In This Issue
Residents unhappy over planned Pets at Home store
PitPat takes the industry by storm with high-tech product
Dog's eye view of PATS Telford
Lily's Kitchen goes global to redefine success in business
Forget Facebook! For social netwoofing, the number one choice for pet owners is MuttMate.com
Record number of exhibitors make it biggest-ever AQUA
New pond and aquarium contractor scheme to launch
Meet the Buyers event attracts companies from Iceland, Romania, Switzerland and Serbia
Dogs stay safe with Ancol’s night time products
Guess who has been running his current pet store for 30 years
HOWND partner with Cruelty Free International for national October Go Cruelty Free pledge
Pooch & Mutt launches POS material to support independent trade
Precious Pets London launches Christmas gift sets
Ancol sponsors Battersea’s Annual Reunion and Fun Day
More reasons to go smoke-free, say leading veterinary organisations
Tribal's 'Traffic-Light' labelling system tackles pet obesity
Pub serves up charity breakfast for pets and their owners
Useful Links
Send to a Friend »
Subscribe »
Issue Archive »
Update your Profile »
Print All Articles »
Subscribe to RSS »
Visit Our Website »
Example of a Flyer »
CONTACT US NOW
Find out how Pet Trade Xtra can help to promote your business and products.



Contact neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk for all editorial matters

Or ben.greenwood@tgcmc.co.uk to discuss advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
Residents unhappy over planned Pets at Home store


News that Pets at Home could be moving into a former Waitrose building on Dorking High Street in Surrey has caused uproar among residents in the town...



News that Pets at Home could be moving into a former Waitrose building on Dorking High Street in Surrey has caused uproar among residents in the town.

Dorking has two pet shops already and locals say the space should be given to a retailer who could offer something new to the town.

A Pets at Home store is set to open in the town next month, and while the company has yet to confirm where in the town it will set up shop, the postcode given on a job advert for a new assistant manager matches that of the former High Street supermarket space which was vacated when Waitrose moved last year.

Resident and former publican Roger Jones, who has been campaigning to bring more retailers to the town, told the Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser: "The arrival of another pet store does nothing to fill the void that sends shoppers by their droves to other towns while residents continue to be denied access to the shops and services they need.

"For Dorking to become a viable shopping destination we need to give shoppers incentive to shop here – I hardly believe cut-price Pedigree Chum is that incentive.

"The council must work with Dorking's landlords to help facilitate larger retail spaces so that a better retail offering can be accommodated in Dorking."

He added: "Whilst there will always be that person that says 'better than having empty units' I would hope that Pets At Home reconsider their position."

Others also questioned the need for another major pet store.

Amanda Hammond wrote on the Advertiser's Facebook page: “It won't do much for independent retailers like Muddy Paws opposite. It seems overkill with Pets Corner also in town."

Aimee Fairhurst added: "Like we need more pet shops."

 
PitPat takes the industry by storm with high-tech product
PitPat has taken the pet industry by storm with its innovative pet-tech monitor for dogs, winning a New Product Award at PATS Telford in the process. Andy Nowell, CEO and Founder of PitPat, talks to Pet Trade Xtra about how PitPat was born.



PitPat has taken the pet industry by storm with its innovative pet-tech monitor for dogs, winning a New Product Award at PATS Telford in the process.

Andy Nowell, CEO and Founder of PitPat, talks to Pet Trade Xtra about how PitPat was born.

Where did the idea for PitPat originate?

The idea came from our experience developing human wearable devices for the fitness market and high performance sport. We spotted an opportunity to use the same technology to help owners take better care of their dog.

How long did it take to get the product to market?

The product was in development for two years, from the prototyping stages through product trials and finally to end manufacture.

How many people involved?

There are five people in our core team, supported by a number of external partners in development, marketing and manufacture.

What are your backgrounds?

The team have all previously worked for leading Cambridge product development consultancies, working across a wide range of markets including health and fitness, wearables and the connected home. Combined we have over 50 man years of experience delivering innovative technology products for major consumer brands, from conception through to manufacture.

