Beco Pets has been praised by the UK Pet Industry Federation for pulling off an unprecedented and “enormous achievement” after winning the same award, Exporter of the Year, TWICE within the space of five weeks.
The environmentally-friendly company was also enjoying a double celebration after its Senior Field Sales Account Manager covering the east of England, East Midlands and Yorkshire, Becky Lambert, was named the industry’s Sales Representative of the Year 2016.
Beco Pets, who have just launched Britain’s first truly eco-conscious Food for Dogs, export to 43 countries and impressed the judges at the PetQuip Awards five weeks ago. And their gong for Exporter of the Year was duplicated this week at the Pet Industry Federation Awards 2016.
The awards’ Master of Ceremonies Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, said: “To win Exporter of the Year on two separate occasions with two different bodies is an enormous achievement. I have not seen it happen before.
”They have done very well. Beco has showed initiative and good growth, UK Plc needs exporters like them. It’s great that they can find their way to overseas markets. To achieve an award like this shows what is possible.”
The Sales Representative of the Year award was decided by a dozen judges on a panel and one organiser behind the scenes confided: “The judges’ decision to give this award to Becky Lambert was unanimous. People know her and they felt her win is well-earned.”
From Nottinghamshire, Becky (pictured above) has 16 years’ experience in the pet trade, and drives 1,000 miles a week covering her patch. She said she was “absolutely blown away and very honoured” to have won the Best Sales Representative award.
“The only other prize I have ever won is an award for designing a miniature garden in a competition at my primary school when I was aged six,” said Becky. “This is my first award in the pet industry and I am very, very proud to get it.
“I like to think of my customers as my friends. I wasn’t expecting the award at all. I’m very honoured. It comes from a lot of hard work and building relationships. But it’s easy to be a successful sales rep if you have a fantastic product range and a supportive company like Beco Pets to work with. Like me, my family will be absolutely blown away, ‘chuffed to bits’ – a proper Nottingham saying that. It’s also an early Christmas present that will go on my mantle piece.”
At the PIF Awards presented by TV star Chris Barrie, of Red Dwarf fame, Becky’s manager, Beco Pets’ Sales Director and company co-Founder George Bramble, said: “Becky makes a massive contribution to Team Beco. She goes beyond her remit and is an amazing person, definitely the most enthusiastic and bubbly sales person I’ve ever met. Becky puts customers first, builds fantastic relationships, and describes herself as a ‘self-proclaimed hippy eco warrior’, which we all love!
“Becky deserves this award more than anyone in the industry. We’ve always known she was the best, of course, and now it's great to have the recognition of the Federation. The work Becky has put in building the Beco brand with retailers over the past eighteen months has been amazing.”
Commenting on Beco’s double achievement winning the Exporter of the Year twice in such quick succession, Bramble also paid tribute to his International Sales and Logistics Manager Aretha Thompson.
“We are absolutely over the moon to receive two amazing awards. Having won Exporter of the Year at PetQuip and again for the second time is a double honour and a double tribute to the amazing work of the entire sales team and in particular Aretha Thompson. Aretha has done impressive work selling to over 40 markets worldwide.”
Beco Pets International Sales and Logistics Manager Aretha Thompson; co-Founder and Sales Director George Bramble; Sales Representative of the Year Becky Lambert.
Photography: www.RecollectionPhotography.co.uk
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Pet Industry Federation Award winners revealed
The 2016 Pet Industry Federation Award winners were announced at a thrilling awards dinner on Tuesday evening at Wokefield Park Hotel near Reading, in front hundreds of pet industry professionals. Winners included Burns Pet Nutrition, Naturediet, Pedigree Wholesale and Beco Pets...
The 2016 Pet Industry Federation Award winners were announced at a thrilling awards dinner on Tuesday evening at Wokefield Park Hotel near Reading, in front hundreds of pet industry professionals.
Presented by actor and comedian, Chris Barrie, and organised by the Pet Industry Federation (PIF), the Pet Industry Federation Awards recognised entrepreneurial talent, commercial acumen and quality customer service in a range of pet businesses.
