The PetQuip trade association has announced an impressive list of finalists for this year’s PetQuip Industry Awards. Such is the popularity of the awards that a record number of entries were received...
Who will celebrating winning a PetQuip Award in 2022?
Who will celebrating winning a PetQuip Award in 2022?
The PetQuip trade association has announced an impressive list of finalists for this year’s PetQuip Industry Awards.
Such is the popularity of the PetQuip awards that a record number of entries were received, and following preliminary judging, these have now been whittled down to a list of finalists.
Two new categories – ‘Celebrating Green and Organic’ and the ‘Sustainability Award’ – have been introduced this year to reflect the growing trend towards ‘eco’ initiatives.
The Theresa Swann Trophy for Exporter of the Year, sponsored by Group 55, will once again be presented in memory of PetQuip’s former Head of Events & Administration who is fondly remembered by many.
Judging will be carried out by an independent judging panel, including industry experts and pet retailers, during August.
The award winners will be announced at an Oscar-style ceremony on Sunday, 25th September 2022, immediately after the first day of PATS Telford with a drinks reception starting at 7.30pm. “It is alwaysa fun evening of networking, entertainment, food and drink, and gives retailers and exhibitors an opportunity to get together informally. We’ve made a few tweaks to the format of this year’s event, so it promises to be a really special evening,” said Emma Brazier from PetQuip’s events team. Tickets can now be booked by visiting www.petquip.com/awards and downloading the form or by calling 01959 565995.
Pat Flynn, Trade Association Manager of PetQuip, added: “We have received an impressive number of entries for 2022 and the quality of the finalists is so high the judges will have a difficult job in choosing the winners.”
New for this year, the organisers of Zoomark International have donated a raffle prize of a trip to Bologna (pictured below) in 2023, including flights and full board hospitality in a superior hotel for two nights, enabling the lucky winner to visit the show.
PetQuip Awards 2022 Finalists
The Theresa Swann Exporter of the Year 3P Enterprise Eden Holistic Little Big Paw Podium Pet Products Tailor-Grace
Celebrating Green & Organic Aardvark Petcare Barking Bags Doggy Doggy Yum Yum Furr Boost HayPigs! Henry & Co Herbal Dog Co James & Steel Kompact 9 PARK LIFE Podium Pet Products Rawgeous Pet Food Co Tailor-Grace The Dog Doctors The Green Poop Bag WHM Pet Group
Supplier of the Year All About Pet Health Barking Bags Bestpets Butcher’s Pet Care C & D Foods ChickenGuard Collarways Doggy Doggy Yum Yum Furr Boost GHS Direct Herbal Dog Co Mutneys PARK LIFE Pet Trade Innovations Podium Pet Products Precious Pets Weddings ProDog Rawgeous Pet Food Co Scruffs The Dog Doctors
Business Service of the Year Ant Antics Bruce’s Doggy Day Care Canine Flow Doggy Day Care Cornwall FETCH.IT GHS Direct Henry & Co K9 Anytime Pedigree Wholesale Tuft App Shropshire Canine
Sustainability Award Aardvark Petcare Barking Bags Butcher’s Pet Care Doggy Doggy Yum Yum Dogs 4 Wildlife Furr Boost Herbal Dog Co Kompact 9 LK Pets PARK LIFE Pet Trade Innovations Rawgeous Pet Food Co Tailor-Grace The Dog Doctors The Green Poop Bag
Product of the Year – Accessories Technical Barking Bags (2 products) Collarways Concept Research Dog Fender FETCH.IT HayPigs! James & Steel Kompact 9 Pedigree Wholesale (3 products) PetSafe Red Dingo Scoff Paper Scruffs The Green Poop Bag WHM Pet Group
Product of the Year – Food/Treats Aardvark Petcare Akela Pet Foods Clydach Farm (2 products) Doggy Doggy Yum Yum Eden Holistic Forthglade Furr Boost HayPigs! James & Steel LK Pet Mealberry Mr Bug PARK LIFE (2 products) Pawfect Foods Pedigree Wholesale (3 products) ProDog Rawgeous Pet Food Co Tailor-Grace Tiana The Innocent Hound
Product of the Year – Healthcare/Animal Grooming ADM All About Pet Health (3 products) For All Dogkind (3 products) GHS Direct GWF Nutrition Herbal Dog Co (3 products) LK Pet Pipkin & Bella Podium Pet Products ProDog Pedigree Wholesale (3 products) Tailor-Grace The Dog Doctors Watermans Wrapsio
International Retailer /Wholesaler of the Year To be announced
UK Retailer of the Year Discount Feeds Ltd, Yorkshire Henry & Co, Scotland Natural Cornish Pet, Cornwall Pipkin & Bella (online) The Ark, Devon Trusty Pet Supplies, Derbyshire
Lifetime Achievement Award To be announced at the PetQuip Awards party on 25th September.
The PetQuip Awards are sponsored by: APPA, Canagan, Petface, Group 55, Pedigree Wholesale, Zoomark, Global Pet Expo, James & Steel and supported by PATS Telford.
