Popular pet store The Furground in the Lancashire town of Leyland will shut its doors for the final time later this month after the owner decided not to renew the lease on the premises.

Sarah Mackay announced the closure on the store’s Facebook page, explaining to customers that she will now focus on online pet retailing under Leyland Livefoods.

Sarah said in the social media post: “This shop is not just a shop to me it’s my life literally and I have grown with the shop and built my business from the ground up and I am so proud of what it’s become.

“With that being said, full transparency, the lease is up on the shop in summer and I’ve taken the decision to not renew it. My focus for a while has been to build my business as an online presence instead.

“I am proud of my little shop and what I have achieved, including a five star license, supporting charities, invited to the police dog unit, rehomed many, many animals, educated all ages, and gaining wonderful customers and friends from it.

“I will still be around to give advice to the best of my ability and most of my products will be online via a website, I just won’t be stood behind a counter but instead delivering your items to your doorstep at a time that suits you.

“We will still do customer orders as we do now so if you currently order specific items please don’t worry.

“Also I will still be boarding small animals and reptiles at home – very limited spaces for this summer.

“Please don’t feel sad as I’m excited for the next chapter for this business and to become more assessable for customers is my biggest priority moving forward.”

The Furground will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, July 27.

Picture taken from the store’s Facebook page.

Award-winning retailer Jollyes will open its next new store at Unit 2, Grimshaw Park, Lower Audley Street, Blackburn on Friday 26 July with an important giveaway for dog owners across the UK.

Inspired by Blackburn with Darwen Council’s campaign to encourage dog owners to do the right thing, Jollyes will offer the first 140 customers on opening day free ‘power poop’ bags that even come with a battery-style red reminder when the roll is about to run out.

The giveaway could help pet parents save money – one council is hiking its fine for dog fouling to £200 as part of a zero tolerance crackdown – but even if a council issues typical fixed penalties of £50, ignoring the demand means owners can be fined up to £1000 at court.

But the giveaway won’t just be for customers at its new Blackburn store – Jollyes is writing today to every council in the UK with a nearby Jollyes store to tell them that all of its 100-plus locations will also have 140 free poo bag rolls for the first customers to shop in store next Friday 26 July. 

That means Jollyes’ UK stores will give out almost 225,000 free poo bags to customers next week.

Jollyes will take up residence in Blackburn close to Asda, B&M and Halfords in the former Mothercare unit and will offer a frozen raw food ‘shop-in-shop’ for pet parents who want to take advantage of Jollyes’ wide range of frozen food – rapidly becoming the most popular way for owners to feed their dogs.

Alongside the poop bag giveaway, there’s a big line up of other activity planned for opening weekend.

In support of Jollyes new partnership with the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), three retired prison service dogs and a North West border force cocker spaniel will bite through a strong of sausages to formally declare the store open.

RPD Purdy, a cockapoo, RPD Orio a 14 year old labrador and RPD Digit, an 11 year old Collie and prison service handler Sarah Vinton alongside border force cocker spaniel Norman (age three and a half) and his handler Alanna Bayliss from Bolton will perform the opening ceremony alongside the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Brian Taylor.

The partnership with NFRSA runs alongside local fundraising at each of Jollyes 100-plus stores support, helping them support the care, well-being, and welfare of retired service animals from across the emergency service family - the police, fire, border force, National Crime Agency, NHS and prison services.

Over the next 12 months, all Jollyes’ stores will be raising money for NFRSA with collections matched by Jollyes up to £20,000 that will help NFRSA support retired service animals and their owners.

On Friday, there’ll be goody bags available for the first 100 customers, stilt walkers and an opportunity for all customers to spin Jollyes’ iconic ‘Wheel of Fur-tune’ to win instant prizes.

On Saturday 27 July there’ll also be entertainment and music and customer gameshows alongside balloon modelling for kids with prizes to be won.

In addition to the raw food frozen ‘shop-in-shop’ Jollyes offers high quality private label pet food such as its own Lifestage, K9 and Rileys brands which offer a premium experience without a big brand price tag.

Jollyes has recruited a team of 12 in Blackburn which will be led by experienced Jollyes colleague Natalie Bentley who’s run stores in Ashton and across the country.

“We can’t wait to open our doors next week,” said Natalie. 

“We’re already working hard to get the store ready and looking forward to giving pet parents in Blackburn a new alternative for their pets at home.

“We can’t wait to bring the kind of value and service we’re famous for, here to the heart of Lancashire.”

Jollyes has grown its store estate by 50% in three years and has had an remarkable start to 2024 winning new investment to supercharge its growth, being named as the best retailer in Britain at the prestigious Retail Week awards for retailers under £250m turnover and making the Sunday Times’ list for the first time as one of Britain’s best big companies to work for.

Meatly has received regulatory clearance to sell cultivated meat for pet food in the UK, making it the first in the world to get authorisation for this type of product. 

Gaining regulatory approval also makes Meatly the first-ever cultivated meat company approved for sale in any European country.