Shortlisted companies were mystery shopped and mystery telephoned, and subject to the deliberations of tough judging panels, as part of the process to choose an overall winner.
The 2016 Awards were sponsored by Mars Petcare, Nestle Purina, James Wellbeloved & Royal Canin, The Pet Charity, Natures Menu, PATS, KD Grooming Studio; Chip & PIN Solutions, The Institute of Pet Professionals, Inspired Pet Nutrition and PIF Telecom. PBW News once again supported the event as the media sponsor. The full list of winners were: Independent Retailer of the Year – sponsored by Natures Menu
PETSHED LTD
Pet Retail Chain of the Year – sponsored by Natures Menu
PETS CORNER, HEDNESFORD Manufacturers of the Year – sponsored by PATS
BURNS PET NUTRITION and NATUREDIET Wholesaler of the Year – sponsored by PATS
PEDIGREE WHOLESALE
Exporter of the Year – sponsored by PIF Telecom
BECO PETS Grooming Business of the Year – sponsored ROYAL CANIN and James Wellbeloved
VITA CANIS
Kennel/Cattery of the Year – sponsored by Nestle Purina
ORCHARD END KENNEL & CATTERY Pet Services – Doggy Day Care & Boarding – sponsored by Chip & Pin Solutions
BRUCE’S DOGGY DAYCARE Pet Services – other pet services – sponsored by KD Grooming Studio
PET BEREAVEMENT SERVICE, BLUE CROSS Sales Rep of the Year – sponsored by Mars Petcare
BECKY LAMBERT (BECO PETS) Lifetime Achievement of the Year – sponsored by Inspired Pet Nutrition
STEVE FOWLER The Awards took place against the backdrop of the Pet Industry Forum, which was packed with a fantastic line-up of a range business speakers whose presentations were often insightful and interactive. Crammed with helpful tips, hints, networking opportunities and passionate debates; this was not one to be missed. PIF Chief Executive, Nigel Baker said: "This year’s sell-out Pet Industry Forum was lively, controversial and tackled some of the most pressing issues affecting our industry today.
"We were delighted with the turnout and the participation from delegates to make it one of the most memorable Forum events to date. PIF is very appreciative for the generous support of all our sponsors and speakers, as well as the participation of stakeholders from all corners of the pet industry.
"As the UK’s trade association for all pet business, PIF is already looking at how it can push the industry to take forward some of the ideas which emerged at the Forum to ensure that the pet industry continues to grow and thrive."
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Pets Corner in Hednesford has been named Pet Retail Chain of the Year at this year’s Pet Industry Federation Awards.
The store, which is one of 160 shops that make up the family run, ethical pet retailer, was judged on its overall commercial success, customer service and satisfaction, staff training and contribution to innovation over the last 12 months.
This is the third consecutive year that a Pets Corner store has won the coveted title with the company’s Cheltenham and Warminster stores winning in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
The Pet Industry Federation Awards has become the pet trade’s social event of the year celebrating and recognising the outstanding work of independent and national pet businesses across the UK.
Lauren Elshaw, Manager at Pets Corner Hednesford, said: “We are thrilled to have won Pet Retail Chain of the Year 2016 and join our colleagues at Cheltenham and Warminster in receiving this much coveted title.
“We are really proud of everything we do at Hednesford and have worked extremely hard to ensure all our customers – both animal and human – receive a warm and friendly welcome and the best possible expert advice.”
Dean Richmond, Managing Director of Pets Corner, added: “Great work Hednesford! I knew they could do it! They work tirelessly to make sure their store is one of the best in the company and are consistently going above and beyond by coming up with new ideas. I love receiving the regular feedback from customers praising their efforts so this is a very well deserved win – congratulations!”
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The PetShed in Swindon has been crowned Independent Retailer of the Year at the Pet Industry Federation Awards.
Store manager Sarah Wells reveals to Pet Trade Xtra how the pet store has achieved its award-winning success.