Do you have pets yourself?

I grew up with pets, but unfortunately I can't keep a dog at the moment since I live in a small flat.

Is it a hard job convincing owners of overweight pets to try your product?

This a key question and our whole ethos has been to make PitPat fun and engaging. Owners love to discover new things about their dog. For example with PitPat you can discover what your dog gets up to while you are apart. We combine this with the support and peace of mind that our exercise guidelines bring. As such, PitPat really is for all dogs, not just overweight ones.

What evidence do you have that wearable technology is transferring into the pet market?

There has been a wave of start-ups launching pet-tech products in the US, from wearable cameras to GPS trackers. The UK market is following closely behind and we are the first UK company to launch a dog activity monitor.

Did you have a good PATS Telford?

It was great to unveil the product to the trade at PATS Telford. Our stand was always busy, retailers were there to do business and we made many valuable connections and sales throughout the show.

What reaction did you get from retailers?

Retailers were very impressed with the product, especially the ease of use, long battery life and competitive retail price of £39.99. They also really understood the market opportunity, building on the success of similar human exercise products like FitBit and Nike’s Fuelband. Retailers were also pleased to stock a product that is manufactured in the UK.



Did winning a New Product Award help draw visitors to your stand?

The New Product Award really helped raise awareness of the product at the show and is great recognition of the innovation that has gone into the design. It is now proudly displayed in our office and will be at future shows!

Do you help retailers to merchandise your product in store?

Yes we provide counter top and free standing POS display units as we believe this is essential to help promote the product within store and draw in customers. We are also currently offering a free unit when you buy more than nine to allow store owners to test out the product for themselves.

Have you got more pet-related products in the pipeline?

Yes we do, this first product is just the start. In the future we are planning to link activity.

Who came up with the title for the product PitPat?

We came up with the name during a brainstorm and it comes from the "pitter patter" of paws - we wanted something fun, short and snappy that would also convey activity.

For more information visit www.pitpatpet.com
Dog's eye view of PATS Telford


Exhibitors and visitors voted PATS Telford a massive success. But what was it like for all the pets at the show. Here's a short insight thanks to new exhibitors PitPat, who produced this fantastic video...



Exhibitors and visitors voted PATS Telford a massive success. But what was it like for all the pets at the show. Here's a short insight thanks to new exhibitors PitPat, who produced this fantastic video...

Click here to watch the video
 
Lily's Kitchen goes global to redefine success in business
Lily’s Kitchen is one of the first UK businesses to become a B Corporation, a global movement that is redefining success in business...
Lily’s Kitchen is one of the first UK businesses to become a B Corporation, a global movement that is redefining success in business.
 
Regular companies exist for the interests of their shareholders. B Corps are companies where the interests of employees, communities and the environment rank alongside those of shareholders. B Corps are also required to change their legal documents so that employees, communities and the wider environment, rank alongside shareholders in decision making processes. B Corps formally commit to the B Corp community principles through signing a declaration.
 
Henrietta Morrison (pictured left), CEO and founder of Lily’s Kitchen, said: “Becoming a founder member of the B Corporation community in the UK has been a hugely inspiring journey and one of my proudest achievements. 

"When I embarked upon the challenge of making proper food for pets I envisaged making a positive difference to the lives of pets.  However, following early feedback from astonished pet owners recounting how Lily’s Kitchen food had transformed not only their pet’s lives but also theirs, made me realise very quickly that this was about more than pets. 

"At Lily’s Kitchen, we embrace all that is special in the connection and relationship between pets, people and the planet and will use this to be a force for good in the wider community. Becoming a B Corp gives all that we do, every day, a great platform to accelerate our vision – Warming Hearts, Feeding Souls, Enriching Lives.”
 
Lily’s Kitchen has experienced 100% growth YOY as increased focus on pet food ingredients drives consumers to seek out more honest, traceable, natural ingredients and ethical supply chains.