The public announcement follows a close collaborative process between Meatly and the UK’s regulatory bodies – the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). 

The relevant UK Government departments have ensured that Meatly complies with all necessary regulations, and Meatly has now passed APHA’s rigorous inspection process. Meatly will continue to adhere to APHA’s ongoing inspections.

As a result of this process, Meatly’s cultivated chicken for pet food can now be sold in the UK.

Beyond the approvals needed, Meatly has proactively prepared a comprehensive safety dossier and conducted extensive testing to demonstrate that its cultivated chicken is safe and healthy for pets. Testing included demonstrating that their cultivated chicken is free from bacteria and viruses, that the nutrients used to grow the cells are safe, and that the final chicken product is safe, nutritious, and free from GMOs, antibiotics, harmful pathogens, heavy metals, and other impurities.

Meatly is a registered feed business operator, and its production facility has now been approved by DEFRA and APHA to produce and handle its cultivated chicken. Meatly plans to launch the first samples of its commercially available pet food this year, making it the first cultivated pet food sold. Beyond these initial samples, Meatly’s primary focus will remain on cost reduction, and it will start scaling production to reach industrial volumes in the next three years.

Regulatory approval follows several significant milestones that have placed Meatly at the forefront of the cultivated meat industry. It is leading a new wave of cultivated meat start-ups that are proving there is a low-capital and fast route to market. Backed by £3.5m in investment, Meatly has achieved regulatory approval in under two years of operation and developed a protein-free media which costs less than £1 a litre, significantly reducing production costs. Meatly has also secured brand partnerships and production of its products with leading pet food brands.

Commenting on the announcement, Owen Ensor, Meatly CEO said: “Today marks a significant milestone for the European cultivated meat industry. I’m incredibly proud that Meatly is the first company in Europe to get the green light to sell cultivated meat. We are proving that there is a safe and low-capital way to rapidly bring cultivated meat to market.”

“We’re delighted to have worked proactively alongside the UK’s regulators to showcase that Meatly chicken is safe and healthy for pets. Pet parents are crying out for a better way to feed their cats and dogs meat – we’re so excited to meet this demand. We can now continue our mission to give consumers an easy choice – ensuring we can feed our beloved pets the real meat they need and crave, in a way that is kinder to our planet and other animals.”

Jim Mellon, Founder of Agronomics, an investor in Meatly, added: “Meatly’s regulatory approval is a landmark event for the industry. Through its technological innovation and close work with governing authorities, Meatly is helping prove that we can succeed in commercialising cultivated products for pets across the UK. Our pets consume huge amounts of meat every day and so this development can play a crucial part in reducing the emissions, resource consumption, and animal suffering caused by traditional meat production."

Power Pet Brands Ltd has agreed to sell HOWND – the multi award-winning brand for dogs -– to leading industry supplier Pets Choice. Known for using exclusively plant-based ingredients, HOWND has been dedicated since its inception to enhancing the health and wellbeing of dogs without causing harm to other animals.

HOWND, which offers a comprehensive range of plant-based wet and dry dog food, wellness treats, and cruelty-free certified pet care products, will now join Pets Choice’s extensive portfolio of pet brands, including Webbox, Bob Martin, Felight, TastyBone and Vet’s Kitchen.

"We have taken immense pride over the last decade in building HOWND into a leading and trusted ethical pet care brand. The decision to become part of the Pets Choice family is a strategic milestone that aligns perfectly with our vision. We are now excited to see HOWND continue to flourish," said HOWND co-founders Mark Hirschel and Jo Amit, pictured above in 2015.

Pets Choice will assume responsibility for HOWND sales starting August 5, 2024. 

CEO of Pets Choice, Tony Raeburn, said: “This is another fantastic acquisition for Pets Choice as we continue our drive into product premiumisation. HOWND will give our Company an entrance into the fast growing plant based sector and strengthens our commitment to sustainability and animal welfare. We look forward to leveraging HOWND’s established market presence and extensive and loyal customer base, further solidifying our position as a leader in the pet care industry.

The acquisition will also mean customers and listings alike will benefit from Pets Choice’s distribution network, making HOWND products all the more accessible to all. HOWND will complement our existing portfolio of growing brands entering us into another growing Premium sector of the market”

Established in 2015, HOWND products are accredited by Cruelty Free International, PETA and the Vegetarian (Vegan) Society.

The brand was named as one of the most ethical businesses in the world by The Good Shopping Guide in January 2024, emerging top dog in categories such as environmental impact, animal welfare, and public record with a score of 98/100. The prestigious list of the Top 200 Ethical Companies and Brands recognised HOWND's commitment to positive ethical practices as they were independently certified through Ethical Accreditation by The Good Shopping Guide. HOWND plant-based nutritionally complete dog food has been included in the Food Tech 500 final ranking by Forward Fooding two years running.  

Soopa Pets has introduced a new limited-edition range of award-winning dental sticks and healthy bites, inspired by everyone’s favourite summer cocktails – Strawberry Dog-quiri and Paw-na Colada!