How did your success story begin?
Philip Wells, our Managing Director, has been in the pet trade since he was 15. He used to work for the wholesaler Wundpets and was with them for 27 years,. He eventually became the Sales and Marketing Manager, and then was made redundant. He worked for a couple more wholesalers and even did some consultancy, but was made redundant again. It was at this point, that he realised he was putting in ranges for other pet shops, so why not have a go himself, with all his knowledge, experience and contacts within the trade. We started trading in April 2003.
How many people work in the shop now?
We have 15 people who work for PetShed – this includes a couple behind the scenes, but most are customer facing.
Do you attract customers from a wide area?
Because of our location (literally seconds off the M4) we do have quite a big catchment area along the M4 corridor, and we have customers travelling from Hungerford and Andover.
How do you attract new customers?
We regularly advertise on two local radio stations, Heart and Sam Fm Swindon, as well as adverts in the local press. We are looking at leaflet-dropping all the new housing in Swindon, and we have a very active Social Media presence with paid advertising on Facebook occasionally.
How do you keep customers loyal?
This year we have taken on a new warehouse on site so we are able to take advantage of stronger buying deals, converting our prices in to a range of Everyday Low Prices for new customers. We don’t have our own Loyalty Card, but support all the ones that are available for the brands we sell. We have a monthly newsletter that keeps people up-to-date with special offers, new ranges and forthcoming events.
What’s the secret of your success?
Hard work, attention to detail, and taking into account what our customers are saying, and what they need, not what we need to sell.
What does this award mean to you?
The award means that all our hard work, and the team’s dedication has paid off. It's proof that we are offering what customers are looking for!
What are your plans for the future?
To continue to grow as we have over the last 13 years, and obtain more sites.
For more information about the PetShed visit http://petshedonline.co.uk
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Franchise Brands has acquired pet care business Barking Mad to add to its existing portfolio of franchises, with the deal struck for £900,000 in a combination of cash and shares.
Established in 2000 as an ‘alternative to kennels’ by Lee Dancy, Barking Mad offers dog grooming and dog washing via self-contained “state of the art” mobile salons.
Lee Dancy (pictured above left) will continue to manage the company whilst being able to draw on the extensive franchising expertise in Franchise Brands’ leadership team and Board.
It currently has 75 franchised territories across the UK, operated by 71 franchisees and serves an estimated 20,000 customers.
Founded in September 2008 by Stephen Hemsley and Nigel Wray, Franchise Brands is a group of international multi-brand franchisors and has an existing portfolio of over 400 franchisees in 12 countries.
Stephen Hemsley, executive chairman, Franchise Brands, said: “We are delighted with the acquisition of Barking Mad which fits very well with our strategy of acquiring high quality franchise businesses that can benefit from our central services and which has a similar customer base to that of our two main existing brands, ChipsAway and Ovenclean.”
Lee Dancy, managing director, Barking Mad, said: “We are looking forward to working with the team at Franchise Brands whose clear experience in successfully growing high quality franchise businesses will help us greatly in the next stage of our development.”
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A dog, whose crippling arthritis became so bad he was almost put to sleep to end his misery, is now able to walk again – thanks to PDSA vets.
Bill the Springer Spaniel was so riddled with the condition that at his lowest point he could barely rise from his bed. And when he did, he was only able to drag his back legs across the floor.
 Owner Doreen Fawcett (64) from Walker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, said she was left devastated at how quickly her loving and energetic companion deteriorated before her eyes.
She said: “Bill has suffered from arthritis for several years and was on medication for it but a few months ago he suddenly became really poorly.
“He collapsed and couldn’t walk at all. He just went downhill so quickly it was absolutely awful. I was crying my eyes out because I knew he was suffering so much.”
Doreen immediately took eleven-year-old Bill to PDSA’s Newcastle Pet Hospital where vets carried out X-rays to discover the extent of his condition.
PDSA senior vet, Clare Hinchliffe, said: “We carried out tests which showed that Bill had spondylosis of the spine, a degenerative condition, as well as narrow space between his spinal discs.
