. 

Mr Kent continued: “Being able to bring such stellar talent to Blaise early on in our journey puts us well on our way to being one of the leading hospitals in the UK and having a specialist team well placed to look after pets across the Midlands.”

With the capacity to treat up to 10,000 pets pet year, the hospital will include state-of-the-art equipment, pioneering treatments and specialist-led extended clinical services including a custom-built intensive care unit for emergency and critical care, advanced imaging suite, oncology treatment wards and a number of modern operating theatres.

 Lucie Goodwin, national medicine lead for IVC Evidensia UK, said: “Blaise is our first ever purpose-built hospital and naturally we’re all very excited to take another step in the journey towards opening its doors. I’m particularly looking forward to working with Andrew Kent in his new role as clinical director, and with the new heads of service. 

“The facilities at Blaise will allow delivery of an excellent specialist service to clients and the location in Longbridge next to the ‘rewilded’ riverbank is peaceful and perfect for both pet owners and staff to spend some time. We are committed to creating a positive workplace culture, making Blaise a great place to work, benefitting employees, patients and clients alike.”

Vets Now, the UK’s leading pet emergency service which is also part of hospital owners IVC Evidensia, will be based at the hospital providing a comprehensive OOH service to local practices to complement the specialist-led emergency and critical care referral service.

The hospital plans focus on a number of environmentally friendly building initiatives and is set in a landscaped green space with picnic tables and a river walk to help enable a relaxing environment for owners and their pets.

It will embody IVC Evidensia’s Positive Pawprint sustainability strategy which looks after pets, people and the planet. The programme aims to reduce energy consumption and waste, along with supporting team wellbeing with the introduction of mental health first aiders, environmentally friendly clinical practices and many other initiatives. 

Some of the sustainability initiatives at Blaise include solar panels which span 40% of the building’s roof, air source heat pumps to decrease the use of fossil fuels, EV charging points and a travel plan implemented for staff.

The referral hospital will eventually employ around 100 staff and is part of a wider collection of developments at Longbridge which will regenerate 75 acres of brownfield land, deliver up to 5,000 new jobs, up to 395 new homes and 27 acres of landscaping and open-space.

The new West Longbridge regeneration site is easily accessible by road from the main A38 route linking the M5 and M42 with Birmingham city centre. 

For more information visit https://ivcevidensia.co.uk/longbridge or https://regeneratinglongbridge.co.uk/westlongbridge/.   

Council candidates across England have been urged to ‘prioritise animal welfare’ and ensure the cost-of-living crisis doesn't have catastrophic consequences for the nation's pets.

The call comes as the RSPCA launches its new local government manifesto ahead of the elections in England on May 4.

Local government plays a key role in animal welfare, and the RSPCA works closely with councils on issues such as enforcement, licensing, kennelling, stray dog provision, and more.

Across large parts of England, on 4 May, more than 8,000 local government seats will be contested within 230 council areas, with the thousands of politicians elected at the ballot box in a unique position to transform the lives of animals.

RSPCA officers are seeing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the frontline with more people abandoning animals, more animals coming into the charity's care, and rehoming slowing as financial pressures bite.

The election comes at a busy time for RSPCA officers on the frontline. In 2022, the charity investigated and closed 63,563 complaints of alleged cruelty across England and Wales – a whopping increase of 23.4% on the previous year; and problems continue in 2023. 

In February alone, 1,324 incidents of animal abandonment were reported to the animal rescue charity - compared to 1,226 for the same month last year, a rise of eight percent - with cost of living pressures believed to be a major factor.

Lee Gingell, the RSPCA’s public affairs manager for local government, said: “Local authorities are responsible for enforcing many animal welfare laws, and stand with us on the frontline for animals.

“Sadly, levels of animal neglect remain very high - and the cost of living crisis is the single biggest challenge for animal welfare right now. Ahead of the elections in May, pet owners and their animals across England face such a tough time.

“But new Councils and Councillors elected in May will be in a unique position to transform the lives of animals. 

“From promoting resources like the RSPCA cost of living hub to residents to protecting the welfare of pets of people who are hospitalised, and prioritising support packages that keep pets in their homes with loving owners during the crisis, there’s so much we hope local authorities will do in these unprecedented times.