Strawberry Dog-quiri combines the sweetness of strawberries with a hint of mint. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune health, while mint helps freshen your dog’s breath and aids digestion.

Paw-na Colada is a combination of coconut and pineapple. Coconut benefits the skin and coat, while pineapple aids digestion and is packed with vitamins. 

Irish-owned Soopa Pets is dedicated to providing 100% plant-based, hypoallergenic treats that are as nutritious as they are tasty. The dental sticks and healthy bites offer:

• Natural, human-grade ingredients: No artificial additives, just pure goodness.
• Low fat and no preservatives: Perfect for dogs on weight management or special diets.
• Plant-based goodness: Ideal for hypoallergenic needs and overall well-being.
• 100% paper-recyclable packaging: Helping the planet one paw at a time.

These summer flavours are available for a limited time only. For trade pricing and to secure your order email sales@soopapets.com. For more information visit www.soopapets.com.

Beaphar is to launch a new plant-based flea repellent spot-on, called VETOpure. The brand has been developed in response to Beaphar’s latest market research which demonstrated significant demand for a more natural solution within the flea category.

The research found that 39% of pet owners were actively looking for natural protection against fleas and 70% would consider purchasing a new flea treatment based on natural herbal ingredients.

The Soil Association recently reported that the growth of certified organic and natural products had risen a significant 23% over the past year, representing the ninth year of consecutive double-digit growth.

Beaphar Marketing Manager, Claire Edmunds says the plant-based protection segment offers a tremendous opportunity for retailers, “The trend for more natural products is well established, our existing plant-based Spot-On range grew significantly in 2023 and online searches for natural flea products continue to grow year on year. We want to be able to offer a product that is well positioned to allow pet owners to choose a parasiticide that fits with their values, at the right price point – and more products in the range will follow soon.”

The VETOpure Spot-On range, contains well-recognised plant-based repellents: margosa extract (from the neem tree) and eucalyptus citriodora oil.  The range comprises of a cat spot-on 3 pipette, small dog (>15kg) 3 pipette and large dog (<15kg) 6 pipette pack. 

As fleas will often infest a pet’s basket, bedding and regular resting areas, including carpets and soft furnishings, for best results, it is recommended that these areas are treated with a suitable household insecticide, such as Beaphar FLEAtec; providing retailers with additional opportunities to increase basket size.

Claire notes that the product fills a gap in the category, “The parasiticide category is well served with products that kill fleas effectively. But not all meet the needs of consumers with a strong preference for more natural products. VETOpure offers retailers an opportunity to meet an unmet need and fill an important gap in a high-value category.  The launch of the VETOpure flea repellent Spot-On means that retailers have an option for those seeking products with plant-based credentials from a trusted brand, at an affordable price.”

To help retailers boost awareness, Beaphar have developed a range of point of sale solutions, as well as digital and social content.  

To find out more about the VETOpure Spot-On for Cats and VETOpure Spot-On for Dogs, retailers can visit  Introducing the Beaphar VETOpure Plant-Based Flea Repellent Range - Beaphar or contact their Beaphar Account Manager. 

Ex-professional footballer turned entrepreneur Neil Yadolahi has created an innovative pet nutrition range called Well Paws following the illness of his dog Alfie.

The former Burnley FC centre-back has developed two ingenious ways to deliver these vital vitamins to pets – via syrups and chewable treats. They are set to launch late autumn.   

Neil realised first-hand the frustration pet owners can face when seeking the best for their four-legged friends but often stubborn companions.   

Fully aware of the difficulty of accommodating their selective eating habits, which can often result in missed nutrients crucial for their well-being.   

“It can be exasperating for pet owners who only want the best for their cat or dog,” said Neil. 

“Pets can be picky and set in their ways, so when they spot something foreign in their food – they’ll shun the dish – or simply eat around it and miss out on key beneficial supplements,” he added.  

Neil and his WellPaws’ mission began in 2017 when he witnessed his own beloved pet, Alfie, suffering from chronic joint pains.   

This inspired him to develop pioneering supplements tailored specifically for cats and dogs.   

Witnessing Alfie’s remarkable improvement ignited a passion to help other’s precious pooches and moggies facing similar health challenges, leading to the birth of WellPaws.   

Emphasising affordability and quality, WellPaws Supplements ensure high-grade nutrition, in-house PHD veterinarians, nutrition specialists, and a tech-proficient team to pioneer advanced supplement solutions accessible to all pet owners, reflecting Neil’s commitment to pets as cherished family members and setting his brand apart in a competitive market.  

A past Burnley player, Neil now stands at the forefront of the supplement manufacturing industry, bringing his wealth of knowledge and innovation to both pet and human nutrition. 

His diverse business portfolio and ventures have established a strong presence in manufacturing and sourcing as well as both the online and retail markets across the UK, Europe and Middle East, particularly excelling in the rapidly growing pet supplement sector. 

