Family-owned pet food manufacturer Burgess Pet Care is relaunching its Yorkshire Takeover campaign for a second year, following the success of last summer’s initiative to support rescue centres across the UK. 

Launching on the 1st of August, the one-week Supadog Yorkshire Takeover invites consumers to nominate a rescue centre for the opportunity for them to receive a share of Burgess’ dog food donation fund. 

The campaign is funded through sales of Burgess Supadog Rich in Salmon, with 20p from every bag sold throughout the year contributing directly to food donations for rescue dogs in need. 

Last year’s takeover generated £3,500 worth of dog food donations, helping rescues across the country to continue their vital work caring for, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs.  

The campaign returns as many rescue centres continue to face rising costs and increasing demand for their services. By nominating a deserving rescue centre, members of the public can help ensure more dogs receive the nutrition and care they need while waiting for their forever home.  

Suzanne Moyes, Deputy Managing Director and In-house Vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: "We were so pleased with the response to last year’s Yorkshire Takeover and the difference it made to rescue centres and the dogs in their care. We’re delighted to bring the campaign back for a second year to be able to provide another opportunity to support the organisations working tirelessly to care for and rehome dogs across the UK.  

“We believe all animals deserve the best care and nutrition and this campaign aims to provide exactly that.”

Linda Griffiths, Evesham Greyhound & Lurcher Rescue, who received donations through the Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Takeover, said: “Burgess Pet Care have saved so many dogs here, by simply donating food and helping us to feed them during a particularly hard year. The reallocation of funds meant we were able to provide more veterinary care to the dogs depending on us at the rescue.” 

The campaign launching on Yorkshire Day also celebrates Burgess Pet Care’s proud Yorkshire heritage and roots as a family-owned business.  

More information, including how to nominate a rescue centre, can be found on the Burgess website: https://www.burgesspetcare.com/events/yorkshire-takeover/ 

The Buffalo Co. has announced the nationwide launch of its premium Poppy Collection designer dog bowls across Jollyes stores throughout the UK, marking another significant milestone for the fast-growing pet brand.

The Poppy Collection has been designed to combine style, practicality, and durability, offering pet owners a premium feeding solution without compromising on quality. Featuring elegant hand-finished designs, non-slip bases and a complimentary wrought iron stand, the collection has been created to complement modern homes while delivering a superior feeding experience for pets.

The launch further strengthens The Buffalo Co.'s growing partnership with the leading UK Pet & Garden retailers and reflects the increasing demand for high-quality pet accessories that are both functional and beautifully designed.

A key part of this success has been the support of DECCO, The Buffalo Co.'s exclusive UK wholesale distributor. Through its nationwide distribution network and strong relationships across the garden centre, hardware and pet sectors, DECCO has played an instrumental role in helping bring the Poppy Collection to market and supporting its rollout into Jollyes stores across the country.

Jonathon Moyce, Managing Director of The Buffalo Co., said:"Seeing the Poppy Collection launch nationwide with Jollyes is another proud moment for our team. It's fantastic to see the quality of our products being recognised not only by major retail buyers, but also by the pet owners who use them every day.

At The Buffalo Co., every product we create is designed with both the pet and the pet parent in mind. We never compromise on quality, functionality, or design, and that philosophy continues to resonate with retailers looking to offer something genuinely different to their customers.

I'd also like to thank DECCO for the support they've given us throughout this journey. Their expertise, commitment and outstanding distribution network have been invaluable in helping us continue to grow our brand across the UK."

The Poppy Collection joins The Buffalo Co.'s expanding portfolio of premium feeding accessories and award-winning natural dog treats, all developed with the same commitment to quality, innovation, and pet wellbeing.

As demand continues to grow across the UK and internationally, The Buffalo Co. remains focused on developing products that enrich the lives of pets while giving owners confidence they are buying products built to the highest standards.

The Buffalo Co. continues to expand its presence both in the UK and internationally and will be attending SuperZoo in Las Vegas this August, where the team will be meeting existing and prospective customers to showcase both its branded product range and private label manufacturing capabilities.

Following SuperZoo, The Buffalo Co. will return to the UK to exhibit at both PATS and Glee in September, where it will unveil a number of exciting new product developments and meet with retailers, distributors and industry partners from across the pet and garden sectors.

Pet wellness brand WellPaws has secured a category-first listing in Tesco Ireland, becoming the first supplement brand ever to appear on the supermarket’s shelves, as the 18-month-old business accelerates its push into mainstream retail.

The brand, founded by former Premier League footballer Neil Yadolahi and based in Manchester, will launch across 150 Tesco Ireland stores from Monday, with the full eight-product range, four chewables and four syrups, available in store. The listing marks a significant milestone not just for WellPaws but for the wider pet supplement category, with no pet supplement brand previously securing a national listing with the retailer.