“He also had severe arthritis in his hips and knees which was causing him constant pain. Because Bill’s condition was so severe, we had to consider putting him to sleep. But we decided, with Doreen’s approval, to try a different treatment.”
Bill was already receiving an anti-inflammatory drug, together with a joint supplement but PDSA vets decided to try adding in another medication, that combats pain in a different way, as a last resort.
Clare added: “We don’t tend to use this combination of drugs as a standard long-term treatment for arthritis in dogs but in Bill’s case it was the only option.”
 Thankfully the new regime of drugs began to take effect and there was a significant improvement in Bill’s pain levels and mobility.
Doreen said: “PDSA have been wonderful and, thanks to the new treatment, Bill is so much better than he was.
“He couldn’t get up at all before but now he can walk around and even climb up and down the stairs. Bill is such a happy dog, he loves everyone and he loves life.”
PDSA is raising awareness of conditions such as arthritis, thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
PDSA vet Rebecca Ashman says pet owners can also play a vital part in alleviating the discomfort caused by arthritis: “We see many cases of arthritis where the pet can be helped not only through veterinary care, but also through weight reduction and appropriate levels of exercise.
“Recognising symptoms and taking early action can help alleviate pain and slow the progression of the condition.”
PDSA fast facts about arthritis:
- Over a pet’s lifetime, the smooth joint surfaces can be worn away, which can result in inflammation of the joints, stiffness and reduced mobility, resulting in arthritis.
- Obesity can lead to the onset of arthritis as it causes additional pressure on the joints.
- Advances in veterinary medicine means there is a range of treatments available to help manage arthritis and put the spring back in your pet’s paws.
- It’s important to keep pets mobile even in their twilight years. Older pets might look happy curled up on the sofa, but a short walk – even if it is only to the end of the road or a trot round the garden - on a regular basis, could help keep joints moving and stiffness at bay.
For further information about PDSA and free pet health advise visit www.pdsa.org.uk
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Pets at Home celebrates £5m charity milestone
Pets at Home’s Very Important Pet (VIP) club has raised £5m of funding to support animal charities across the UK via its Lifelines scheme...
One of the projects helped by the VIP Club – Smokey Paws, a charity which provides pet specific breathing apparatus to fire services.
Pets at Home’s Very Important Pet (VIP) club has raised £5m of funding to support animal charities across the UK via its Lifelines scheme.
Pets at Home’s VIP club collectively own over 10 million pets. Every time a VIP club member swipes their card in-store, at the vets or Groom Room salon, they collect points, which are converted into VIP Lifelines for a pet charity of their choice.
To celebrate this milestone, Pets at Home hosted a ‘Hi-5’ celebration event on behalf of its nearest Lifelines charities at many of its stores, of which there are more than 420 throughout Britain.
Each of the celebration events was themed around colleagues and customers giving each other and their pets a big ‘Hi-5’ as a well done for the fundraising success.
Many of the charities, which include small independent causes that help animals in the immediate area around the company’s stores, also attended to say thank you to the customers for their on-going support.
Gavin Hawthorn, director of CRM at Pets at Home, said: “Our VIP club has been a tremendous success and we’re truly proud of the amazing amount of support the Lifelines scheme has given to animal charities across the country.
“The club is free to join and offers great member features, including deals and discounts, as well as financial support to amazing charity causes.”
To celebrate the £5m of Lifelines, Pets at Home has created a round-up of the best animal ‘Hi-5s’. Check it out here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE-bcAeszvg.
For more information about the VIP club at Pets at Home visit: petsathome.com/VIP.
Pictured: One of the projects helped by the VIP Club – Smokey Paws, a charity which provides pet specific breathing apparatus to fire services.
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Eukanuba celebrates Extraordinary Dogs at The National Pet Show
The National Pet Show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham this weekend (Novembner 5-6), and during the event Eukanuba will be educating dog lovers about the importance of providing dogs with tailored nutrition and appropriate care to help them live a long, healthy, and more vibrant life...