The pioneering Hampstead based brand, which is known for leading innovation in a market long dominated by mass-produced brands was founded in November 2009 and produces high quality, healthy and 100% natural food for dogs and cats – with unique propositions such as its Breakfast Crunch, the world’s first doggy granola and Super Food Snack Bars, alongside recipes such as Wild Campfire Stew for dogs and Purr-fect Salmon and Prawn Cocktail for cats.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                James Perry, Director, B Lab UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lily’s Kitchen to our founding UK B Corp Community.

"The B Corp movement is a global community of businesses who are using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. It includes more than 1,400 businesses in 42 countries and over 120 industries.

"The UK is well placed to help lead this global movement, and companies such as Lily’s Kitchen are a great example of a business taking leadership in their field.”
  • Lily’s Kitchen is one of the first UK businesses to join the B Corps movement.
  • B Corps are companies committed to harnessing the power of business as a force for good.
  • The global B Corp movement is seeking to change the role of business in society. Their goal is nothing short of transforming the economy.
  • By adopting a change in their governing documents, B Corps are legally required to serve stakeholders – workers, communities and the wider environment – as well as shareholders, through explicit reference to the triple bottom line in the company articles.
Forget Facebook! For social netwoofing, the number one choice for pet owners is MuttMate.com


The new MuttMate website is bringing dog owners together by providing a user-friendly and fun platform that focuses on community. Its clever geolocation targets your specific area so you only receive local information that’s relevant to you and your best friend...



The new MuttMate website is bringing dog owners together by providing a user-friendly and fun platform that focuses on community. Its clever geolocation targets your specific area so you only receive local information that’s relevant to you and your best friend.
 
Thanks to MuttMate, dog owners and doggy businesses can now connect easily within an area by ‘barking’ local news, offering discounts or finding walking buddies. As a registered owner you can post photos of your dogs and set reminders for things like vet appointments, keeping all your doggy stuff in one handy online place.
 
MuttMate brings power to dog owners by allowing them to search for their own specific requirements through the website. For example,you can search for particular breeds of dog or types of people, and you can even set up your own MuttClubs for others to join. You don’t have to share personal information in the same way as you would on other social networking sites either - it’s all about the dogs!
 
“The addition of our dog business directory and community newsfeed means that local doggy folk can find each other more easily and better communicate,” explains MuttMate founder Sarah Edwards. “From missing dogs and rescue shelter stories to group walkies and business offers nearby, MuttMate provides a local community platform from which new friends are made and canine information and news is shared.”
 
Doggy businesses are drawn to MuttMate.com as, unlike a straightforward directory, it is actively used by dog owners. Businesses can take out Business Page subscriptions, which include free ‘bark’ alerts to dog owners within a certain radius of their location, reaching out only to their target audience.
 
Together with its blog – Doggy Tails and Other Titbits – MuttMate.com has also been launched in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Europe. It’s a website with a global vision but it has kept its nose firmly in the grassroots of doggy communities.

To discover more visit www.muttmate.com

Pictured: MuttMate is the brainchild of digital media expert Sarah Edwards. Sarah came up with the idea when she had trouble finding a local dog sport club to join with her Hungarian Vizsla, Rozsa. She had also met other Vizsla owners on walks and wanted an online way to connect with them.
 

Record number of exhibitors make it biggest-ever AQUA


AQUA 2015, the UK’s premier water gardening and aquatics trade event, will stage its biggest ever trade show next week with a record number of 82 companies showcasing their products and services...



AQUA 2015, the UK’s premier water gardening and aquatics trade event, will stage its biggest ever trade show next week with a record number of 82 companies showcasing their products and services.

Visitors to the exhibition at Telford International Centre on October 14-15 can expect a busy and exciting event as all the exhibitor stands have been snapped up.

The exhibition halls will be packed with companies from both the UK and overseas, and as well as meeting up with a long list of AQUA regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces.

Show organiser Annie Foord said: "It's great to see so many newcomers booking stand space at this year's AQUA.