Under his leadership, his company has become a trusted manufacturer for some of the largest pet supplement brands in the UK and Europe.  

This experience has provided him with unparalleled insights into market dynamics and emerging opportunities within the industry. 

Neil’s flagship product line, WellPaws Supplements, exemplifies his commitment to excellence and innovation. 

“We take pride in ensuring the quality and efficiency of our products,” added Neil.   

“Each line adheres to rigorous certifications, including GMP, FDA and ISO compliance standards. This means healthier pets and happier humans.”   

Today, his latest innovation in supplement delivery is set to transform pet care.   

Infused with tasty fish flavours, they contain key ingredients such as collagen and D3 for improved joint health and coat lustre, along with immune-boosting vitamin C.   

All WellPaws Syrups and Chewables compositions have been meticulously formulated, vet approved and trial-based ingredients ensuring all formulas are clinically approved.   

There is also calming magnesium-infused ZinPro Propath to reduce anxiety, and healthy gut bacteria to ensure things are running tickety-boo internally.   

The four different syrups address a pet’s skin and coat, bone and joint, calming care qualities and boost their immune system.   

Meanwhile, the chewable supplements which also support coats, joints, and mood – offers additional gut health.   

And it is good news for those who are dual owners of dogs and cats too, as each essential compound can be administered to both – saving money and giving loving owners peace of mind.  

The WellPaws range consists of Skin & Coat Syrup, Bone & Joint Syrup, Calming Care Syrup and an Immune Booster Syrup. 

Additionally, the WellPaws best-selling chewable range come in a Hip & Joint Chewable variety, a Calming Care Chewable, Itch & Allergy Care, and a Gut Health-triple action biotic (pre, pro & post) Chewable.  

“By prioritising affordability without compromising on quality, WellPaws Supplements make high-grade nutrition accessible for all pet owners,” added Neil. 

“We are approaching the market with a “family and loving” ethos, ensuring that each product is developed to care for pets as cherished family members – which they are.” 

The WellPaws range will be available to buy online and instore.  

Fresh dog food brand, Butternut Box, has announced a multi-year partnership with the national governing body of tennis in Britain, the Lawn Tennis Association.  

The match made in heaven will see Butternut Box become an Official Partner to the LTA and the first dog food brand to sponsor British tennis. This collaboration aims to promote health, happiness, and undoubtedly, plenty of tennis balls.  

With a shared commitment to genuine care, this partnership aims to drive positive change for people, the planet, and dogs everywhere.  

Together, both parties will also collaborate closely to explore innovative solutions that support the LTA’s environmental sustainability plan. 

In alignment with the LTA’s vision, ‘Tennis Opened Up’, which aims to make tennis accessible for all, Butternut Box is also proud to support visually impaired tennis in Britain, creating engaging content that promotes visually impaired tennis and tournament branding. 

David Nolan, Co-founder of Butternut Box, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the LTA and support their mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle. As a company dedicated to delivering Fresh, healthy food to dogs everywhere, this partnership was an opportunity we couldn’t let slip through the net! 

“We hope this partnership will support a more sustainable future for British tennis whilst also enabling us to reach more pet parents to spread the word about the benefits of fresh nutrition for dogs.” 

Chris Pollard, MD of Commercial & Operations at The LTA, said:“ The opportunity to work with Butternut Box gave us no paws for thought, and we look forward to bringing the partnership to life across a number of key areas of LTA activity. With Butternut Box we are continuing to diversify our commercial relationships as part of our strategy to open up tennis in Britain.” 

The multi-year sponsorship will grant Butternut Box access to prominent on-court branding and extensive engagement opportunities at prestigious LTA tournaments including Queen’s, the Nottingham Open, Birmingham Classic and Eastbourne International. 

Event branding, including large TV adverts, will ensure high visibility for Butternut Box, who will also have an ambassador presence at major tournaments to connect with the tennis community and further promote the health benefits of fresh dog nutrition. 

This partnership reflects a shared mission for Butternut Box and the LTA who are together committed to fostering a healthier, happier community for both people and pets.

For more information, visit www.butternutbox.com   

Leading healthy pet food brand Burns Pet Nutrition has launched a national outdoor, TV and digital advertising campaign, which will run for six weeks.

The campaign leads with the Burns tagline: ‘Love your pet the Burns Way’ and is appearing on digital six sheets and digital 48 sheets in key locations across the UK targeting postcodes within a 2km radius of Burns Gold Stockists. 

Located in city centres across the UK, the out-of-home campaign will include two creatives – one for the dog food range and one for the cat food range.

The TV campaign will run across Sky and ITVX and target those within a 10-mile radius of Burns Gold Stockists.

The initiative is being launched to help educate new dog and cat owners about the central role nutrition plays in the overall health of pets as well as to drive footfall into Burns stockists.  

Burns Pet Nutrition was launched in 1993 by veterinary surgeon John Burns. John saw the positive impact a natural diet could have on our pets. Determined to tackle a variety of health problems, he developed Burns’ now award-winning range of products. In December 2023, Burns became part of the Assisi Pet Care family.