Karnlea has notched up its 100th retail partner – only five months after launching the UK’s first ambient bone broth for cats and dogs..
Karnlea has notched up its 100th retail partner – only five months after launching the UK’s first ambient bone broth for cats and dogs.
The Belfast-based company has targeted independent retailers, tapping into the expertise of shop staff to convey the health benefits of the fresh-packed product.
Karnlea’s founder Lara McCullough believes that independent pet retailers are key to influencing, educating and informing pet owners.
“We put independents front and centre our marketing strategy,” she said. “Karnlea offers something totally new and we believe they are in the unique position as trusted retailers with expertly trained teams to convey our product’s benefits and help solve customers’ pet problems like skin, coat and digestive issues.”
The key milestone was boosted by the acquisition of Just for Pets as a new customer in April. The company has 21 outlets across the UK with an emphasis on natural products and ingredients.
Just for Pets Senior Merchandiser, Leanne Blunn, considers Karnlea the perfect fit for its stores.
“It's great to be able to extend what we can offer our customers to assist the health and wellbeing of their pets,” she said. “With 100% natural ingredients, recyclable and sustainable packaging and off-the-shelf convenience, it made perfect sense for Just for Pets to showcase Karnlea to all customers, not just the one's shopping in our raw department, so that more pets will benefit from it.”
Sammie Hunt, owner of Redpaw in Plymouth, called Karnlea Bone Broth a “must have” product.
“There are many reasons why pet owners should have bone broth in their cupboard: to hydrate their dog or cat on a hot day or before exercise, to supplement their diets and improve joint, skin and coat conditions and to provide a gentle food should their pet suffer from digestive issues or need to recuperate from sickness,” she said.
“I am really excited about being able to stock Karnlea,” she added “The quality of the ingredients and the level of nutrients make it an ideal standby and unlike similar products, it doesn’t need to be frozen.”
In addition to bricks and mortar establishments, Karnlea is also stocking online retailers, particularly those specialising in products that offer health benefits.
Enzo’s Pet Pantry has a focus on holistic and nutritional pet products. It launched after its owner Vaneeta Bassi investigated them for her own dog.
“As a pet owner of a dog with health issues I can personally vouch for the benefits of the product. Enzo suffers from allergies, IBD, pancreatitis and hip dysplasia and Karnlea Bone Broth is perfect for helping me in managing all of his ailments as it is great for his joints, gut, skin and coat. Previously there weren't any suitable broth options available on the market so I would have to make it myself. Thanks to Karnlea, which uses the same ingredients that I would at home, I don't need to do that anymore.
“Its versatility is amazing, it can be given as a liquid, jelly and frozen, all of which appeals to even the fussiest of eaters. I'm grateful that I can now offer the same tried and tested benefits of Karnlea's products to my customers,” she said.
For more information on becoming a Karnlea stockist contact lara@karnlea.com or for more information see www.karnlea.com
Pictured: Sales assistants Jaymee East with Rufus and Isabel Cooper with Ruby at Just For Pets, in Stafford.
The Pets at Home Foundation has announced the appointment of Robert Kent as Chair, taking over the role from Louise Stonier, who has successfully led the charity for over 15 years and has recently been appointed as Chief Operating Officer of the Vet Group, Vets4Pets...
The Pets at Home Foundation has announced the appointment of Robert Kent as Chair, taking over the role from Louise Stonier, who has successfully led the charity for over 15 years and has recently been appointed as Chief Operating Officer of the Vet Group, Vets4Pets.
A highly experienced leader, Robert joined Pets at Home in 2018 as Chief Data Officer and is a well-established member of the Group Executive. Since joining the Group, Robert has created a data and analytics capability from scratch, underpinning the business’ strategy to use data to better serve customers. He is passionate about using insight to drive decision making and will be applying his experience and expertise to support the Foundation’s ambitions.
The Pets at Home Foundation is the largest grant giver to UK animal rescues and has raised over £45m since it was established in 2006, supporting over 750 organisations and donating over £3.5m in the last year alone. It acts as an integral lifeline for charities who carry out invaluable work supporting pets and the people who love them, and aligns its efforts with the Pets at Home Group’s wider mission to promote and protect the highest standards of animal welfare across the country.
Robert said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Pets at Home Foundation as Chair. It is a wonderful charity that understands the difference pets make to people’s lives and works tirelessly to create a better world for pets and the people who love them.
"Under Louise’s guidance, the team have achieved some incredible milestones and I am excited to have the opportunity to take over the baton, to work alongside the team and Trustees, and to help shine a light on the incredible work they do.”
As PATS Telford prepares for its biggest show ever in September, the boss of an award-winning company says the UK’s pet industry exhibition is a “fantastic platform for business”...
As PATS Telford prepares for its biggest show ever in September, the boss of an award-winning company says the UK’s pet industry exhibition is a “fantastic platform for business”.
Entrepreneur Tracey Voss, managing director of pet product manufacturer Tailor-Grace, attended the very first PATS show at Sandown Park in Surrey in 2009.