“The RSPCA manifesto –  ‘A local voice for animals’ – urges political parties and candidates to support a number of policies ahead of the election, including those aimed at:

• Improving animal welfare enforcement
• Protecting the vulnerable when they need help – and their pets
• Stopping exploiting animals for our entertainment
• Celebrating local authorities who go above and beyond

Latest figures from leading vet charity PDSA reveal that more than nine out of 10 pet owners surveyed have never received any pet first aid training.

Three quarters of those surveyed (75%) wouldn’t know how to perform CPR on their pet, highlighting a worrying number of owners feeling unequipped to deal with an animal-related medical emergency, such as a seizure, heatstroke or road traffic accident.

PDSA, which provides vital treatment to pets in need, is encouraging owners to brush up on basic skills that could prove crucial. The charity’s expert vets have also created a free pet first aid guide to provide owners with vital knowledge that could help save their pet’s life.

A survey conducted by the charity also found that 80% of owners don’t own a pet first aid kit, and many feel uninformed when it comes to managing common illnesses or injuries affecting their furry family members.

For example, almost three quarters (74%) of those surveyed confessed they wouldn’t know or would be unsure what to do if their pet was having a seizure. While almost half (46%) didn’t know or weren’t sure how to help their pet if they were suffering from heatstroke. And over half (52%) would feel clueless or would be not sure what steps to take if their furry companion broke a bone.

However, it seems owners are keen to gain these necessary skills, with almost two thirds (67%) of those surveyed agreeing they should have a basic understanding of pet first aid.

PDSA’s handy first aid guide offers actionable tips around how to spot and provide first aid for injuries such as broken bones or bleeding wounds. It also suggests simple ways to prevent an emergency from happening, including keeping toxic human food and medications out of paws’ reach, as well as how to be prepared if your pet does become unwell or injured.

PDSA Vet, Lynne James, said: “The figures highlight the extent of the skills gap when it comes to basic pet first aid skills. However, owners often don’t realise how important first aid training is until they need it, which can sometimes be too late. As with humans, taking the right actions in the first few minutes following an emergency before seeking veterinary attention can make a huge difference on the outcome of the situation. The good news is that while it may seem like a big task, there are practical tips that owners can learn, which will help them treat and potentially save the lives of their pets.

“I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t feel confident providing treatment to their furry friend in an emergency to download our pet first aid guide, which includes a host of resources that could prove vital.

“Many of us may also be concerned about the cost of living at the moment, and the price of unexpected treatment will only add further strain to pet owner’s pockets. Aside from lifesaving tips on treating pets in an urgent situation, our guide also offers lots of simple advice that can help to avoid an incident happening in the first place, and requiring more costly treatment down the line.”

To download PDSA’s free pet first aid guide, visit: www.pdsa.org.uk/pr-free-first-aid-guide.

Mars Petcare is expanding its portfolio of treats with the launch of Pedigree Ranchos Lastin’ Layers and Reward Centres this month. Recognising that more pet owners are looking for treats that provide their dogs with something to keep them entertained and occupied for longer, the latest additions provide a fun but safe solution when it comes to treating. As the latest treat in the Pedigree range to be endorsed by the EVDS, it offers owners reassurance it’s safe for their dog’s teeth. 

Winner of Product of the Year in 2022, Pedigree Ranchos is ideally placed to help retailers capitalise on the growth of meaty treats. Its new products are crafted from limited ingredients, are grain free and low in fat. Pedigree Ranchos Reward Centres are deliciously long-lasting chews, filled with 100% natural chicken using new IP technology that delivers layers of fun and enjoyment; available in both mini and maxi sizes. Lastin’ Layers are made using a wonderfully crafted blend of dog friendly ingredients such as safe rawhide for a crunchy outer, with chicken & carrot or beef flavour inners.

Angela Cameron, European brand director for Pedigree, comments: “Research has shown 69% of dog care and treats market growth came from the rise in meaty and raw treats in 2021. With 54% of shoppers thinking of Pedigree as a ‘Meaty Treats’ brand⁷, we are perfectly positioned to cater to this growing demand. Through the launches of Pedigree Ranchos Lastin’ Layers and Reward Centres, we are aiming to support dog shoppers enter the meaty category safely and will support the roll-out with in-store activation to drive trial among new and existing shoppers.”