Alongside the Tesco rollout, WellPaws has also confirmed a listing with Dunnes Stores, one of Ireland's largest retailers, launching across 40-plus stores with four of its chewable products.

Neil Yadolahi, founder and CEO of WellPaws, said: “Landing in Tesco Ireland as the first pet supplement brand on their shelves is a moment we’ve been working towards since day one. It's not just a distribution win, it's a signal that premium, science-backed pet wellness is ready for the mainstream. Irish pet owners deserve access to products that actually work, and now they have them.”

He added: “Dunnes Stores is a hugely significant retailer in Ireland and we’re proud to be on their shelves too. Between the two listings we’ll have real national coverage in Ireland from week one, and that’s a very exciting foundation to build from.”

The Ireland launches come at pace for a brand that has grown every month since launching in 2025. Having already showcased at the world's largest pet industry trade fair Interzoo, WellPaws is also eyeing further expansion into Greece, Turkey and the United States later this year, with the UK also firmly in its growth plans.

WellPaws' range of vet-recommended, clinically trialled syrups and chewables covers calming care, bone and joint support, skin and allergy care, and gut health and immunity. The brand's innovative syrup format, designed to replace hard-to-administer tablets and powders, has been central to its early success, driving strong repeat purchasing and 70% subscription rates among its direct-to-consumer customers.

The products are backed by science, formulated by experts and certified by GMP, FDA and ISO standards.

For more information visit wellpaws.com.

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Tributes have been pouring in following the death of former pet shop owner Ken Burgess, who ran the popular Burgess Pet Care Centre in South London.

Ken, who died peacefully at the age of 80, was a well-known figure in New Addingham where he ran the pet shop until its closure in recent years.

His son Paul said on social media: “Thank you all for your kind and heartfelt words, dad would be deeply touched by all of your kindness. 

“He loved New Addington and everyone there. He was so proud to have been part of such an amazing community, one that he lived and breathed for since 1979, when he moved his wife Gill, and three young sons (for which he named the shop after) to live above the pet shop.

“His life’s work was the pet shop and the parade. His passion was for people and community. He was always the teacher and would happily provide opportunities for anyone who wanted to learn more about animals and plants. It felt like half of New Addington had either worked in his shop or had at least one Easter or Christmas picture hanging above the counter, something that he was so proud of.

“His work with the Christmas lights and the Central Parade Business Partnership were central to who he was. Thank you to Mick, Helen, Ersan and countless others for being his friend and partner in those long-lasting endeavors. He leaves a legacy built with his community at its heart.

“For the past six years he lived with pulmonary fibrosis, a degenerative lung disease. This didn’t stop him from working, far from it, it made him all the more determined to work even harder. Just one example was to get the rear service road fixed, spending time writing emails, calling folks and lobbying councillors and others at the council.

“Dad was so sad to close the shop and always hoped it would remain a pet shop but could not find someone to take over the legacy. It was not an easy decision to close, and I think if he hadn’t been so sick he would have been standing behind the counter to this day.

“He passed away peacefully at home, content with his life and with no regrets. Thank you, New Addington, for making my dad so happy and for being so generous to him and our family. He will miss you all.”

Tributes poured in for Ken on social media, bringing in nearly 500 comments, including:

• “New Addington was lucky to have known you Ken, you have been, and now will, forever more – be missed.”
• “Ken Burgess was more than just a local businessman, he was the heartbeat of New Addington, bringing joy and community spirit to everyone he met, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.”
• “It was sad to see his shop close. Maybe because he did so much for the community a plaque could be put up by the old pet shop in his name.”

Premium pet health brand Pooch & Mutt has launched its new Calm & Relaxed Hemp Oil, designed to help those pooches and mutts who need a little help unwinding.

A part of Pooch & Mutt’s Wellbeing range, The Pooch & Mutt Hemp Oil is made with 100% Hemp Oil. It’s known for its calming properties and naturally rich in omega fatty acids including:

• Omega 3 to help support comfortable joints and everyday mobility.
• Omega 6 to help nourish healthy skin and a glossy coat.
• Omega 9 to help support overall vitality and wellbeing. 

Dog owners can simply drizzle over meals for an easy, feel-good addition to their dog’s everyday routine.

This supplement is grain-free, chicken-free, and puppy-friendly.

Paul Dennison, CEO of Pooch & Mutt, comments: “The wellbeing category continues to grow year on year, with retailers seeing strong demand for natural, functional products that genuinely support dogs’ health. Expanding our Calm & Relaxed range with Hemp Oil is a key part of our strategy to offer retailers high‑quality, science‑led solutions that meet the needs of modern pet parents.