Tracey, founder of pioneering products such as ‘Huskaloo’, the world’s first eco-friendly compact cat litter made from coconut husks, said she felt “tied up with the history of PATS”.
And she had high praise for PATS and the organising team behind it for having developed the exhibition into “a fantastic platform for businesses”.
“I feel I’m tied up with the history of PATS because I exhibited at the very first one, at Sandown in 2009. I saw what PATS did for the industry early on, by creating an independent platform for visitors to attend and exhibitors like myself to showcase new products,” said Tracey.
“Having been there from the very beginning, I’ve watched PATS go from strength to strength. It’s now a fantastic platform for businesses, particularly PATS Telford. The site is accessible, easy to park at, central and it’s housed in a big, roomy hall.”
Tracey, who has worked in the pet trade for 25 years and has just been shortlisted as a finalist for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022, has also previously won five awards at PATS for her products.
Last year, Huskaloo was named a New Product Award winner at PATS Telford 2021. And it also won Gold in the ‘Innovations In Lockdown’ category at the PetQuip Awards 2021.
Tracey added: “I’d like to thank and pay tribute to organisers Gordon Thomas and his hardworking team for creating what has become a terrific, well-put-together show.
“PATS is the platform for the British pet industry to showcase its products. It attracts key visitors not just from the UK, but also from overseas, all under one roof. It’s fantastic, especially as an event at which to launch new products.
“And the size and wide reach of PATS also spans a spectrum of categories within the pet sector, attracting groomers, boarding kennels, independent retailers and big supermarkets.
“PATS has hugely grown in popularity and is certainly a lot bigger than the very first PATS I remember attending all those many years ago.”
PATS Telford is taking place at the Telford International Centre on Sunday and Monday, 25th and 26thSeptember 2022.
Visitors to the show can register online for free entry at the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk. A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.
Heritage boot brand Town & Country has teamed up with dog-hydration expert, Louise Toal, of Furr Boost, to make sure summer walking is as comfortable as possible for owners and their pets...
Heritage boot brand Town & Country has teamed up with dog-hydration expert, Louise Toal, of Furr Boost, to make sure summer walking is as comfortable as possible for owners and their pets.
Walking your dog is beneficial to both of you; you get to spend time with each other and you both get some exercise in the fresh air. Summer is one of the best seasons to head out on a walk, bright mornings and light evenings are perfect for getting out more with your dog.
However, making sure you are both comfortable and hydrated is essential. It’s good practice to always be prepared when you take your dog for a walk, but in warmer weather especially.
Here is Louise’s expert advice to ensure that you and your dog stay happy and healthy this summer:
“Keeping your pooch comfortable and hydrated is vital to their health and happiness, especially during the summer months. But did you know that dogs need 3 to 4 times their normal water intake in hot weather, depending on their size and activity levels - and dehydration can be fatal for your dog. I suggest some simple tips for ensuring your dog remains hydrated during the warmer season; providing more water bowls, tempting with tasty treats, getting creative with refreshing fun and don’t forget drinks on the go!
“Of course, it is just as important for us dog parents to be comfortable throughout summer too, in the warmer weather you will benefit from lightweight boots or shoes when on those all-important summer walks.”
Town and Country offers a deluxe range of footwear which is made from quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship at an affordable price. Strong enough to withstand the great outdoors yet supple enough to provide great comfort and fit, the range is ideal for walking and gardening in all weather and providing maximum comfort and breathability for any summer hike.
Jollyes is planning a fun-packed opening for its new Stockton store on Saturday 6 August as it prepares to give pet owners from across Teesside a warm welcome.
Jollyes is planning a fun-packed opening for its new Stockton store as it prepares to give pet owners from across Teesside a warm welcome.
The finishing touches are being put to the new store which opens at Unit 1A, Lustrum Retail Park, Stockton-on-Tees, at 10.00am on Saturday 6 August – as the town celebrates the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF).
Jollyes will be adding to the festivities with plenty of fun for visitors and customers including:
Jollyes’ specially commissioned “Stroke Squad Van” where visitors can meet dogs from Maxi’s Mates Rescue and Rehoming Centre in nearby Dunsdale
Trigger, Maxi’s longest standing resident, will be there along with his pals Jeanie and Spangles
Jane Galliford from Maxi’s Mates will perform the official ribbon cutting with store manage Dave Coe and regional manager Kerry Midgely
a chance to win prizes on Jollyes’ iconic ‘Wheel of Fur-tune’
goody bags for the first 100 customers
sample testing
balloons for kids.
The 5,000 square feet store will bring new life to a unit that has stood empty for some time, creating 10 jobs. It is next to Haverton Hill Road and close to the Portrack Interchange with the A19, making it easy to reach from anywhere on Teesside.
The new Jollyes’ team will be led by manager Dave Coe who is “dog father” to two dogs of his own, Nellie and Peggy, twin sister mastiff-rottweiler pups.
Jollyes’ regional manager Kerry Midgely said: “We’ve picked a great day to open our doors during the Stockton International Riverside Festival when the whole region will be buzzing which will help to get us off to a fun-packed start.