“I’m also happy to report that the UK’s major exhibitors are again heading for Telford, and many companies have increased their stand space this year.

“Another pleasing aspect is the fact we will be welcoming more overseas companies as well. They obviously regard AQUA as their major platform to showcase products to UK buyers.

“It’s a really exciting time for AQUA and I can promise visitors it will be the biggest ever AQUA show.”

And AQUA event chairman Dr David Pool added: “This event was set up by the aquatic trade for the aquatic trade and the organisers are constantly listening to feedback and looking for new ways to improve the visitor experience. We’re certain that time spent at AQUA 2015 will prove to be both memorable and valuable.

“An important part of the show is the opportunity for visitors to make new contacts with suppliers and manufacturers as well as meet up with old friends. We expect the exhibitor stands to be a hive of activity throughout the two show days, so we have also provided relaxation areas together with free tea and coffee and a free lunch to help you recharge your batteries or have a meeting in a more informal setting.

“A lot of planning and hard work has gone into organising this show and I’m confident you will have an enjoyable and profitable visit.”

One of the most popular aspects of the show is the AQUA dinner held on the first evening of the show. Retailers and buyers have been invited to join exhibitors at the dinner, which has been moved to a larger room to accommodate 700 people.

And another popular AQUA feature – the New Product Showcase – has also been given greater prominence with a new and bigger home.

Nearly 100 new products were showcased in 2013 when AQUA was last staged, and the indications are for a higher number this year. All the items will be entered into the New Product Awards, which will be judged by team of independent retailers on the opening morning of the show.

In recognition of the growing importance of the New Product Showcase and Awards, there will 10 different categories compared to five in 2013.

The categories that now make up the Showcase and Awards are:

  • POS/Merchandising Idea
  • Reptile Product
  • Pond Construction/Decoration
  • Pond Pump
  • Pond Filter
  • Pond Food, Care and Accessories
  • Aquaria and Furniture
  • Aquarium Equipment
  • Aquarium Food, Care and Accessories
  • Aquarium Decoration

New exhibitors to the show sum up the excitement that AQUA 2015 is creating. All Pond Solutions Ltd supply aquatic products to hundreds of stores across the UK and Ireland and they’re looking forward to their first AQUA show. “It promises to be a great event,” said All Pond Solutions general manager Charlie Kenton-O’Neill. “It’s the ideal stage to launch our new product ranges.”

And Aidan Wallace, of Nauticalia, said: “We’re new to the show and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Philip Nicholl, sales director of Hamac Trading Company, commented: “Several of our customers have recommended the AQUA show and we are excited about exhibiting this year.”

Visitors can benefit from free parking next to the exhibition hall, and will be able to take full advantage of a new events village called Southwater Square, recently opened close to the centre with a new hotel, restaurants, and one of the UK’s largest town-centre parks.

A full list of exhibitors can be found on the AQUA 2015 website www.aquatelford.co.uk. For anyone with inquiries call the AQUA hotline on  +44 (0) 1892 862848.

 
New pond and aquarium contractor scheme to launch
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is launching a new membership scheme aimed at pond and aquarium contractors...
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is launching a new membership scheme aimed at pond and aquarium contractors.

The trade association has improved what it has on offer for this section of the industry and it’s offering a great deal for contractors who join at AQUA 2015 at Telford (14-15 October). New members can join at the show for just £99 and get six months’ free membership – saving them nearly £50 on the normal membership fee.

The new scheme aims to help businesses set high standards for their business by signing up to a Code of Conduct from a well-recognised organisation. Members will also get access to high quality information and forms that will help them with risk assessments, biosecurity issues and record keeping.

“We want to help pond and aquarium contractors show that they follow high standards in their business. By becoming a member they agree to abide by our Code of Conduct which we think will be a good plus point with customers,” said Assistant to the Chief Executive Gaby Solano, who is responsible for managing the scheme at OATA.

“Members will be given a special sticker to show they are part of the scheme and they’ll get access to a range of information and useful forms they can use in their business in our members’ only area of our website.