Burns Pet Nutrition Marketing Manager, Kate Johnston, said: “We’re delighted to see the positive impact in being part of the Assisi family with continued support for our campaigns and ultimately helping us reach more pet owners.

“Pet stores have been the backbone of the Burns business for over 30 years. They play a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of cats and dogs. We want this campaign to help drive people into their local pet shops and all good pet stores.”

For more information visit www.burnspet.co.uk

Pedigree Wholesale had added five new lines to its Natures Deli Tasty Treats and Training Treats range. These new treats, available in various proteins, are grain-free, low in fat, and contain no artificial flavours or colours.

The new Training Bites in Chicken with Cheese and Chicken with Liver flavours are naturally nutritious and delicious and are the perfect training aid for all dog breeds. The Tasty Treats feature Soft Duck Strips, Lamb Sticks and Duck Sticks with Sweet Potato, which can be broken up and fed to dogs in smaller pieces, making them great for rewarding, training or just because. Slowly oven-roasted to retain flavour, they are made from choice cuts with up to 87% meat content.

Natures Deli understand that dogs are an important and beloved member of the family. That’s why we carefully craft nutritious, tasty dog food and treats free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. Each dry dog food, treat, or wet tray is developed with high-quality ingredients and is available in various flavours and varieties that dogs will love at any stage of their life.

Retailing at £3.99 per pack and sold in cases of 10, the new Natures Deli treats are available now through Pedigree Wholesale and are exclusively offered to the specialist pet trade.

The first-ever National Pet Shop Day took place on Saturday (13th July) with more than 200 stores throughout the UK participating.

The event was launched by Johnson’s Veterinary Products as a way of celebrating the huge breadth of support, products, services and advice that high street retailers are able to provide direct to pet owners.

Johnson’s has encouraged pet shops and stores to throw open their doors and invite pet owners to come in and discover more about how they can offer viable, affordable options for dealing with commonly occurring minor ailments such as fleas, ticks, worms, or other general healthcare issues.

Paul Gwynn, Managing Director at Johnson’s Veterinary Products, explained: “Pet shops are the local health and wellbeing hubs of the pet world, but we find that many people are often so rooted to their longstanding routines, that they perhaps don’t even consider that they can also get experienced advice about a whole host of frequent minor pet healthcare issues whilst picking-up their other pet essentials in store.

“Pet shops and stores have a wealth of knowledge within their teams that has been built over many years, in some cases decades. They can often help to spot the signs of and give advice about fleas, ticks, worms and other minor healthcare problems and therefore are well placed to provide practical advice and product solutions for both these, and a range of other, more general, wellbeing concerns directly in store.

“With National Pet Shop Day, we want to mark the ongoing, positive contribution that these pet shops and stores make to society, and in doing so provide animal lovers with the confidence that they can handle their pet’s conditions effectively and efficiently, without always breaking the bank. These retailers are far more than simply a point of purchase – they are the bedrock of the pet owning community and are always ready and willing to help.”

Paul’s son Matt added: “The response to National Pet Shop Day has exceeded my first year's expectations. There are over 200 shops that have registered to take part across the UK now, which shows there is considerable interest in this national day. We've had great interaction with pet shops on social media, especially on Instagram and it's great to see what the shops have planned.”

For more details visit www.nationalpetshopday.com

Leading private equity firm Inflexion has agreed to sell its investment in Lintbells, a globally recognised leader in YuMOVE pet supplements, to American company Vetnique Labs.

Hertfordshire-based Lintbells was founded almost two decades ago by Dr John Howie and John Davies, to provide pets and their owners with scientifically supported supplements to support chronic health conditions. 

Lintbells’ products are sold under the YuMOVE brand umbrella, encompassing the UK’s number one joint mobility supplement for dogs and cats, as well as supplements to support digestive health, anxiety, skin and coat, and dental.   

Since the 2017 investment, Inflexion’s in-house teams have supported Lintbells across a range of growth opportunities, including its expansion of the highly successful direct-to-consumer channel.  

Inflexion has also supported the successful expansion of Lintbells into the US both organically and through the acquisition of Walkin’ Pets. Earlier this year the firm achieved B Corp accreditation, reflecting its impressive ESG achievements. 

The investment period also facilitated the planned succession of co-founder John Howie, who set the business up in 2006, with Fiona Hope brought in as Chief Commercial Officer shortly after the Inflexion investment and taking over as CEO in 2022.   

Fiona Hope said: “Lintbells’ journey over the last few years has been one of high-quality growth. Inflexion’s backing and partnership enabled us not only to achieve our goals more quickly but to aspire to even greater ones. Their network was invaluable in expanding our digital capabilities and bringing our supplements to the US.”

She will continue to serve as CEO of YuMOVE, with responsibility for the UK, Europe, and rest of the world.

