The Pet Industry Federation has officially launched its Innovation Award 2026, celebrating the ideas, products, services and technologies shaping the future of the pet sector.

Now in its fourth year, the Innovation Award continues to shine a spotlight on businesses that are pushing boundaries and driving meaningful change across the industry. Open to all pet businesses and free to enter, the award provides a unique opportunity for innovators to showcase their ideas to a panel of expert judges.

This year’s Innovation Award is once again generously sponsored by Worldpay, supporting PIF’s mission to champion innovation and growth within the pet sector.

Ten finalists will be selected to present their innovation live at the Business of Pets Conference, taking place on 3-4 June 2026 at Cranfield Management Development Centre, near Milton Keynes. This high-profile platform offers finalists unparalleled access to potential investors, distributors and industry leaders, with the overall winner announced on the final day of the conference.

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, said: "Innovation is vital to the continued growth and evolution of the pet industry and we know there are exceptional businesses developing new ideas that deserve recognition. PIF’s Innovation Award provides a powerful platform to showcase these ideas, connect with key decision-makers and accelerate growth. We’re looking forward to seeing the calibre of entries for 2026."

Entries close on Monday 20 April. To submit your entry and find out more, including entry criteria and details of how to purchase tickets for the event, visit: https://petfederation.co.uk/the-business-of-pets-conference/innovation/

Pictured: The Muzzle Movement’s Size Mitzy, winner of the Pet Industry Federation Innovation Award 2025.