“Teesside is going to be a great location for us and we’re looking forward to welcoming pet owners and their pets into our new store and to playing our part in the local community.”
The new Stockton store will complement Jollyes’ popular outlets in the North East at Blyth, Darlington and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It follows recent openings in Southport, Stirling, Wrexham and Cookstown, as well as the acquisition of Penparc Pet Centres with five stores in the Midlands.
Backed by Kester Capital, Jollyes announced in January it had a pipeline of 20 new store openings over the next year. New stores are due to open this summer at Poole, Glenrothes and Edinburgh.
Jollyes has also announced more details of the ranges available at the new store, including dog and cat food, toys and accessories, food, treats and accessories for small pets, birds and fish. It will include Jollyes’ exclusive Lifestage dog food range, including dry food, trays and cans and its premium Lifestage Artisan dry food.
Dog groomers who want to specialise in show-stopping pooch perfect styles can now branch out by taking a new add-on qualification...
Dog groomers who want to specialise in show-stopping pooch perfect styles can now branch out by taking a new add-on qualification.
The Ofqual regulated iPET Network course in Creative Grooming gives learners the welfare-led skills and confidence that they need to express their creativity at work.
Billed as a way to diversify for existing qualified dog groomers, the course is for professionals who want to demonstrate their design and flair at the highest level.
With a firm focus on animal welfare, the course enables groomers to grow their business offer, but in a way which is both ethical and animal driven.
The course comes at a good time. With the popularity of grooming styles such as Asian Fusion with its adorable teddy bear and spiral cuts, there is certainly a demand for technical skills in the industry but it is important that this is done with safety and animal welfare in mind.
Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty, co-directors of the iPET Network, said: " This course is a great way to continue your journey in the industry, and skills like this elevate the industry as a whole.
"With all dog grooming, welfare is always a top priority, and existing qualified dog groomers know that.
"So this course is a way to get those next-level technical skills, whether it is for a competition, or for clients in your salon."
Up until now, the only way to learn some of the most technical grooming styles was to travel further afield.
iPET Network teacher Helen Kirby (pictured), who runs the Bone Idol Academy in Hove, East Sussex, traveled to Malaysia in early 2020, to master the tricky Asian Fusion grooming style which encompasses some similar techniques to creative grooming.
This led to an appearance for Helen on the Pooch Perfect TV show, where she demonstrated a spiral groom.
Helen said: "There are so many career options within dog grooming, and for those looking to specialise in technical grooms this course sounds wonderful.
"While I will never regret my Malaysia experience, I do wish that I had the benefit of this course at the time too.
"When courses like this are launched it is great, because it shows the public just how committed the industry is to excellence, safety and welfare."
Raw dog food brand Paleo Ridge has announced that its new treats range is now stocked in TK Maxx stores nationwide...
Raw dog food brand Paleo Ridge has announced that its new treats range is now stocked in TK Maxx stores nationwide.
The listing by the major department store chain follows the ecommerce launch of the Paleo Ridge treats range in March, which proved a huge success.
Made using the highest-quality ethically sourced ingredients, the Paleo Ridge treats range features two nutritious products: Fish Skin Cubes and Sprats. With the pet food market seeing a growth in treats and premiumisation also increasing, the treats products are perfectly positioned to drive interest and boost sales. The products are the first in a developing treats line from Paleo Ridge.
The new partnership between Paleo Ridge and TK Maxx was initiated at PATS Sandown 2022 and marks the first time Paleo Ridge products have been stocked by a major retailer. The TK Maxx listing reflects Paleo Ridge’s commitment to expanding its trade accounts and the brand’s growing profile.
Gill Synnuck, Trade Account Manager at Paleo Ridge, says: “We are delighted to partner with TK Maxx to bring our treats range to a much wider audience, raising the profile of the Paleo Ridge brand. Our new listing is testament to the quality of our product. We are dedicated to continuing to grow our trade presence as the business expands.”
Paleo Ridge is dedicated to quality and sustainability. The business offers a broad range of highly nutritious premium raw dog food, with products designed to suit dogs of all ages and dietary needs. Using ethically sourced, organic, human grade ingredients with no artificial additives, Paleo Ridge has helped over 20,000 customers switch to its raw dog food over the past seven years.
An elderly dog who was so severely matted that an RSPCA officer was unsure what breed she might find underneath, has undergone a remarkable transformation in the charity's care...
An elderly dog who was so severely matted that an RSPCA officer was unsure what breed she might find underneath, has undergone a remarkable transformation in the charity's care.
Moses, a nine-and-a-half-year-old Shih Tzu, who was found in a house on the outskirts of Derby last month, had a faeces and urine-soaked coat that was described as a “hardened shell” by RSPCA inspector Pamela Bird.
The animal welfare charity is highlighting its rescue and rehabilitation work for dogs like Moses as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty summer appeal. The charity's concerned that with the increase in pet ownership and the cost-of-living crisis putting a strain on people's finances, more animals will be coming into its care during the next few months.