“Many contractors are small businesses so finding time to keep up-to-date can be difficult. We’ve made it easier by pulling a lot of useful documents they can download and use and they will receive regular updates on the latest issues affecting their business.

“They will also be invited to join our new closed Facebook group where they can share information and ask for guidance on issues.”

Find more information about the scheme at www.ornamentalfish.org 
Meet the Buyers event attracts companies from Iceland, Romania, Switzerland and Serbia


A Romanian importer/distributor/landscape company has now joined the influential buyers from across Europe who will attend the latest ‘Meet the Buyers’ event to be held at the Gardenex and PetQuip offices in Brasted, Kent. The event on 21 October 2015 is now open to UK suppliers of gardening and pet care products...



A Romanian importer/distributor/landscape company has now joined the influential buyers from across Europe who will attend the latest ‘Meet the Buyers’ event to be held at the Gardenex and PetQuip offices in Brasted, Kent. The event on 21 October 2015 is now open to UK suppliers of gardening and pet care products.

The full list of overseas buyers travelling to the UK for one-to-one meetings with British suppliers now includes representatives from an Icelandic garden centre/wholesaler, a Swiss garden centre and a Romanian importer/distributor landscape company, all on the gardening side. The Icelandic buyer is also seeking pet products, as will a Swiss importer/wholesaler and a Serbian importer/distributor.

The Federation holds a series of ‘Meet the Buyers’ events each year, and in the past these have resulted in British garden, leisure and pet product firms securing significant initial and repeat international sales in a wide variety of overseas markets.  

If you are interested in the ‘Meet the Buyers’ event on 21 October, UK suppliers are encouraged to contact the Federation as quickly as possible as meeting slots fill up fast.  Full details of how to book for the individual buyer meetings will be available soon and you can register interest by emailing Emma Lewis on email:  emma@gardenex.com or emma@petquip.com

Dogs stay safe with Ancol’s night time products

The nights are drawing in again and Ancol has launched more products in their ever popular ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ range of safety products to help keep dogs safe on winter walks...


The nights are drawing in again and Ancol has launched more products in their ever popular ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ range of safety products to help keep dogs safe on winter walks.

This year the company has introduced a new bright blue colour to our Rechargeable Flashing Band range, which creates a highly visible light that can be seen for up to 500 metres, giving motorists warning of a pet’s presence.

A bestseller from last year is the Rechargeable Flashing Collar – perfect for dog walking at night or in low light conditions. Available in small, medium and large sizes, the collar has two light settings which are visible for up to 500 metres and can easily be recharged by plugging into a USB port to provide over two hours of continual use.

Sales Director, Sarah Lane comments: “Now the nights are drawing in, it’s a perfect time to stock up on our ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ range of safety products which are designed to keep dogs and owners safe on night time walks. Talk to a member of our team to find out more.

"Our Night Time Safety Accessories continue to be very popular - high visibility safety flashing tags which easily attach to a dog’s collar- the Dog Beacon which can be seen in the dark for over half a mile away and the Star Lights which pulsate with brightly coloured lights.

"And don’t forget our reflective padded exercise harnesses for safety and our reflective rope leads, which are both available with slip lead and trigger hook options and of course, our highly reflective cat collar ranges, to ensure that the cats can be seen on those dark nights."

For more information on the Be Safe Be Seen range and hundreds of other pet accessories, visit www.ancol.co.uk or talk to your local Ancol sales representative.

 
Guess who has been running his current pet store for 30 years
Here's a picture from the past. Can you tell who it is yet? To give a clue, this person has been running his current pet store in Cambridgeshire for 30 years and is still going strong.
Here's a picture from the past. Can you tell who it is yet? To give a clue, this person has been running his current pet store in Cambridgeshire for 30 years and is still going strong.

Yes, this picture was taken when Piers Smart ran his first pet store in Soham called Piers Pet Foods.

"The rest is a very interesting history," says Piers, who has just celebrated 30 years of running the award-winning Scampers with wife Michelle.