Dogs use their mouths to explore the world and their surroundings, chewing for multiple reasons, to aid teething pain, to play and to learn. This activity keeps their jaws strong and their teeth clean. However, dog’s teeth are more fragile than many people might think. Chips and fractures are hard to spot and are often missed by pet owners. It is estimated that one in four dogs have a tooth fracture, many of which are the result of chewing objects that are too hard. Endorsed by the EDVS and in line with guidelines from FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry federation) who advise to avoid excessively hard chews, the tough but safe texture of both Lastin’ Layers and Reward Centres will cater to those consumers looking for a moment to entertain and treat their animals without worry.

Cameron continues, “We’re very proud that Pedigree Ranchos Lastin’ layers and Reward Centres will be the next products in the Mars Petcare portfolio to carry the EVDS endorsement, expanding the market of safe textured chews. Strengthening Pedigree’s already beloved Ranchos range, these treats offer something different for pets. Boasting multiple flavours and sizes, we hope the launch will help encourage pet parents to learn more about how best to look after their pets’ dental health’ via the treats they choose.”

Choosing a chew or treat that is right for dogs isn’t always easy, so the Ranchos expansion will ensure retailers can stock a variety of safe options to choose from. In keeping with Mars Petcare’s continued mission to make a better world for pets, Lastin’ Layers, available in 40g packs and Reward Centres, available in 80g packs with an RRP of £2.00, will bring shoppers a different way to reward, train and bond with their pets.

ROYAL CANIN will hold its 2023 Vet Symposium on April 25-26 through a hybrid format. The event will simultaneously happen in Montpellier (France) and online via a dedicated platform. Veterinarians, vet nurses, students, and pet professionals from all over the world will be able to learn about the newest forward-thinking and innovative work on management and nutrition.

For the first time, ROYAL CANIN Vet Symposium will focus on vet nurses. With 387,000 worldwide vet nurses collaborating daily with 465,000 veterinarians, these overlooked yet crucial caretakers face their own pressing societal and career challenges. 

ROYAL CANIN has always been committed to helping and supporting the pet care industry which is experiencing multi-faceted workforce issues and a strong demand for more veterinary services. So, ROYAL CANIN wants to play its role and engage in conversations to help foster a sound, healthy veterinary ecosystem.

• Renowned world-class experts in time management and nutrition, including The New York Times bestseller Julie Morgenstern, and Addie Reinhard - Founder and Director of mentorship and professional development program for recent veterinary graduates MentorVet - will host roundtables on “self-care strategies for caretakers, and how to take control of your time” and “what to do when your clients cannot afford everything”, respectively.
• Vet nurses, including Georgia Woods-Lee, Weight Management Clinic Nurse at the University of Liverpool’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital, and Nicola Lakeman, Head Medical Nurse at Plymouth Veterinary Group, will discuss the joys and challenges of their invaluable profession as well as healthy weight and nutrition myth busters.

“For 55 years, Royal Canin has been striving to create a strong and mutually beneficial collaboration with the veterinary ecosystem. These professions are crucial to the health and well-being of pets, who, in turn, make our lives better,” said Cécile Coutens, Global Royal Canin President. 

More than an event in partnership with MSD and VETGirl, ROYAL CANIN Vet Symposium is also a digital platform. Participants are granted unique access to an immersive experience driven by the company’s Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. 

Virtual visitors can explore the Vet Symposium Village – which includes the sections ‘About Royal Canin’, ‘Meet our Partners’, ‘Media Gallery’, and ‘The Live Stage’, all dedicated to exclusive videos, lectures, and much more. 

True to its principle of Mutuality, ROYAL CANIN will have it available to most by having it translated into Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, and German. All content will also be on replay until the end of July. 

A new app has been created to make choosing the right pure breed of dog easier for potential dog owners in the UK. 

Hands2Paws is the creation of New York-based Elizabeth Menegon, who was inspired to set up the app during the Covid pandemic. 