In this case, over half a kilo (1.5 pounds) of stinking fur was shaved off the little dog, whose tail was so badly matted that it stuck out at a right angle to his body. A cocktail stick was even found hidden which was embedded near his skin.
The vet who examined Moses said, it would have taken "a good couple of years" for his coat to get into such an appalling state and it took a team of three people more than two hours to painstakingly shave it all off.
Pamela said: “The scale of what we were dealing with became apparent once the veterinary team had started work on Moses' coat; it was caked in urine and faeces and smelt awful. We all became more and more shocked by what we were seeing and the realisation at what this poor little dog had endured.
“He was sedated in a way that was sensitive to his age, which is why it took the team a long time to slowly shave off his fur - particularly as there were a few sore patches underneath, but they did an absolutely fantastic job.
“It's one of the worst cases of matting I've ever seen, but despite this hardened shell of foul-smelling fur which he was carrying around - which must have been incredibly uncomfortable for him - Moses was one of the most lovely natured dogs you could ever meet.”
The RSPCA received a call about Moses last month, after a member of the public spotted him wandering in a street and was concerned for his welfare.
Following enquiries, the RSPCA inspector was able to locate his owner, who was elderly and suffering from serious ill health.
Pamela added: “It became clear that Moses had been part of the family for a long time, but his owner was trying to deal with significant health issues and things had become too much for him to cope with. As a result, Moses had not been receiving anything like the quality of care he should have, but his owner did the right thing by signing him over to us so we could get him the treatment he desperately needed.”
Moses was also treated for anaemia before being transferred to the RSPCA's Abbey Street Animal Rehoming Centre in Derby, where he's now looking for a new home.
Animal care manager, Lucy Bell, added: “It's taken Moses a little while to get used to having so little fur, and his skin was hypersensitive where it had been pinched underneath - even gently touching his back would irritate him at first. But now he realises he can finally move around properly without his coat weighing him down, he's getting happier and happier every day and we all think he's so handsome.
“He's having special baths to soothe his skin, which he's been enjoying, and we're really beginning to see his playful side come out, despite the fact he's a little more mature in years.
“It's been a team effort to get him to where he is now and we're so pleased that we've been able to help give him this second chance as we think he's going to make someone a wonderful, loving pet.”
Moses is just one of many cases the RSPCA deals with. Last year the animal welfare charity received 1,081,018 calls to its Cruelty Line in 2021 and these included:
1,094 killings or nearly three animals killed a day
632 mutilations or 12 animals brutally mutilated every week
7,857 beatings which equate to one animal beaten every hour
38,087 abandonments which equates to more than 100 animals callously abandoned every day
Harringtons has broadened its horizons with the launch of its latest new high protein product – Meaty Treats...
Harringtons has broadened its horizons with the launch of its latest new high protein product – Meaty Treats.
The launch comes off the back of a substantial growth in the dog treat market, which is now worth £394m – an increase of £32m over the last 12 months alone.
Available in four delicious flavours; Chicken Fillets, Duck Jerky, Beef Meatballs, and Chicken Sausages, the treats are free from artificial colours and preservatives, and contain a minimum of 70% meat, ensuring dogs get some natural goodness in their diet.
Meaty Treats are designed to put protein at the forefront and are packed full of all-important vitamins and minerals to make treat time all the more delicious and nutritious.
With three grain free recipes and the tasty Beef Meatballs being wheat-free, Harringtons’ Meaty Treats are perfect for dogs with sensitive digestion.
With the cost of living on the rise, pet owners don’t need to compromise on quality with these tasty treats. At an RRP of £2.50 per packet, dogs can enjoy great quality treats without breaking the bank.
Lucy Stones, Brand Marketing Manager at Inspired Pet Nutrition, said: “Harringtons prides itself on delivering the health and happiness that everyone can afford, and every pet deserves. The dog treat market is doing incredibly well, and we spotted an opportunity to provide pet owners with more options that are nutritious so they can reward their pet in a conscious way. Good nutrition shouldn’t need to come at a premium, and with our new Meaty Treats range, owners can benefit from added affordability. We’re confident they’ll go down a real ‘treat’ with our four-legged friends and owners alike.”
Team members from IVC Evidensia practices in Sunderland were recently given the opportunity to participate in Marine Medic Training, delivered by British Divers Marine Life Rescue...
Team members from IVC Evidensia practices in Sunderland were recently given the opportunity to participate in Marine Medic Training, delivered by British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
BDMLR are a nationwide charity who respond to calls from the public reporting injured seals or stranded porpoises, dolphins and whales around the UK. They dispatch teams of trained volunteers to attend and deal with the casualty, with the aim of re-floating the animal back out to sea.
Twenty-six team members drawn from across Sunderland participated in the highly practical course, which included a couple of hours re-floating a 2-tonne model of a Pilot Whale in the North Sea.
IVC Evidensia is incredibly proud of its commitment to supporting training and development programmes for all staff within the business, aligning with its core values of we care, we share, and we dare.