Malcolm Coffin, Partner and Head of Enterprise Fund, Inflexion, commented: “Lintbells has achieved tremendous growth during our investment, and we are particularly proud to have supported their successful entry into the US market. We wish Fiona and the team all the very best for the continued growth of the business.”

Vetnique develops a range of specialty pet products, which are vet-founded, vet-formulated and vet-recommended, including supplements and topical solutions for digestive health, allergy and dermatological support, and ear care. The company is best known for its Glandex supplement, which is North America's number one solution for anal gland disease.

Premium pet food manufacturer Cotswold RAW plans to relocate this summer following a £1million investment in new premises. The move is part of a substantial growth programme to meet increased demand for the popular high-quality raw meals, treats, and supplements for cats and dogs.

The new modern 30,000 sq ft premises, based in Bourton-on-the-Water, are just 15 miles from the original factory, supporting the company’s ambition to remain in the Cotswolds heartlands. Currently making over two million meals per annum; the new facility will see production capacity double.  

Mark Lewis, Managing Director at Cotswold RAW, said of the move: “Production capacity has been limited at the current North Cotswold site and it’s taken a two-year search to find the right location which aligns with our business needs.  We were determined to stay true to our Cotswold roots and keep our manufacturing in the countryside. It was also very important to retain our 30-strong loyal team, many of whom have been with us since the very start of our Raw journey”.

“The move will be transformative for the business, from the increased production capacity to improved team efficiency with all being together at one central location. Introducing a new digital adoption will also aid our growth with software, bringing teams, data and technology together to automate our processes. Capacity freezers and a separate unit for dispatch will also prove game changers for us”. 

Established in 2015 by co-founders Mark Lewis and Chris Brierley, Cotswold RAW uses high-quality, human-grade meats and local ingredients to produce a wide range of meals for dogs and cats. Ranges include complete recipes, complementary single-protein meals, recipes with game and an extensive range of treats with over seventy lines. There is also a range of supplements available. 

“With around 10% of dog owners now choosing to feed a raw diet, we’re thrilled to see so many choosing to feed dogs and cats fresher, better quality diets. It’s great to see our wholesome recipes make such an impact on the animal’s health and wellbeing”.

Cotswold RAW currently supplies over 500 UK retailers and delivers directly to 2,500 homes each month. 

“The independents continue to play a key role in educating pet owners on good nutrition, health benefits of quality ingredients and feeding guidance. Coverage across the independents remains hugely important to us,” explains Mark.

“As with any move of this scale, there will be some disruption, but we are determined to keep this to a minimum for our customers and will communicate the details of the move over the coming weeks. We plan to be fully transitioned into our new home by the start of September.”

The summer months are set to be busy for the team alongside the move, with preparation underway for a calendar of shows as Cotswold RAW takes to the road, introducing new customers to its best-of-class raw meals. Local shows kick off with The Game Fair held at Blenheim Palace, Glee, and close with PATS, Telford.

For further information on products available visit cotswoldraw.com or contact the trade team at retail@cotswoldraw.com. 

Pedigree Wholesale has announced the sad passing of its co-founder Derek Slater. Derek, alongside his wife Carol, were one of the original co-founders of Pedigree Wholesale, alongside Terry Brown and his wife Wendy. 

The four of them worked tirelessly together to launch the company in 1972 and built the foundations of the business.

The company issued the following statement:

“During this difficult time, the Pedigree Wholesale family extends its deepest sympathies to Derek's family and friends. Whilst we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and remember the influence his collective vision has had not just on Pedigree Wholesale, but on the entire pet sector. We are grateful for his leadership, his wisdom, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

“Under Derek and Terry's guidance, Pedigree Wholesale has grown significantly over the years, and Derek's legacy will be forever embedded in the company's values. He instilled a sense of pride and commitment in everything we do, encouraging us to be courageous in our work, focused on our goals, and accountable for our actions. 

“Derek stepped down as joint Managing Director in 1997, after 25 years of dedicated service, but his vision continued to guide the company. He created a connected community within the company and with our customers, reflecting his passion for pets and his dedication to helping retailers deliver the very best to their customers.

“We extend our deepest condolences to all those who knew Derek, and details of his funeral to celebrate his life and achievements will be shared in the coming weeks.”

Former Pets at Home boss Peter Pritchard has taken up the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer at German giant Fressnapf Holding SE.

With over 1,400 stores and 8,000 employees in 12 European countries Fressnapf is arguably the largest European pet product retailer.

Peter Pricthard said on his Linkedin page: “I am happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Interim Chief Executive Officer at Fressnapf Holding SE.

“I have worked with Fressnapf for many years, and I am very much looking forward to working with Torsten and the Fressnapf team to build the best pet supplies retailer in the world and unleash the full potential of Fressnapf/Maxi Zoo.”
 
Peter will now start to familiarise himself with the organization and, in addition to the headquarters in Krefeld, will visit the stores and colleagues throughout Europe.
 
He was Group Chief Executive Officer of Pets at Home between 2018 and 2022.

CSJ has welcomed Yvette Moore to its team as Area Representative.