Lockdown saw an increase in dog ownership but at the same time, an increase in the purchase of dogs that were unsuitable for people’s homes and lifestyles. This has since resulted in many dogs being sent to re-homing and rescue centres as their owners have been unable to cope with or accommodate the breed of dog they had chosen.

Hands2Paws has an algorithm that is used to match every breed recognised by The Kennel Club. Users are asked a series of lifestyle questions which will then be used to find the perfect pure bred dog for them. The new free downloadable app is already proving to be a hit in the USA and Canada and was recently showcased at Crufts.

Elizabeth said: “We see Hands2Paws as a resource, to educate consumers on choosing the right purebred dog for them. There are so many beautiful, purebred dogs that the average consumer doesn't even know exist, and potentially could be the perfect match for them.

“Once a user matches with a breed based on the results of their lifestyle questionnaire on the app, they can obtain more information by clicking the image of their chosen dog, and then being directed  to the breed association website for further reading and information about litters from licensed and registered  Kennel Club breeders. In addition, each breed association has their own rescue group as well so dog owners also have the choice to adopt a pure bred rescue dog. 

“Hands2Paws does not promote the sale of designer or mixed dogs. This industry is unmanaged and facilities are not inspected with puppies bred solely for commercial purposes to meet a need.  Our selling point is very simple and basic;  get the right breed for your lifestyle and obtain a  puppy  from a responsible breeder by acquiring information through the appropriate breed association that is affiliated to The Kennel Club and other licensed channels. This app will help to stop the trade in puppies from unlicensed and unscrupulous breeders and the heartache that some new owners face when they purchase a poorly bred dog.”

Stopping unlicensed breeders and highlighting the plight of rescue dogs was something that was heavily promoted by the late entertainer, Paul O’ Grady who recently passed away through his ambassadorship with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Hand2Paws is purely a non fee- based resource although Elizabeth hopes to partner up with other businesses in the pet industry who offer pet insurance and other products to advertise on the app with proceeds from this being used to help animal charities. The app will also be expanded to advertise litters from breeders down the line. She also hopes to extend her app to advertise rescue dogs as well.

Since launch in October 2022 the app has had thousands of downloads in the US and Canada, and breeders who breed and show their dogs have become big supporters of Hand2Paws because they know that not every breed is for everyone and having a resource that matches potential buyers to the right puppy assist the breeders in the pre-screening process.  This means that unwanted puppies are not returned to the breeder or end up in rescue centres.

For more information visit www.hands2paws.com

The British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) Conference, held at Hilton East Midlands proved to be a big success with over 80 members of the trade attending in person, 30 online, a diverse schedule of talks and the opportunity to network too.

The day, chaired by BETA Chairman Michael Darley, started with Gillian McAteer from The Citation Group discussing the HR changes coming in for 2023 and beyond, sharing case studies of tribunals and how businesses can protect themselves and ensure the best working environment for their team. Next was Jodie Seddon from Level Law who discussed the legal side of sponsorship, the commercial value for brands, and steps that can be taken to protect brands for maximum benefit. Following a short break, Claire Shand from Westgate Labs talked the audience through the campaign that led to the company winning the Marketing Effectiveness Award in 2020, and proved that with the right attitude, great things can be achieved on a small budget. The morning session concluded with Richard Cole from Future Money discussing the factors shaping the economy and a look at the past, present and future economic issues the country and businesses are currently facing.

“The day has been great,” said Laura Szuca from Equilibrium Products. “For me, I think it’s important for the trade to come together. We spend a lot of time doing things behind Zoom and it’s a great opportunity to get face to face for trade, retailers, manufacturers and old friends.”

“Fantastic day, as always,” said Nikki Newcombe from Bliss of London. “Great to network with everybody. Great talks- I always pick up something new from each individual talk even if I don’t think it’s necessarily relevant, I always take something home.”

“It’s been a very good event,” said John-Henry Welton from Tower Farm Saddlers. “Great to catch up with people in the same position as us, likeminded people in the industry who are doing the same thing or are doing the same thing at different points along the chain. I think the speakers have been great today. Very useful and you always get ideas even if they’re things that you’ve thought about before, to be reminded about the importance of it and different directions. It’s good to take a moment to reassess what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.”