These values are promoted through many different opportunities, including courses such as the Marine Medic Training, allowing veterinary professionals to continue to learn at whatever stage they are at in their careers.
The Marine Medic Training course is mutually beneficial for both the veterinary profession and BDMLR, as there is already a huge shortage of trained vets who are prepared to see these animals in practice or to attend on scene to provide expert skills and guidance.
This is also a positive step forward in supporting at-risk marine mammals and local communities by increasing the available pool of people trained in dealing with these distressing incidents.
David Martin, Group Veterinary Welfare Advisor for IVC Evidensia, said:
“The recent Marine Medic Training gave our teams the unique opportunity to learn new skills that they can apply to their everyday jobs, as well as useful animal handling skills which is transferable to large animal practice.
“Our team members are now much more equipped to safely handle and move large marine animals that could have the potential to do serious harm if manoeuvred incorrectly. Due to the success of the course, there are already plans in place for repeating it again in 2023.”
A Scottish pet shop is asking customers to stop buying wild bird food in an attempt to halt the spread of avian flu...
A Scottish pet shop is asking customers to stop buying wild bird food in an attempt to halt the spread of avian flu.
Bird feed is normally a top seller for Petcayr By T & G Hutchison Pet Supplies in Ayr but after local council chiefs announced they had collected 500 dead birds from South Ayrshire beaches, the pet shop owners launched their appeal to customers.
On the pet shop’s Facebook page owner Catherine Hutchinson said: “This is so bad for business but we feel duty bound to get this information out to our customers.
“Avian flu has been detected in the bird population in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon.
“Feeding the wild birds means that they congregate in one area, making the disease much easier to pass around.
“No one looking after their garden bird population wants to see their feathered friends come to harm so bird table hygiene, which is always very important, is now of huge importance and it may be worth considering just not feeding your garden birds until this outbreak is over.
“It’s also of huge importance not to let your dogs have the opportunity to come into contact with bird carcasses as many are washing up on the beach.”
A recent study from fresh dog food brand, Butternut Box, found that 30% of pet owners say working with their dog boosts their overall mood...
One of the most exciting stages in any animal lover’s life is when a new furry friend joins the family, and for many, it’s dogs who top the list as they help to brighten up each day and are a loyal companion for life.
Dogs are happy, energetic animals who can elevate your mood, as a recent study from fresh dog food brand, Butternut Box, found that 30% of pet owners say working with their dog boosts their overall mood, while 26% say their pet pooch reduces their stress levels – showing that dogs really are beneficial to making us feel good.
To help pet owners across the nation understand the true mental health benefits of owning a four-legged friend and how they can boost your mood, Dr Ciara Clarke, in-house Vet from Butternut Box shares her expert insights.
1. Improve mobility and physical activity
Dogs need exercise just as much as their owners do, but as humans we can often neglect our own health and the need to move. When you spend time outdoors, it can improve your mood, reduce stress and count towards your daily step count, making it a valuable form of exercise.
Dogs are active animals and need to exercise regularly – the recommended guidance is 30 minutes of exercise outside per day, although this will alter slightly depending on the size or breed of dog, as some will need more. This is a great excuse to get out of the house and start moving, meaning your pet pooch is not only keeping active, but you are too!
2. Provide companions for life
Owning a dog means you will always have company, be sociable and feel safe in your home, particularly if you live alone. The sound of paws pattering on the floor is an instant reminder that you are not alone.
Whether you’re going through a breakup or have experienced the loss of a family member, dogs are there to help support you through any challenging times. Being around dogs or even pets in general can also lower the stress hormone, cortisol, which helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and can boost your mental health.
3. Reduce mental health issues
Dogs are a great source of comfort and motivation, often helping us to live mentally healthier lives without even realising it, as their wagging tails and furry faces brighten up each day.
Dogs can also boost your self-confidence. Typically, when people suffer from low self-esteem issues, positive affirmations can help to lift their spirits. Ultimately, dogs always offer unconditional love to their owners, and this support and loyalty is often a great help to boost your mood. Not only that, but dogs are great listeners too, allowing you to vent in peace after a hard day.
4. Improve your social skills
When you first get a dog and begin to train them at home, the Google searches begin with lots of ‘puppy training classes near me’ and ‘dog Facebook groups’, as most people are looking for advice and expertise from other dog owners.
Booking your pet pooch onto a dog training class not only gives them a chance to socialise and meet other four-legged friends, but you get to socialise too. Socialising is important for us all and by creating conversations and discussing favourite interests and pup facts – there are sure to be friendships formed.
Not only that, but trips to your local park will become a bigger social event after getting a furry companion as you chat with other dog walkers and share your training tips and techniques.
5. Add structure to your life
Dogs thrive and are generally better behaved when they have structure to their day. For example, creating a set feeding time in the morning and evening each day is one of the first steps to making a routine.
It’s important to know that by applying the dog’s routine into your life, it benefits you as well. Creating good routines for yourself and those around you allows you to be more organised, which in turn can boost your mood as you feel more accomplished with your day as tasks are completed. As well as this, it also creates a consistent supplement of good behaviours for both parties.