Based in the East Midlands, Yvette is a well-known face in the trade and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience after over 22 years dedication to the industry.

Yvette worked for Kennelpack for 17 years, starting her career in their retail stores, then leaving her manager’s position to progress into their sales team in 2010 as Sales and Nutrition Advisor.

In 2017 she joined Roger Skinner Ltd as their Area Sales Manager for East Midlands and North West until 2022 when she left due to family needs.

CSJ is respected in the trade for their grass roots expertise and understanding of the needs of dogs – from founder Ceri Rundle’s world-renowned sheepdog trialling to other team members’ activities in gundogs, show, agility, breeding, pets, sled-dogs … the list goes on … 

Yvette is no exception, with an English Springer Spaniel which she occasionally takes out beating plus two yellow Labradors, a black Labrador and a Shitzu the company ethos continues to be ‘all about dogs’.

Yvette says, “I’m so excited to be back in sales and joining the CSJ family and I’m look forward to building relationships with old and new customers.”

For more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470

PetQuip has announced that the trade association will be organising a UK group of companies at Zoomark from 5 to 7 May 2025, in Bologna, Italy.

Promising to be ‘bigger and bolder’ in 2025, Zoomark is set to be Europe’s leading international meeting place next year for pet industry manufacturers and distributors, hosting over 1,000 exhibitors from 57 countries and over 28,000 visitors from 120 countries.

“We are excited to be taking a British group of exhibitors to Zoomark in 2025 – our companies did incredible business at the last edition in 2023. The organisers have announced several new initiatives, reflecting the innovative sector that the event operates in as well as demonstrating the dynamism and connection of this event,” commented Emma Brazier, PetQuip Event Manager.

“We have already sold over 250sqm of our 2025 space, so I would encourage companies who are interested in exhibiting as part of the prominent UK pavilion with all its logistical and promotional benefits to get in touch immediately”.

PetQuip has secured a prime location in Hall 26, with exhibition packages available to suit individual companies’ requirements. PetQuip supports the group with logistics, marketing, PR and stand facilities at the event.

For more information, contact emma@petquip.com

For details of PetQuip membership, email info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com

Up-and-coming pet health supplement company, PAWD DRINKS is lending its support to National Pet Hydration Month which traditionally takes place in July each year and raises the awareness of proper hydration for our furry friends, specifically dogs.

Although the summer in the UK has been somewhat mild this year, The Met Office is forecasting a heat wave towards the end of July again so it is important to be aware of keeping your pets hydrated.

Just like humans, pets need plenty of water to maintain optimal health but this is often overlooked by pet parents and this can lead to health issues which can be easily avoided. Although we associate proper hydration in the warmer months, it is important all year round and dogs can become dehydrated even sitting by the fire in the winter or from their daily exercise.

Hydration is the process of providing adequate water to the body to ensure it functions properly, supporting digestion and nutrient absorption and regulating body temperature. Pets can suffer from severe health problems such as kidney and urinary tract issues if they become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include lack of energy, dry gums, and loss of appetite. A well-hydrated dog should have a healthier skin and coat and reduced dryness and itchiness. Additionally, well-hydrated pets tend to have more energy and vitality.  Hydration can aid in weight management, as it helps pets feel fuller, potentially reducing overeating.

How much water you give your dog depends on its size, age, diet, and the climate they live in. Obviously larger dogs will require more water than smaller ones and an active dog will require more hydration. 

Pets fed on a dry food diet will need more water than those that eat wet food. This is because wet food contains more moisture than dry food, making it easier for pets to stay hydrated.

It is important to give a dog the right amount of water each day so that they do not become over- hydrated which can be equally as dangerous as being dehydrated so it is important to monitor a dog’s intake each day and make sure it is not drinking too much water from garden sprinklers, paddling pools etc. which are out in the summer months. When out and about take a bottle of water with you to give your dog, add water to their meals and always give your dog fresh clean water.

PAWD DRINKS is a new revolutionary and groundbreaking range of liquid health supplements, scientifically crafted to target the common health issues faced by our beloved dogs. These innovative products are the result of extensive research and development by world-leading animal nutritionists including Dr. Farshad Goodarzi Boroojeni and are veterinary-approved. Each formula has been carefully crafted to not only address specific health concerns but also contribute to the overall well-being of our four-legged friends.  PAWD DRINKS are pH neutral and contain no acidifiers or preservatives.

The drinks market for pets is relatively new but growing and PAWD DRINKS tackle a number of important areas. As well as hydration and wellness, PAWD DRINKS are absorbed more quickly andefficiently by a dog's body compared to pills, powders and chews.  This is important when addressing certain health or behavioural issues and when you need a fast result. Administering liquid supplements to dogs is easier than giving them pills or chews, especially for dogs that are finicky eaters or have difficulty swallowing. Liquid supplements can be mixed into their food or water, making it less likely for dogs to detect and refuse them. You can also customise dosage. They are palatable, achieve faster results and are gentle on the digestive system. PAWD DRINKS are less likely to cause irritation or discomfort compared to some pill formulations.