"Notice the Maggie and Reagan squeaky toys from Armitage on the shelves...they were considered very innovative at the time!"
 
HOWND partner with Cruelty Free International for national October Go Cruelty Free pledge
HOWND has partnered with Cruelty Free International to promote animal welfare this month....


HOWND has partnered with Cruelty Free International to promote animal welfare this month.

Both parties will be promoting the ‘Go Cruelty Free’ pledge throughout October, which encourages consumers to only buy products that are ‘Leaping Bunny’ certified - the only internationally recognised accreditation for products which are not tested on animals.

HOWND is currently one of only two UK dog grooming product manufacturers to have the ‘Leaping Bunny’ accreditation. With this in mind - and the brand’s successful Bring Your Dog To Work Day initiative in aid of animal welfare - Cruelty Free International believe HOWND are well placed to communicate the benefits of the pledge to a broad range of dog lovers.  

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to partner with HOWND and help dog owners to make a cruelty free choice when it comes to keeping their animals clean. A Leaping Bunny logo provides credibility to a product, enabling consumers to make an ethical purchasing decision that could benefit thousands of animals,” explains Michelle Thew, Chief Executive, at Cruelty Free International.

“There is no need to inflict suffering on animals for cosmetic, personal care and household products. Safe, more cost effective and humane alternatives already exist.

“HOWND are clearly a pet brand passionate about animal welfare. Everyone at Cruelty Free International is looking forward to working together this month in order to promote the Go Cruelty Free pledge and make a positive difference for animals.”

In order to become certified by the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme, companies are required to open their supply chain to monitoring and meet external audit requirements - a process which HOWND completed at the beginning of 2015.

As a result, HOWND’s entire product range (which consists of conditioning shampoos, body mists and emergency dog wipes) has the ‘Leaping Bunny’ logo printed on their respective labels.

“Our mission is simple. We want to make high-quality pet care products and accessories, all in the name of our pets’ well-being and happiness. That’s why we’re proud of the innovation behind our products and to be certified by Cruelty Free International,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND.

“We’re incredibly excited to be part of next month’s ‘Go Cruelty Free’ pledge. We know from experience that dog lovers care passionately about animal welfare and how products are tested. It’s one of the reasons why our products are loved by our growing customer base.”

For further information about HOWND’s range of products, visit www.dogslovehownd.com or call a member of the team on +44 (0)20 3004 5255. 
 
Pooch & Mutt launches POS material to support independent trade
Pooch & Mutt has launched a new range of point of sale products to help increase brand awareness, build consumer loyalty and inform customers about their range of foods, treats and supplements...
Pooch & Mutt has launched a new range of point of sale products to help increase brand awareness, build consumer loyalty and inform customers about their range of foods, treats and supplements.

The items that are now being offered to any independent stockists who sell Pooch & Mutt include: in store posters, pavement signs, display stands, free samples and leaflets.

All direct orders taken through Pooch & Mutt will receive their choice of advertising material, alongside leaflets and sample packs.

With over 50,000 fans on Facebook and well-established Twitter and Instagram followings, Pooch & Mutt is listening to what its customers want. The sales team want to pass this onto their independent stockists, helping local pet shops gain new customers and spread the word about premium, natural and ethical nutrition!

If you are an independent stockist of Pooch & Mutt, get in touch by emailing samantha@poochandmutt.com to discuss how the new POS collection can help your shop. Alternatively, give Pooch & Mutt a call on 0203 0111 567 to discuss trade options.

 
Precious Pets London launches Christmas gift sets
Precious Pets London has launched a new range of Twin, Deluxe and Travel luxury grooming gift sets, so that owners can pamper their pets in style this Christmas...

Precious Pets London has launched a new range of Twin, Deluxe and Travel luxury grooming gift sets, so that owners can pamper their pets in style this Christmas.


