Judging for the PetQuip Awards took place at Birmingham Dogs Home, with surplus samples from entrants being given to the charity, a donation estimated to be worth thousands of pounds. 

The award ceremony will take place on 29th September at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham following PATS 2025 – the UK’s biggest pet trade event, recognising the best in the pet sector, from individuals working in the industry, to newly launched businesses, and standout pet products. 

PetQuip, the international trade association of pet equipment suppliers, chose to host the judging day at Birmingham Dogs Home’s Solihull centre to support the charity which desperately needs support. PetQuip generously donated over £5000 worth of food, treats, and accessories to the dogs homed at the Birmingham site. 

The judging also included utilising some of Birmingham Dogs Home’s rescue dogs and volunteers’ dogs to test products, a welcomed treat by the vulnerable animals in its care.

The PetQuip awards are sponsored by full service marketing agency Leopard Co, which has over 20 years of multi-award-winning experience working in the pet sector. Headquartered in Birmingham, the agency is the proud headline sponsor of the PetQuip Awards and has supported Birmingham Dogs Home pro bono for over five years, helping pets find their forever homes while helping brands find their voice. 

As PetQuip Awards headline sponsor, Leopard Co is helping to recognise excellence in pet trade business in the UK and internationally. Attended by over 300 pet industry retail, brand and businesses, the awards celebrate the achievements of pioneering pet businesses across 15 categories. 

Rachel Frost, Events & Community Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Dogs Home said: “We were so pleased to welcome PetQuip to host their judging day in our community room, and are so thankful for the support in the donated excess product. This will be such a treat for the dogs in our care, who really do deserve it.”  

Susan Fairley, Trade Federation Manager at PetQuip added: “It’s been a great day of judging at Birmingham Dogs Home – we’re really impressed with the entries this year, and we’re looking forward to announcing the selected winners of the PetQuip awards in September. Every year, our judging day is a true testament to how innovative and original the pet sector is. 

“Once again, a special thank you to all the companies who sent samples for the judging and whose product has been donated to Birmingham Dogs Home.”

Rachel Roberts, CEO of Leopard Co said: “As headline sponsors of the PetQuip Awards and a long-time supporter of Birmingham Dogs Home, it’s great to see the two organisations come together for an important cause. 

“Although we work with clients from across a number of sectors, working with pet clients for over a decade means we are really committed to supporting this industry to continue to thrive. It’s privilege to support the recognition of UK pet businesses that are making an impact in the UK and beyond, through partnering with PetQuip and sponsoring the awards.”