So, there you have it, five ways that dogs can help to boost your mental health and the true benefits they can have on your lifestyle, and with dogs bringing so much to our lives, we should give back to help them live a healthy and happy lifestyle. Cooking fresh and tasty meals that are sure to set their tails to wag, Butternut Box delivers perfect portions straight to your door.
American company CANOPHERA, a leading supplier of natural wood dog chews, has sealed a distribution partnership with Wisconsin-based Burlo Pet Services...
American company CANOPHERA, a leading supplier of natural wood dog chews, has sealed a distribution partnership with Wisconsin-based Burlo Pet Services.
CANOPHERA’s co-founders Sebastian Klafka and Benjamin Lemm were inspired to launch the company in 2012 based on their deep love for dogs with an unwavering dedication to sustainability and pet health.
Since the initial launch, CANOPHERA went from a small start up to a global leader of natural wood dog chews, now supplying to almost 20 countries in Europe and independent retailers across North America.
“We are thrilled to keep the momentum of CANOPHERA’s distribution success with a partnership with Burlo,” says Rob Johnson, President of CANOPHERA LLC.
“Drawing from Burlo’s extensive independent retailer networks throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Chicagoland, this partnership of support serving pet retail partners is the perfect next step for our company and distribution goals.”
Gene Large, Co-Owner of Burlo, adds: “ Burlo is thrilled to be one of CANOPHERA’s first distribution partners in the United States. The brand offers our independent pet retailers and other wholesale accounts with incredibly high-quality and innovative products. CANOPHERA has been a quick hit here at Burlo and we're excited to continue the early momentum we've gained after launching the line earlier this year."
CANOPHERA Chew Sticks are made from caffeine-free coffee wood, which is a natural byproduct during coffee production, so no tree is uprooted or cut down for production. The sticks are particularly resilient and less likely to splinter, and are 100% vegan and free from any harmful additives.
UK Flyball League has announced CSJ as the official sponsor for the upcoming UKFL Championships to be held at Lincolnshire Showground on August 13-15...
UK Flyball League has announced CSJ as the official sponsor for the upcoming UKFL Championships to be held at Lincolnshire Showground on August 13-15.
UKFL is one of the fastest growing leagues representing over 100 teams from across the country.
Cheryl Quinn, chairperson of UKFL, said: "We are pleased to have CSJ as our official partner for the championships. CSJ has become first choice for dog handlers from a wide range of dog sports, including flyball.
"Our membership wants the best for our dogs and CSJ certainly provides top quality, natural feeds, and we look forward to working with the company at the upcoming championships."
With around 34% of UK households owning a dog*, Purely Pets has revealed that the North East ‘takes the lead’ as the region where our canine companions are more likely to live!
With around 34% of UK households owning a dog*, Purely Pets has revealed that the North East ‘takes the lead’ as the region where our canine companions are more likely to live!
According to data from the pet insurance specialist, over 16% of owners live in the region with the top areas being South Yorkshire, Tyne & Wear and West Yorkshire respectively, and these three also feature in the top ten counties list too.
Looking at the top ten places, according to the data, Lancashire reigns supreme with 5.5% of owners living in the county, followed by Essex and Kent with just over 5% of customers, and their dogs, residing in each area. West Midlands, Cheshire, Hampshire and Cambridgeshire also feature on the list.
Ross Hallifax, Affinity Director at Purely Pets, comments: “As a nation of dog lovers, we wanted to reveal where in the UK are the dog friendliest places to live! ‘Pet parents’ have a responsibility to make sure their companions are happy, healthy and safe and if you are thinking about getting a dog, looking at where you live, and your home environment, is hugely important. Making sure they have access to open space, whether that’s a garden, park or even the beach, and plenty of room to grow and play are all factors to look into and it might also help you choose what breed works best for you!”
Natural pet food firm Encore is recalling a batch of its multipack dog food because the Beef Steak with Potatoes in Gravy tin, within the multipack, may contain small pieces of metal...
Natural pet food firm Encore is recalling a batch of its multipack dog food because the Beef Steak with Potatoes in Gravy tin, within the multipack, may contain small pieces of metal.
The affected products are:
Encore Beef Selection in Gravy (Multipack), 5 tins x 156g, batch code LU1-343, best before 09 December 2024
Encore Beef Selection in Gravy (Multipack), 5 tins x 156g, batch code LU1-302, best before 29 October 2024
Encore Beef Steak with Potatoes in Gravy (Individual tin), 156g, batch code LU1343D, best before December 2024
The risk statement posted on the Food Standards Agency website says: This product may contain small pieces of metal which makes it unsafe for dogs to eat.
Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice.
The advice to consumers is: Our advice to consumers (pet owners) is: “We urge customers who have bought this product not to feed it to their dog and return it to the store with or without a receipt from where it was bought for a full refund. Further details are available at https://encorepetfood.com/uk/contact-us/
Kennelpak, the long-standing pet food wholesaler and European distributor, which encompasses omnichannel pet care specialist retailer Pets & Friends, has appointed james Langam as Chief Commercial Officer. James has been Managing Director of Natures Menu for the past three years, and as Commercial Director for the two years prior...