Introducing the Luxury Grooming Twin Sets with matching natural scented conditioning shampoo and Eau de Toilette. Available in:

  • Vanilla Dreams: Luxury Grooming Twin set - RRP £29.99 (worth £34.98)
  • Country Garden: Luxury Grooming Twin set  - RRP £29.99 (worth £34.98)
  • Citrus Sunshine: Luxury Grooming Twin set  - RRP £29.99 (worth £34.98)
  • Woodland Walk: Luxury Grooming Twin set  - RRP £29.99 (worth £34.98)


Introducing the Luxury Grooming Deluxe Sets containing all four natural scents of conditioning shampoo and all four natural scents of Eau de Toilettes. Available in:

  • Luxury Grooming Deluxe Shampoo set  - RRP £54.99 (worth £59.96)
  • Luxury Grooming Deluxe Eau de Toilette set  - RRP £74.99 (worth £79.96)

Introducing the Miniature Travel Gift set containing all four natural scents of miniature 30ml conditioning shampoos in a clear travel toiletry bag:
  • Miniature Travel Gift set – RRP £14.99
 
Ancol sponsors Battersea’s Annual Reunion and Fun Day
Ancol was one of the sponsors of Battersea’s Annual Reunion and Fun Day, which saw hundreds of people take part in the free event...


Ancol was one of the sponsors of Battersea’s Annual Reunion and Fun Day, which saw hundreds of people take part in the free event.

As part of the sponsorship, Sales Director Sarah Lane was given the difficult task of judging the ‘Most Fabulous Fella’ competition. After much deliberation, ex Battersea dog Otto was chosen as the winner and won an Ancol waterproof bed and monster toy.

Sarah commented: “I chose Otto as the Most Fabulous Fella because he was so handsome and friendly with sparky eyes that made me want to take him home! We’veve loved being part of this event and are proud to be supporting Battersea with the fantastic work they do for thousands of dogs and cats every year.”

Hannah Lloyd, Corporate Partnerships Executive at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, added: “Thank you so much to Ancol for sponsoring and judging the ‘Most Fabulous Fella’ class and for the wonderful prizes they provided. It really does make a difference to the dogs and cats at our home.”

Earlier this year, Ancol sponsored an exercise paddock for stray dogs at Battersea as part of a £4.8m kennel development of the centre.

For more information on how you can support Battersea Dogs and Cats Home visit www.battersea.org.uk

 
More reasons to go smoke-free, say leading veterinary organisations
In light of new legislation forbidding drivers to smoke with children in their vehicle, British Veterinary Association and British Small Animal Veterinary Association are encouraging pet owners to avoid smoking for their pets’ benefit as well...
In light of new legislation forbidding drivers to smoke with children in their vehicle, British Veterinary Association and British Small Animal Veterinary Association are encouraging pet owners to avoid smoking for their pets’ benefit as well.
 
The devastating effects of passive smoking on humans is well documented, but vets are concerned that many animal owners may be inadvertently harming their beloved pets by lighting up when they are together in an enclosed space. The legislation banning smoking in cars coincides with Stoptober, the NHS campaign encouraging people to stop smoking throughout the month of October, and there is more support than ever to quit.
 
Sean Wensley (pictured), President of BVA and companion animal vet, said: “Most smokers understand that lighting up around children is harmful, but fewer people are aware of the impact passive smoking can have on their pets. Sadly this health impact, as in people, may be cancer and owners are often understandably distressed when they realise that their pet’s cancer may be the result of secondary tobacco smoking. This legislation doesn’t apply to animals but we hope owners will take this opportunity to protect their pet either by quitting or by keeping their car and home smoke-free.”
 
A study from leading oncologist Clare Knottenbelt of Glasgow University Veterinary School, clearly demonstrated a correlation between the levels of nicotine in a dog’s fur and its exposure to cigarette smoke in the home.
 
Ross Allan, of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, said: “Many owners who smoke have never thought about the effects of their habit on the pets, but there is evidence that tobacco smoke increases the risks of lung and nasal cancers in dogs and of lymphoma in cats. As veterinary surgeons we champion the prevention of illness and disease, and many owners might be more likely to give up tobacco for the sake of their pet if they realised the consequence of their smoking.”
 