After lunch, BETA’s CMO, Dr Diane Fisher, started with a personal view of the equestrian industry from a safety perspective and shared how equestrian related injuries are managed from her position and what we can all do to help support riders and the NHS. Next up was Sara Blackshaw, a retail consultant well known to the trade. Sara discussed future fashion trends including colours and fabrics, and the challenges of the supply chain that many manufacturers are met by. Following Sara was Rhea Freeman from Rhea Freeman PR, who talked about influencers, brand ambassadors and sponsored riders and whether businesses need them. This talk also included some ways that they can add value and led to an interesting discussion with the audience. Last by not least, Alyce Morris from Wastepack talked about the plastic packaging tax and the extended producer responsibility. This generated a lot of questions and was a valuable discussion to round off the day.

“We had a lot of positive feedback from the conference and really enjoyed being able to see so many of our members in real life,” said Claire Williams, Executive Director of BETA. “We do a lot through Zoom now, everyone does, but there’s nothing like face to face discussion, networking and learning.”

For more information on the BETA Conference and other training events and conferences, see www.beta-uk.org.

COYA Pet, a new company that launched its range of freeze-dried raw pet food and treats at PATS Sandown, has signed an ‘exciting’ agreement with Pedigree Wholesale.

The deal means that Pedigree Wholesale will be COYA Pet’s exclusive wholesale partner.

COYA Pet founder Peter Roy: “This is very exciting agreement for us. To partner with such an established and respected company as Pedigree Wholesale is a big boost for the business.”

Peter shook hands on the deal with Pedigree’s head of buying Melanie Malin and head of customer Chris Kirton at PATS Sandown.

Melanie said: “COYA Pet is an exciting new business and its free-dried products are truly innovative. We’re very pleased to be their exclusive wholesale partner.”

Pedigree Wholesale has invested £1.1m in a new fleet of delivery trucks in order to refresh its current assortment of vehicles with the overall aim of providing better service to customers.

Depending on availability, the company plans on replacing the entire fleet of vehicles over the next three to four years, working to continuously improve its process and strategy in operations. This continued investment plan is part of a commitment to becoming the ‘wholesaler of choice for customers and partners’.

Gerard O’Mahony, Pedigree Wholesale’s managing director, said: “Our customers are at the heart of our business, and finding ways to improve and serve them better is key. This year, our main priority is ‘raising the bar’ across the business, and updating our fleet of delivery trucks helps us do just this from an operational perspective.”

Pedigree Wholesale is one of the leading distributors of pet and aquatic products into the UK independent retail sector. Since being founded over 50 years ago, the family business has grown and developed into one of the key players within the pet industry, offering a vast range of products and servicing pet, aquatic and garden centre retailers across the UK.

A total of 1,837 visitors attended this year’s PATS Sandown, representing an increase of 2.5% on the number (1,794) who attended the exhibition in 2022. Retailers and buyers turned out in force to discover hundreds of new products being launched at the show.

The successful show closed with visitors and exhibitors agreeing it had been a huge success, with the event delivering an unrivalled platform for the launch of exciting new pet product innovations. 

The New Product Showcase was a busy area throughout the event, and retailers admitted they were spoiled for choice as they decided on which items to stock in their stores for the year ahead.

Exhibitors agreed the quality of visitors to their stands was exceptional this year and felt there was a great degree of confidence being shown within the UK pet industry.

New business COYA Pet used PATS Sandown to launch its freeze-dried raw pet food and treats, and founder Peter Roy said he was very pleased with the response from visitors. “The level of interest in our products has been extremely high, and it has come from the people that matter – the decision makers. The show gave us an ideal opportunity for face-to-face chats, and explain the benefits of our food and treats.”

The high quality of visitors came from independent pet retailers, major pet chains, garden centres, groomers, kennels, vet practices and farm shops.

“PATS Sandown has proved to be a huge success in terms of the number of exhibitors and visitors attending this year’s show plus so many new products being showcased. We were also pleased with the high quality of visitors,” said event director Gordon Thomas. “The reaction to the exhibition is a clear sign that the UK pet market is buoyant and active with so many companies, both established and new, launching hundreds of new products.”

Gordon’s comments were backed up by visitor Lynda Ward, owner of recruitment specialists Pet Trade Solutions, who said: “With 40 first-time exhibitors and so many new and exciting products on display, the whole event felt fresh and positive.”