The National Pet Show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham this weekend (Novembner 5-6), bringing together pet enthusiasts from all over the UK to learn more about our favourite animals and the best way to take care of them through informative talks and demonstrations.
During the event, Eukanuba will be educating dog lovers about the importance of providing dogs with tailored nutrition and appropriate care to help them live a long, healthy, and more vibrant life.
As sponsors of The Supervet Live Tour, Eukanuba will welcome Channel 4’s Supervet Professor Noel Fitzpatrick to The National Pet Show where he will share never been told before stories of the pets he has treated recently at his surgery Fitzpatrick Referrals, giving visitors a unique insight in to a day in the life of the Supervet himself.
Eukanuba’s Veterinary Training Manager, Kellie Ceccarelli will be giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the importance of providing dogs with the right tailored nutrition and appropriate care for their breed, life stage, and life style to enable them to live a long, healthy and more vibrant life. Lastly, visitors can learn how grooming is an essential part of caring for pets’ health and well-being thanks to demonstrations using the FURminator deShedding tool on the Eukanuba stand.
Giuliano Buccino, Head of Marketing at Spectrum Pet Brands (UK & Ireland) comments: “The National Pet Show is a great event, giving visitors the opportunity to come together and share the positive impact that pets have on our lives.
“At Eukanuba, we encourage owners to bring out the extraordinary in their dogs by providing them with super premium nutrition and appropriate care, and as such, we’re thrilled to be exhibiting. The event is more than just a pet show; it celebrates the unique relationship that we have with our dogs and educates visitors on responsible pet ownership so you can enjoy a long, happy and healthy life with your beloved pet.”
Eukanuba’s premium nutrition uses high quality chicken or lamb as its principle protein source offering a complete and balanced diet which can be tailored to support various breeds, lifestages and sensitivities.
Eukanuba will be present at stand D245 offering visitors the chance to win three months’ supply of nutrition by testing their agility skills on Eukanuba’s interactive game and signing up to its newsletter. A £5 off voucher for in-store use on 2.5kg bags and above can enjoyed alongside a 100g Eukanuba food sample, £5 off voucher for a FURminator deShedding tool, and 25% off voucher for a Groom Room professional grooming session with every free show guide.
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Evolution Aqua, the multi award-winning British manufacturer, has secured exclusive UK distribution of Reef Life Support Systems (RLSS) and Waveline aquatic products.
Itself a multi-award-winning company, Canadian based H2O Systems Inc, owner of the Waveline and RLSS brands, is well known around the world as one of the pioneers of developing DC pumps for aquariums and for their ground breaking, revolutionary protein skimmer designs.
“Waveline is a great fit for us,” said Jeremy Gay, Business Development manager at EA.
“Like us they have their own, privately owned and operated factory and do all their own research and development in house. This has already led to many leading DC pump and DC skimmer product releases, and Waveline RLSS lead in the marine equipment market, where others follow.”
Waveline and RLSS join the ever growing Evolution Aqua aquarium product portfolio which includes Kessil, eaReef, eaReefPro, PURE Reef Balance, The Aquascaper and PURE Aquarium brands.
Many more product releases are promised for late 2016/early 2017 including the Kessil A80 LED light, PURE Aquarium Bomb, the evoUV Aquarium Steriliser and the much anticipated Waveline Wavepuck reef flow pump.
For more information go to www.evolutionaqua.com
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 North Wales based Pero (Foods) Ltd has appointed Steven Dennard as its new UK Sales Manager for the southern regions (anywhere below the M4). Having gained valuable experienced and knowledge working abroad for pet food companies across Europe as well as acting as a consultant for a new pet food company in New York. Steve has now joined Pero to add to the continuing success of the company and will cover the south of England. Steve also has the added advantage of previously building his own successful brand of dog foods using Pero’s private label range known as the Signature Range for two and half years.