PAWD DRINKS Joints has been formulated to address stiffness and joint mobility with up to 80% of all dogs suffering from some form of mobility issues over the age of 8. PAWD DRINKS Joints contains natural ingredients, such as ginger and devil’s claw root to support joint mobility. 

PAWD DRINKS Calming will help to relax and soothe your dog in any anxious situations. This can be in the form of separation, social, travel or noise anxiety, with around 50% of dogs showing significant fear in response to thunder or fireworks.

So as well as helping to keep your pet hydrated, you can tackle some of the many problems that affect dogs helping to improve their overall wellness.

Costs:  Feed a dog from £1.99 a day, 28 bottles £55.99. Subscription deals are available.

For further information visit: www.pawddrinks.com

Exploring the most common health problems in pet rabbits in the UK, new research from the Royal Veterinary College reveals unnatural body shapes along with inadequate diet and exercise as having strong links with poorer health in rabbits. 

These insights will support ongoing efforts to enhance pet rabbit welfare in the UK, helping owners to recognise and prevent common disorders and providing veterinary professionals with more information around the causes of commonly diagnosed disorders.

As the largest study of its kind on pet rabbits in the world, the RVC’s VetCompass team explored the body shape of 162,017 rabbits under first opinion veterinary care during 2019. The results showed that 79.7% of rabbits with breed information recorded were classified as short-headed (brachycephalic); 16.8% as medium-headed (mesaticephalic); and only 3.51% as long-headed (dolichocephalic). Long-headed rabbits are most similar in body shape to wild rabbits, showing just how much we have changed the furry rabbit friends that we keep as pets today from their original natural conformation.

The RVC team was led by Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology; Dr Joanna Hedley, Senior Lecturer in Exotic Species and Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery; and Dr Abbie Williams, who was then a final year RVC veterinary student. These researchers also examined the full veterinary clinical records of a random sample of 3,933 rabbits, identifying the frequency of the most common health disorders by first opinion veterinary practitioners across the UK. The most common disorders were overgrown nails (28.19%), overgrown molars (back teeth) (14.9%) and obesity (8.82%) – all of which can be linked to limited exercise and unnatural diets.

Additional findings include that:

• 50.27% of the study population was recorded as a specific single breed (type) of rabbit, with the remaining 49.72% recorded as either an unspecified cross between various rabbit types or just as a rabbit.
• 57.05% of rabbits with breed information recorded were classified as lop-eared, a feature that does not commonly occur in nature, with only 42.95% being erect-eared.
• The average adult bodyweight of rabbits overall was 2.26kg.
• Additional common health disorders were identified as dirty bottom (perineal faecal impaction) (7.4%); undiagnosed disorder (6%); not eating (5.77%); gastro-intestinal stasis (5.52%); and tear duct abnormality (3.48%).
• Female rabbits were more prone to obesity while male rabbits were more prone to dental and eye disorders.
• Rabbits classified as short-headed had higher risk of tear duct abnormality, haircoat disorder and dirty bottoms, compared to medium-headed rabbits.
• Rabbits with lop ear carriage had higher risk of dirty bottoms and tear duct abnormality compared to rabbits with an erect-ear carriage.
• The average life span for rabbits was determined as five years and did not differ depending on the sex or skull shape of the rabbit. However, erect-eared rabbits had a longer average life span compared to lop-eared rabbits.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at RVC, and lead author of the paper, said: “This new study helps us to understand that the health of our pet rabbits is heavily dependent on the choices we make as owners. Whether that be the body shapes of the rabbits we choose to acquire or the food and exercise we choose to allow our pet rabbits to enjoy, we play an important and influential role in determining whether their health is good or poor.

“This research also tells us that we have the power to improve the lives of our much-loved pet rabbits. Greater awareness by owners on the importance firstly of choosing a rabbit with a more natural body shape and then later on of the value of conducting regular health and cleanliness checks, along with providing good diet and exercise, particularly for unnaturally short-headed or lop-eared rabbits, can make a significant difference to their overall health and quality of life.”

Dr Joanna Hedley, Senior Lecturer in Exotic Species and Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery at RVC, and co-author of the paper, said: “It is great to have this new research highlighting the common problems seen in pet rabbits. At the RVC’s Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, our exotic and small mammal specialists see many of these health issues, which can be easily preventable with the right husbandry or treatable if identified at an early stage.

Janet Hughes, Commercial Director at Agria Pet Insurance, said: “We hope this research will help owners make more informed decisions when acquiring their pet rabbit and throughout their care, leading to happier and healthy owners and rabbits.”

“This VetCompass study into common conditions in rabbits gives a very welcome insight into the very real challenges our pets face, often based on why we choose the pets we do. We're truly grateful to the VetCompass team and all of the practices involved for enabling potential owners to understand more about choosing a healthy pet who will live a full, happy life. It's this educational, research and welfare-led approach makes us proud to support VetCompass and the important work that they do."