PATS is now looking forward to its September showpiece at Telford International Centre, Shropshire, and already many companies have booked their stands. All the latest news and the exhibitor list can be found on a new-look website www.patshow.co.uk

Date for the diary

PATS Telford takes place on 1-2 October 2023

Pets Choice has announced the purchase of various brands and trademarks for the UK and EU from the Martin Family, including Bob Martin, Felight, Kitzyme, and Vetzyme.

Tony Raeburn, Pets Choice CEO (pictured above), said: “In Late November 2019 we purchased the Bob Martin Healthcare and Cat Litter factories after Bob Martin (UK) Ltd entered into administration and at the time agreed a license with the Martin family to sell their brands. 

“In the last three years, we have considerably grown the Bob Martin & Felight brands and now the purchase of the ownership of these helps secure their long-term future and allows Pets Choice to invest further.’’

The Martin family commented: "We have worked closely with Tony Raeburn over the past few years and are delighted that Pets Choice have purchased various brands that we own for the UK and EU. We will continue to market the Bob Martin brand outside these areas and work with Pets Choice on various supply agreements.’’

The proprietor of a pet store in Edinburgh has announced with a ‘heavy heart’ he is closing his business later this month.

Darren Donaldson has run the House of Hound for nine years but will close the doors for the final time on April 15.

In a post on social media, Darren said: “I want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to every one of you that has visited the store over the past nine years, and made it what it was. I had wanted a shop of my own from a very young age, and I was able to do it through your support and kindness. 

“I want to thank the team that held my hand and laughed and cried with me, through thick and thin, marriages, births, Christmas parties and some great times, and through the sudden loss of my lovely mum and grandmother in 2019, the loss of my beautiful Louis and Stella, through two years of Covid and the last year of roadworks. I love you all. Bryony, Hannah, Kat, Angel, Elena, Ollie, Niamh, and Rachel. You're crying, I'm crying, we are all crying! I cannot thank you enough. 

“Of course, because the dogs mean so much to us,  we couldn't leave them hanging. We have been working steadily to ensure there is a succession plan and your dogs will still have a doggy emporium to visit on Roseburn Terrace.  The lovely team @ Bonefide & Hordeum Botanical Studio/Disposition coffee are working hard to take on the lease and keep the doggy dream alive! 

“Finally, and importantly, I am starting a new chapter in April. I have a shop full and everything must go, so get down here and get shopping.  Please give us your support through the last few weeks and help House of Hound end with the same bang as when we opened. It's been a blast!”

Picture courtesy of House of Hound’s Facebook page.

The Pet Industry Federation has announced an impressive line-up of confirmed companies that will be involved in its Business of Pets conference. 

The Business of Pets is a new event designed to help pet businesses take that vital step to the next level. It will take place over two days on Wednesday 7 June and Thursday 8 June at the purpose-built Cranfield Management Development Centre near Milton Keynes and will have a full itinerary of inspirational and insightful speakers. An Evening Social BBQ will take place after the first day to allow for relaxed networking.

Companies confirmed to take part in the conference include Kantar, Serjeants, Innovate UK Edge, Natwest Accelerator, British Business Bank, SFC Capital, Piper, Cliverton, Sprintlaw and Watersheds. Delegates in attendance will gain advice and guidance from professionals who are experts in their area to help them ensure their best chance of success when growing. Attendees will also hear from pet businesses who have successfully taken the leap to the next step and who will be sharing their experiences.

A key element of this new conference is the Innovation of the Year Award, which will see the ten finalists presenting their innovation at the event, giving them unprecedented access to potential investors. The winner will be chosen on the final day of the event.

Nigel Baker, CEO of PIF, commented: “We are delighted with the calibre of companies we have secured for our inaugural Business of Pets conference. The event has been created for pet businesses who want to take their business to the next level but don’t have either the time, finance or support structure to enable them to do so. These two days of learning and networking will prove invaluable for the business owners, directors and decision makers who attend.”

Tickets to The Business of Pets conference are currently on sale and are strictly limited to ensure that delegates can make the most of their attendance. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please visit www.petfederation.co.uk

credit © Bernard Rose Photography

Maria Whalley and her husband Jim (pictured above) marked 10 years of running a pet store with a special day of events. The store has been trading for over 100 years.