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The drive towards humanisation in the pet sector continues to give the sales of Christmas pet products a boost. While many dog food companies are filling the aisles with advert calendars and token gestures to the season, Pooch and Mutt are taking their lead from premium chocolatiers’ offerings for the festive season.
The Christmas Dinner Treat Tube combines a blend of turkey, parsnips, stuffing, peas and gravy for an authentic festive flavour.
Each treat is only three calories so dogs can enjoy Christmas with all the trimmings. Their Deluxe Christmas Dog Treat Tin contains Pooch & Mutt’s best-selling grain-free treats: Calming Crunchies; Daily Dental and Sensitive Salmon. Each layer is packed full of active ingredients for a natural and healthy premium treat.
Guy Blaskey, founder of Pooch and Mutt explains: “We wanted to celebrate the success of our award-winning grain free treats in a new high-end Christmas offering. This seasonal launch helps introduce the treats, that are available all year round, to a new audience.
“So far Christmas pet products have tended to hit the lower end of the market but we are confident Pooch & Mutt are providing the premium gifts that all dogs deserve.”
The Christmas Dinner Treat Tubes RRP £3.50 and Deluxe Christmas Dog Treat Selection Tin RRP £5.00.
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Ceva Animal Welfare Awards - nominations open
Nominations are now open for Ceva’s 2017 Animal Welfare Awards, which will again celebrate the achievements of remarkable people from the farming, veterinary and charity industries...
Nominations are now open for Ceva’s 2017 Animal Welfare Awards, which will again celebrate the achievements of remarkable people from the farming, veterinary and charity industries.
Outstanding contributors to animal welfare can now be nominated to receive an award by their colleagues, friends and family or by the general public. Nominated welfare heroes can come from all walks of life, all ages, and from anywhere in the world, and will be assessed on the evidence provided in the original nomination.
Since the first Ceva Awards in 2010 hundreds of animal welfare professionals have been nominated, with the winners decided by a panel of esteemed judges including Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc and James Yeates, chief veterinarian at RSPCA. This year’s winners and runners up will be honoured at a glittering ceremony taking place on the eve of BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) Congress on 5th April 2017.
If there is an individual or team that you feel deserves to be recognised for their ongoing commitment to animal welfare, visit www.cevawelfareawards.com to nominate. Entries must be in by January 13th 2017.
“We really have been awed and humbled by the nominations for Ceva’s Animal Welfare Awards over the past seven years and we expect this year to be no exception,” says Ceva managing director Cuneyt Seckin.
Mr Seckin adds: “The lengths to which some wonderful people go to ensure the health and happiness of animals across the world really knows no bounds. Not only do the awards champion people involved in animal welfare, but they also raise awareness of this important work to wider audiences.”
The categories aim to cover all industries involved in animal welfare. For 2017, these are:
Chris Laurence Vet of the Year Award - in association with Veterinary Times
Recognises a veterinary surgeon working in practice who educates pet owners and consistently demonstrates a commitment to the continued improvement of animal welfare standards.
The VN Times Welfare Nurse of the Year Award – in association with VN Times
Honours a working veterinary nurse who has shown a real commitment to improving and championing excellent animal welfare within their practice and further afield.
Charity Professional of the Year Award (UK & International) – in association with PDSA
Someone who works within a charity organisation and consistently performs to the best of their ability, with the single minded goal of helping save and improve the lives of animals in need.
Charity Team of the Year Award (UK & International) - in association with Your Cat and Your Dog magazines
Recognises an awe-inspiring team whose drive and passionate dedication has changed the lives of animals for the better, by tirelessly promoting and championing their cause.
Volunteer of the Year Welfare Award (UK & International) – in association with Blue Cross
Celebrates an individual whose dedication and tenacity has helped improve animal welfare and who, in their own free time, goes above and beyond the call of duty to improve the lives of animals either in the UK or Internationally.
Farm Animal Welfare Award (UK & International) – in association with RABI and NADIS
This award is for someone who works within the farming industry and who strives to provide or encourage high standards of ethical and compassionate farm animal welfare.
