Research carried out on behalf of Johnson’s Veterinary Products has revealed the true value of pet shops and stores to the pet owning public.

Johnson’s Veterinary Products has been caring for the nation’s pets for more than 100 years, building a successful business on a huge range of pet healthcare products available from pet shops and pet stores. But what products do pet owners want to buy and where do they want to buy them?

The answer to these questions and more besides were elicited from a purchasing habits survey of over 1,000 pet owners, representing every corner of the country, every type of pet and a broad demographic of the British consumer.

Paul Gwynn, Managing Director of Johnson’s explains: “We have always been a business that prides itself on producing the products people need, for the pets they love. Making sure these products are not only of the highest quality, but are cost-effective and readily available remains at the core of the Johnson’s ethos.

“We work hard to support the pet trade, recognising the importance of pet shops and pet stores, where advice is on hand for those pet owners who need it. But we need help in understanding the relationship between Johnson’s, our pet shop customers and ultimately pet owners, if we are to continue innovating and manufacturing the products pet owners want to buy.

“This survey, the first of many we hope to produce, has helped us understand the purchasing habits of different groups of pet owner, by their age, region of the UK in which they live and even by the pet or pets they own. 

“The overwhelming support for a return of the dog licence may be the big surprise story that grabs the headlines, but the valuable information in the report will help us make decisions about the new products we introduce and shape our service to the pet trade.

“It is clear that the relationship between pet owners and pet shops is important and strengthens over the years. Our role is to help nurture this bond with affordable, effective, high-quality products that resolve problems, like fleas and worms in cats and dogs, whilst also offering hamsters a treat. 

“There are many valuable insights contained within this report, any of which are worthy of further detailed study, but all show the value of pet shops and pet stores to the pet owning public, explaining the rude health reported by the majority, if not all of our customers.”

The report’s launch coincides with National Pet Month, which is coordinated by NOAH (National Office of Animal Health) and UK Pet Food, an association for the pet food industry.