“Hemp is a standout ingredient in the market right now, and when combined with other proven activities, it gives stores a compelling product that delivers real results. We’re committed to building a wellbeing portfolio that drives repeat purchase, strengthens customer loyalty and supports retailers with products that perform.”

The launch of Pooch & Mutts Calm & Relaxed Hemp Oil further strengthens Pooch & Mutt’s Wellbeing range, complementing the existing Calm & Relaxed Hemp Gummies  – chicken, THC‑free chewies formulated to help maintain emotional balance and make supplement‑taking simple for pet parents.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College has revealed that crossbreeding extreme brachycephalic (flat-faced) Pugs with non-brachycephalic dog breeds can substantially improve health and welfare outcomes in the offspring, while preserving many of the behavioural traits and close owner-dog relationships that contribute to the purebred Pug’s breed’s popularity.

Brachycephalic dogs, including Pugs, remain highly sought after in the UK despite growing evidence linking their extreme body shapes to severe and lifelong health problems, including breathing difficulties, eye disease, skin-fold infections and heat intolerance. Previous efforts to tackle these issues within selective breeding programmes have largely focused on breeding between purebred Pugs who have a lower disease burden to maintain ‘purity’, while retaining the purebred breed’s distinctive body conformation. However, any welfare improvements from this approach have been slow to achieve, as offspring largely retain the extreme body shape that causes the associated health problems. Thus, global interest has shifted towards crossbreeding the extreme purebred parent breed (e.g Pug) with a non-extreme, non-brachycephalic breed (e.g Jack Russell Terrier or Beagle) to create offspring with more moderate body shapes that face reduced disease burden, while retaining their desirable qualities.

Therefore, the study, led by researchers from the RVC alongside collaborators from Paragon Veterinary Referrals, EviVet Evidence-Based Veterinary Consultancy and Blue Cross, compared 150 UK pet Pug and Pug-crossbreed dogs recruited between November 2023 and September 2024. All dogs underwent in-person veterinary assessment for the presence of respiratory, eye, dental, skin and neurological disorders. Dogs also underwent Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) assessment, an established method to grade the presence and severity of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.

Owners also completed detailed questionnaires covering their dog’s health history, veterinary costs, exercise and maintenance requirements, behaviour, quality of life and owner-dog relationship. The body shape of each dog was assessed, including skull shape, nostril size, eye shape, the presence of nasal folds and tail length and shape.

The findings revealed major improvements in the overall health of the Pug-crossbred dogs compared to purebred Pugs. Nearly half (47.1%) of purebred Pugs were diagnosed with severe airway disease and all were graded as having affected breathing, whereas all Jugs (Pug × Jack Russell Terrier) and all but one Puggle (Pug x Beagle) (97.9%) were graded as unaffected. The Jugs and Puggles also showed substantially longer relative muzzle length than Pugs, which was found to be strongly associated with lower odds of respiratory disease in statistical analyses. Both breeds also showed fewer conformational health problems and substantially lower veterinary costs compared with purebred Pugs.

Additional findings include:

• Severe nostril narrowing was only identified in the purebred Pugs, affecting more than one in five (21.6%) dogs studied.
• All purebred Pugs had nasal skin folds, compared with only 15.7% of Jugs and 27.1% of Puggles. Consequently, 38.3% of Pugs were affected by nasal fold dermatitis, but was absent in Puggles and only affected 2% of Jugs.
• Purebred Pugs were significantly more likely to be reported by their owners to have breathing, heat regulation and exercise problems (51% compared to 2% of Jugs and 4.2% of Puggles).
• Purebred Pugs were significantly more likely to show eye abnormalities including turned-in (entropion) and turned-out (ectropion) eyelids.
• Jugs and Puggles showed significantly fewer orthopaedic and neurological abnormalities during clinical assessment.
• Veterinary costs were substantially higher for purebred Pugs, with median monthly veterinary costs more than four times those of the Pug-crossbred dogs - £45 per month for Pugs compared with £10 for Jugs and Puggles.
• Owners of Jugs and Puggles were more likely to rate their dogs’ quality of life as “excellent” - 92.2% of Jugs, 81.2% of Puggles, compared with 58.8% of purebred Pugs.
• Behaviour profiles and owner-dog relationship scores remained broadly similar between the purebred and crossbred dogs.

The study also found that the dog-owner bond did not differ between Pugs, Jugs and Puggles. Furthermore, there were a few major behavioural differences between the groups, with an improvement in trainability in the crossbreeds compared to purebred Pugs.

These findings therefore suggest that deliberate crossbreeding away from extreme body shapes in breeds such as Pugs could offer a rapid and practical route to improving canine welfare while protecting what owners love most, with these benefits possible in only one generation.