International Cat Care Welfare Award – in association with Agria Pet Insurance
This esteemed award recognises a volunteer within a feline welfare project, who has contributed to making a sustainable local change through either re-homing, public education, veterinary education, provision of veterinary services or TNR work. International Cat Care will choose the winner of this award from their extensive member base and therefore no general nominations are required.
To find out more about the awards, and to nominate, visit www.cevawelfareawards.com.
Pictured: Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc, at the 2016 Ceva Animal Welfare Awards
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It has been revealed that a third of pet owners admit to taking their pets trick or treating.
In terms of furry plus ones for fright night, dogs are the more popular companion for either a party or a trick-or-treat trip scoring 38% and 36% respectively, whilst felines are less popular despite their Halloween, black cat ancestry, with only 23% being welcome at a party and 8% being considered sidekick material for treat gathering.
Dogs and cats are becoming more involved in their owners Halloween plans and costumes according to research carried out by Pets at Home.
Pets at Home surveyed more than 1,800 pet owners to find out their habits surrounding the holiday, including attitudes to ‘treating’ their furry sidekicks as well as the dress code for All Hallows’ Eve.
The survey results reveal that the canines are leading the way in the Halloween fashion stakes with 43% of dog owners admitting to dressing their dog up for Halloween whilst only 28% of cat owners adorn their felines for the occasion.
The rise in our pets joining in Halloween traditions has resulted in 37% of pet owners preparing for both human and animal visitors on October 31st with both sweets and dog/cat treats at the ready. Nearly half (45%) of dog owners and 14% of cat owners buy their own animals treats to include them in celebrations.
The results have revealed some pet owners have given out human treats to animals on Halloween with 54% admitting to indulging their pets with human food throughout festive seasons and holidays.
Top Five Human Treats Given to Pets
1. Cheese (40%)
2. Biscuits (22%)
3. Crisps (8%)
4. Cake (6%)
5. Chocolate (3%)
Dr Maeve Moorcroft Veterinary Advisor for Pets at Home said: "We understand that pets are family members and there is always the temptation to treat them as such when it comes to celebrating with food, but this can cause more harm than good. Pet digestive systems are vastly different from our own and many things we treat ourselves to can not only cause an upset tummy but some are toxic.
"Whilst chocolate is a well-known toxin for dogs, the results show that this is being used as a treat when in reality it can cause a lot of harm. We encourage you to reward your pets throughout festive periods like Halloween, however with appropriate dog or cat treats that are designed with their digestive system in mind."
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Cotswold RAW has joined forces with Coldpress Juices in the first of a number of kindred spirit tie-ups with fellow ‘free-from heat' raw evangelists.With traditional pasteurised juices suffering from declining sales, Coldpress has led the way in the UK pioneering ‘cold pressure’ juices that reject old school pasteurisation for HPP (high pressure processing) because just like their raw pet food peers they understand only too well the adverse effect that heat can have cooking off invaluable minerals, amino acids and vitamins. According to Cotswold RAW co-founder Chris Brierley, "a social media alliance with an esteemed market leader like Coldpress is invaluable for a young brand like ours making its way.
"As with so many human food trends (raw, gluten-free, paleo, organic) they quickly find their way into the pet food arena, as we tackle common issues like obesity, allergies and bland, nutritionally vacant products.
"Like us, Coldpress is an underdog with momentum, that’s determined to make real waves in terms of advancing flavour profiles, aromas and nutritional balance.
"Pet owners like pets should never have sacrifice great tastes for convenience."
Cotswold RAW has signed up professional chef and graduate of Birmingham College of Catering as the latest member of their expanding team following a promising three month trial.
Alex, formerly of Hotel Indigo and Liberty Restaurants and events, will be tasked with supervising the preparation of the company's Premium Raw Meals, and helping to develop the next generation of new recipes which will be arriving in the very near future.
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Cold wintry weather can be brutal on our skin, which is why 73% of us use more hand and body lotion during the winter months (1). Our pets are no strangers to the effects of cold conditions either, which is why it is important to protect their bodies, particularly their paws, from the harsh elements.