The study, funded by the BSAVA’s PetSavers charity, demonstrated that dogs are inhaling and probably ingesting cigarette smoke and that this is known to increase the incidence of cancer in your pet.
 
Professor Knottenbelt added: “While veterinary medicine is advancing all the time and we have the ability to treat some cancers in pets, it is expensive and provides no guarantees of long-term survival. The best way of avoiding damage to your pet’s health is to not smoke around them – or better still give up. It would be good for your own health, too.”
 
Dogs in non-smoking households were shown to have very low levels of nicotine incorporated into their fur compared with animals owned by regular smokers. A third group of pets owned by smokers who only smoke outside the house had intermediate levels of nicotine in their coat.
 
Tribal's 'Traffic-Light' labelling system tackles pet obesity
In a bid to help the growing obesity issues in dogs, Tribal Pet Foods is the first to introduce a transparent ‘Traffic-Light’ labelling system on its packaging...
Tis’ the season to feast and overeat, but could we be killing our pets with our kindness over Christmas?

A staggering one in three dogs are clinically obese in Britain, according to veterinary charity the PDSA, and a sudden intake of rich food and turkey leftovers won’t help ‘Fido’s waistline, or his digestion, and nobody wants an ‘tummy upset’ on Christmas Day!

Many festive foods are potentially toxic to dogs. A mouth-watering mince pie is full of raisins that are deadly, and chocolate contains a chemical that is lethal to dogs.

Tribal’s Apple, Mint & Ginger Treats offer a healthy ‘bite’ as well as indigestion relief to overindulged pooches.

Featuring as part of Tribal’s ‘Natural Support’ range, the Apple, Mint and Ginger treats fuse functional ingredients to offer a low fat option that promotes healthy digestion.

Their dual action formula combines aromatic mint to freshen breath and relieve gastric discomfort, whilst the ginger works to reduce inflammation within the body, offering a calmative effect on digestion.

In a bid to help the growing obesity issues in dogs, Tribal Pet Foods is the first to introduce a transparent ‘Traffic-Light’ labelling system on its packaging.  Clearly outlining the nutritional, fat and calorie content, owners can make an informed choice.

Tribal treats are baked at low temperatures to ensure the natural moisture content and mouth-watering goodness of ethically sourced nutritious ingredients are simply sealed in. Choose from Tribal’s ‘Natural Health’, ‘Natural Care’ and ‘Natural Support’ range.

This Christmas treat your dog with a clear conscience!

Priced at RRP £2.99. Find out more: www.tribalpetfoods.co.uk
 
Pub serves up charity breakfast for pets and their owners
Two horses were among a crowd of animals that dropped in for breakfast at a North Devon pub on Sunday morning...



Two horses were among a crowd of animals that dropped in for breakfast at a North Devon pub on Sunday morning.

The Poltimore Inn in North Molton hosted a special pet-friendly big breakfast to raise money for North Devon Hospice – and invited locals to bring along their creatures, great and small.

Landlord Alan Boddington made the unusual decision after realising the event fell on St Francis of Assisi’s Day, the patron saint of animals.

“We ended up with two horses and lots of dogs, of all shapes and sizes,” said Alan.

“One of our guests bought five dogs with her. It was a lot of fun, though a bit of a squash when Jessie the horse decided to come into the bar.

“We had a brilliant morning, and served more than 120 breakfasts, twice the number we were expecting,” he added.

“Our staff worked really hard and we raised at least £850 for North Devon Hospice, and we have more money still coming in.

“We want to thank everyone who supported us on Sunday and donated money so generously. We are also very grateful to local suppliers many of whom donated food for free for the event.”

“North Devon Hospice is a very popular charity locally,” added Alan. “My own family has benefitted from its wonderful facilities and ongoing support, as have many other friends and people in the village.

“We were delighted to be able to raise so much money.”

Email Newsletter Software by Newsweaver