To keep a 10-theme running throughout the anniversary day Neston Pet Supplies & Dog Grooming on the Wirral, Cheshire, Maria and Jim held a raffle with 10 prizes with all the proceeds going to local charities.

There was also a cake sale to raise even more funds for the charities.

Maria and Jim with their team of groomers and pet shop staff. credit © Bernard Rose Photography

The US exhibition SuperZoo on 16-18 August 2023 in Las Vegas is the largest North American trade show for the pet care sector and draws international buyers of pet supplies from the USA, Canada and around the world.  

It attracts the key industry players and all who visit are ‘10,000 of the most qualified pet industry retailers, buyers and decision-makers’ – from retailers, the large pet shop chains and pet superstores, supermarkets and mass merchandisers, speciality buyers and e-tailers and key distributors and wholesalers.  

During the pandemic SuperZoo organisers utilised the time to vet and re-qualify all past attendees resulting in the most up-to-date qualified attendees for 2022 and future editions.

SuperZoo 2022 welcomed more than 16,000 pet professionals, representing over 25 countries and all 50 States, to engage in new product introductions, expert-led education sessions and peer-to-peer networking events. The 331,500 square foot show floor featured more than 1,000 exhibitors from every pet product category and 900+ products made their debut in SuperZoo’s sold-out New Product Showcase.  

SuperZoo continues to be the industry’s go-to trade show for the pet retail community, making it THE event to showcase your products to the US $123.6 billion industry! According to the 2021/2022 National Pet Owners Survey, 70% of US households own a pet; equating to just under 90.5 million homes with pets.

Every UK exhibitor will be supported with a schedule of press releases before, during and after the show, to publicise the goods and services of the British group participants. The PetQuip team will be sending out a preview to named buyers in advance of the show to generate advance publicity for the group, plus providing other marketing tools to promote your presence.

Every exhibitor will also benefit from help with freight, travel & accommodation and other logistics from PetQuip’s dedicated event organisers; plus advice and information about how to prepare for and how to maximise your presence at the show. 

During the exhibition, the PetQuip team will be on hand on the association’s industry information stand, promoting the group and directing visiting buyers to your stands. 

PetQuip’s British-branded and themed exhibitor pavilion area will be located by the New Product Showcase area of the show floor. The comprehensive stand package for each 10’ x 10’ booth will include:

• Booth carpeting
• 8ft stretch custom printed graphic panel back wall (partial low walls of 3ft high drape between booths for a more open feel)
• One 90cm wide x 90cm high podium with stretch custom printed logo and Britain branding covering and one stool
• Daily booth cleaning
• Company identification sign
• The PetQuip team will assist with ordering any additional items you might require

To find out more about this exciting new opportunity to showcase your products in the US and to book your booth at SuperZoo 2023, contact Emma Brazier on 01959 565 995 or email emma@petquip.com.

The Kennel Club has been granted a Royal Prefix to mark the 150th anniversary of its existence. Henceforth, the organisation is named The Royal Kennel Club.  

Chairman of The Kennel Club, Tony Allcock OBE, said: “We are honoured that as of the 4 April 2023, the date the club celebrates its 150thanniversary, The Kennel Club will be known as The Royal Kennel Club.

“The world has changed significantly over the last 150 years – as has The Kennel Club – and we remain committed to protecting and promoting the health and welfare of all dogs. I am very proud to be part of an organisation that is making a positive difference for dogs and their owners.”

The Kennel Club was established in 1873 and since its inception has held royal patronage. The club began for the purpose of bringing order and regulations to dog shows and field trials which were taking place at the time. Since then, the club has evolved into a multi-faceted organisation encompassing the UK pedigree and working dog registry, The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, Crufts dog show, the Young Kennel Club, the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme and the members’ club itself, which has over 1500 members.

The Kennel Club is the only UK organisation of its kind and underlying all of the above functions is a strong ethos to safeguard and promote canine health and welfare. This work applies equally to all dogs, whether they are in the show ring, working in the field, taking part in activities such as agility and obedience, or pets and companions.

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