Pet phyto-nutrition expert Diet’Dog has introduced its Paw Balm in a handy 50 x gram pot to keep your dog’s paws in tip-top condition this winter wherever you go!
Diet’Dog’s Paw Balm is made from a unique blend of natural ingredients and herbs such as comfrey and yarrow. Combining natural oils that soothe and rejuvenate, Diet’Dog’s Paw Balm will heal and repair the skin whilst its anti-bacterial properties will protect the paw pads from harsh wintry walking.
It simply soothes, nourishes and encourages natural healing without the use of harsh chemicals.
Diet’Dog’s Paw Balm is an important addition to any dog’s daily regime to protect their paws from becoming dry, cracked and sore. In fact, if you remember to massage some into your pet’s feet twice a day when you’re moisturizing your own hands your pet will have pawfectly soft, pain-free pads all winter…and it can be used on dry, cracked noses too!
Diet’Dog’s Paw Balm mini tin just in time for Christmas – perfect to slip into your handbag or keep in your jacket pocket next to your lip balm. The Paw Balm mini tin makes a great stocking filler that will give your pet happy feet all year round!
Find out more at www.diet-dog.co.uk.
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Three jobs will be created as a Redditch pet shop undergoes a major store revamp.
Pets at Home is spending about £200,000 on the renovation of its Trafford Retail Park branch, which will open on Friday, November 25.
The makeover will include a new Groom Room, which offers bath and blow dry, puppy grooming and nail clipping and an expansion to the Vets4Pets practice, led by Dr Sonia Moretto.
The practice will be adding a full diagnostic suite, new consulting rooms and an additional operating theatre.
All colleagues at the new look store receive extensive training on pet care and pet knowledge which is endorsed by City & Guilds, providing a stamp of approval that demonstrates the value of its training.
All Groom Room colleagues receive 1,400 hours of training and all salons – including Redditch - are independently awarded a Grooming Gold Standard by SAI Global.
Store manager Pete Burrsell said: "We’ve listened carefully to what our customers have been telling us and we’re confident the store’s improved layout and new Groom Room will be just what they want. Our mission is to ensure pets live a happy and healthy life, and by investing in our store and services we hope to help achieve this."
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A businessman fined a second time for lying to customers about cremating their pets should be banned from operating, an animal burial group has said.
Allan McMaster told grieving clients he had cremated their horses when he had not.
The 52-year-old owner of Swan Pit Pet Crematorium at Swan Pit Farm in Gnosall admitted making false representation and three animal by-product offences involving three horses.
He was fined £2,000, given a 12-week jail-term suspended for a year, ordered to carry court 250 hours of unpaid work and told to attend a 15-day rehabilitation course by magistrates last week.
The incidents took place in January – just months after McMaster had been convicted for similar offences.
Steve Mayles, vice-chairman of the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria (APPCC), said: “This man should clearly not have been allowed to continue in business as we said at the time.
“He has now offended again. He was not one of our members, but I fear his deplorable behaviour could tar responsible operators with the same brush.
“That would be unfortunate because our members have to adhere to a strict code of conduct and operate with transparency.
“People may be surprised, even horrified to hear, that there is no legislation that insists on pets being carefully handled and transported with dignity when they die.
“That is a very big reason we came into existence 20 years ago. Any crematorium carrying our logo can guarantee careful handling and dignified treatment through every stage of the cremation process.
“However, that protection does not come from the law of the land but from APPCC imposed standards.”
In November last year McMaster pleaded guilty to five charges of fraud relating to knowingly returning the wrong ashes to clients and four charges of failing to comply with animal by-product regulations relating to the way horse carcasses were kept.
Trading standards had found freezers at the crematorium piled with dead pets including an iguana, chicken, cats and dogs.
McMaster was ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work as part of a 12-month community order. He was also told to pay £6,435 costs and compensation, including £500 to each of four known victims. Mr McMaster was unavailable for comment.
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