Pets at Home is investing more than £490,000 in a new store opening in Ballymena, Northern Ireland on November 30, providing 13 new jobs for the local area.

Store manager Stephen Rainey has been with Pets at Home for more than six years, having previously worked at the Coleraine store. During his time with the company, Stephen has received regular training in pet care. He is the proud owner of a Rottweiler called Broxy.

Stephen said: “I love my job and working with pets. We are all passionate about pets, which is evident to everyone who visits a Pets at Home store.

“Every day brings new challenges and it’s never the same two days running. I enjoy interacting with customers and giving them the help and advice they need. Thanks to Pets at Home, I am fully qualified to advise on all types of pets from rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas to fish and reptiles.

“I’m delighted to be opening our new store in Ballymena. It will offer everything a pet owner could wish for, all under one roof. We will provide plenty of advice and ideas for customers and we welcome pets of all shapes and sizes.

“We will also have a Groom Room, offering full grooming, bath and blow dry, puppy grooming and nail clipping, which are all important to a pet’s health and wellbeing.”