Kennelpak, the long-standing pet food wholesaler and European distributor, which encompasses omnichannel pet care specialist retailer Pets & Friends, has appointed james Langam as Chief Commercial Officer. James has been Managing Director of Natures Menu for the past three years, and as Commercial Director for the two years prior.
The Board role will see James directing and leading the growth strategy of Kennelpak's wholesale and distributor division. The role also includes responsibility for further strengthening the Pets & Friends product offer across the chain of specialist stores, ecommerce platforms and online subscription service.
Since CEO Claire Bayliss' appointment in June 2021, her focus has been to set out the vision and long-term growth strategy for Kennelpak, building a new Board and Senior Leadership Team who will execute this strategy, of which James' appointment is key.
At Natures Menu James oversaw the company's most profitable years ever.
James said: “I am delighted to be joining Kennelpak at this exciting point in the evolution of the business. I look forward to working with Claire, the wider team and the customer and supply base to maximise the potential of Kennelpak in the market.”
The company, which has a head office in Nottinghamshire, was founded in 1974, and creates high quality pet food and product brands including Yakers, Collards and Dylan, with distribution across the UK and Europe. Kennelpak are also UK distributors for international brands such as Wellness CORE, Whimzees and Taste Of The Wild.
Kennelpak own Pets & Friends, a growing chain of specialist pet care retail stores and a highly rated ecommerce platform. Pets & Friends are dedicated to creating a community of happy, healthy pets and responsible pet parents by providing high levels of expertise, advice and services to its customers, alongside high-quality and great value pet food and products.
Speaking about James' appointment, the company's CEO Claire Bayliss said: “James joins us at a pivotal time as we invest significantly in both our Wholesale and Retail divisions. Over the last year, my focus has been to establish a brand-new management team to deliver profitable growth across the Kennelpak group, building on our heritage and expertise.”
Pets at Home is welcoming the ‘return of the Saturday job’ with the introduction of new fixed day/hour contracts for both new and existing colleagues, following an increase in demand for regular part-time roles to fit in around commitments outside work...
Pets at Home is welcoming the ‘return of the Saturday job’ with the introduction of new fixed day/hour contracts for both new and existing colleagues, following an increase in demand for regular part-time roles to fit in around commitments outside work.
The new roles will be called Pet Care Assistants and will come with the same benefits as full-time Pet Care Advisor colleagues. They will be available for a minimum of four hours a week and will likely offer up to a maximum of eight hours each week, similar to the types of contracts associated with traditional Saturday jobs.
One of the key advantages of these new contracts is that they offer the flexibility for improved work-life balance with employees able to dictate their preferred working days and hours, supporting those who may have previously struggled with the unpredictability of traditional shift-based work such as students, carers, parents, and retirees.
These new roles will also help stores to provide additional support at weekends and busier periods, enabling Pet Care Advisors to have more time to focus on providing expert advice to customers resulting in both happier colleagues and improved service for loyal customers.
Jane Beresford, Group Director of People Partnering at Pets at Home, said: “We are delighted to be able to support both new and existing colleagues with the creation of the Pet Care Assistant role. We’ve listened to feedback and understand that the inability to determine your own working patterns and hours can be a barrier to entry to many.
"With this new permanent contract role, we look forward to welcoming even more pet lovers to join us in looking after the UK’s pets, without having to compromise on any of their commitments outside of work.”
There has already been a lot of interest in these roles from within the stores and demand is expected to increase as the new roles become available over the coming weeks.
Award-winning company PARK LiFE has produced a short video to demonstrate how one of its treats – Fris-Bix – lives up to its name...
Award-winning company PARK LiFE has produced a short video to demonstrate how one of its treats – Fris-Bix – lives up to its name.
Fris-Bix won a Best New Product Award at last month’s Glee show at the NEC in Birmingham, creating lots of interest from visiting buyers at the trade show.
PARK LiFE’s founder Richard Marles said: “We were inundated with potential customers at the event asking us to demonstrate the product. But it's difficult to throw a Fris-Bix in a crowded trade show, so we decided to have a video made to showcase how far they can fly.”
Richard recruited the services of Dublin video maker Hedgehogs vs Foxes, who shot the film at PARK LiFE’s HQ in Ireland overlooking Ballykeeran Lough on the outskirts of Athlone.
“The dogs had a great time catching Fris-Bix all afternoon,” said Richard.
He will now use the video to promote Fris-Bix on social media platforms, as well as replaying it on the PARK LiFE stand at PATS Telford in September.
PetQuip Awards 2022 Finalists
Dog groomers who want to specialise in show-stopping pooch perfect styles can now branch out by taking a new add-on qualification.
Kennelpak, the long-standing pet food wholesaler and European distributor, which encompasses omnichannel pet care specialist retailer Pets & Friends, has appointed james Langam as Chief Commercial Officer. James has been Managing Director of Natures Menu for the past three years, and as Commercial Director for the two years prior.