Dr Rowena Packer, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC and senior author of the paper, said: “Improving the welfare of dogs with extreme conformations is one of the biggest challenges facing the canine welfare community globally. This study provides evidence that moving away from extreme body shapes by shedding the shackles of breed ‘purity’ can offer a rapid and effective pathway towards innately healthy companion dogs.

“If international kennel clubs and breeders are serious about tackling the high disease burden in breeds with extreme conformation, carefully managed crossbreeding programmes should be recognised as one of the most effective tools available for improving canine welfare.”

Elizabeth Youens, Master’s student at the RVC and first author of the paper, said: “Our findings suggest that improving the welfare of brachycephalic dogs does not have to come at the expense of the qualities owners value most. The Jugs and Puggles in this study showed markedly better health outcomes than purebred Pugs while maintaining similar behaviour profiles and strong owner-dog relationships. Purposeful crossbreeding away from extreme body shapes is now shown as offering a practical route to improving canine welfare.”

Ashleigh Brown, Scientific and Policy Manager at the RSPCA, said: "The RSPCA remains deeply concerned about the welfare impact of breeding dogs with unnatural features that cause both physical and psychological harm. These findings demonstrate that significant improvements in canine health and quality of life are achievable through judicious out-crossing - findings that should be welcomed sector-wide and implemented in breeding decisions.  Canine welfare must always take precedence over aesthetics, and both responsible breeding and informed consumer choices when purchasing a pet will be powerful drivers for change. We urge prospective owners to prioritise health by choosing dogs with moderate, functional features that support a high quality of life."

The research was funded by the Animal Welfare Foundation, Blue Cross and the RSPCA.

A cross-party House of Lords committee report is calling for a ban on the general sale of off-the-shelf and unchecked online pet treatments for fleas and ticks.

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee, in a report published today, argues that pet owners should receive a thorough assessment of the needs of their pets and advice about the potential health and environmental risks of pet parasiticides.

The committee found that the intensive and unnecessary overuse of Pet Parasite Medications (PPMs), often promoted by the pet pharmaceutical industry, is not supported by robust scientific evidence. Moreover, through their release into the environment from our homes, they are potentially causing widespread damage to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

The Committee is calling on the Government to:

• establish a clear and comprehensive evidence base on the use of PPMs, including the volume of products sold, the proportion of pets routinely treated, and the prevalence of pet parasites;

• ensure that research, with appropriate financial contributions from the pet pharmaceutical industry, addresses as a matter of priority the significant evidence gaps between the environmental impacts of PPMs and the potential risks to human health; 

• require more rigorous (Phase II) Environmental Risk Assessments for all existing and future PPMs as soon as possible;

• advocate for a more precautionary approach to PPM use to reduce the number of unnecessary treatments, particularly for low-risk animals. This includes strengthening advice and guidance, ensuring PPMs cannot be sold without qualified advice (including online), and making risks more visible on packaging. 

• review the relationship between the industry and UK and international veterinary medicine regulators, to ensure that any risk of regulatory capture is removed and give confidence that appropriate and independent guidance is prioritised; 

Baroness Sheehan, Chair of the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee, said: “Our report raises serious questions and concerns about the environmental risks of pet flea and tick treatments as well as how they are sold to pet owners. Their over-use on household pets is the equivalent of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. 

“The lack of scientific evidence and data, poor customer guidance and the relationship between the pet medication suppliers and regulators appear as murky as the waterways these flea treatments are polluting. 

“Pet owners deserve accurate evidence-based guidance on the need for, and risks of, the existing and new chemicals which are being prescribed and the impact they are having on their pets, home and the environment.”

American company Central Garden & Pet Company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in leading European firm TRIXIE from founder Bonnik Hansen and current shareholders Dirk Jessen and Volker Haak.

The acquisition strengthens Central’s portfolio of pet and garden brands and represents a major step in expanding the company’s presence in Europe. 

Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Tarp, Germany, TRIXIE has grown into the leading European pet supplies and pet snacks company. The company employs close to 600 people and serves over 30,000 pet retail stores internationally, offering a broad assortment of more than 6,000 products for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small animals, including accessories, toys, treats, snacks, habitats, apparel, bedding, and travel solutions. 

Approximately 90% of sales are generated from TRIXIE’s own-brand portfolio, supported by strong in-house design team that introduces around 500 new products per year. TRIXIE is recognized for its product innovation, category expertise, and industry-leading logistics and fulfillment capabilities. Together, Central and TRIXIE create the leading global player in pet supplies.

The European pet supplies and snacks market, representing approx. €10 billion in annual sales, is expected to grow at a mid-single digit growth rate1), supported by favorable long-term trends including increased focus on pet health, pet tech, humanization and premiumization. 

TRIXIE’s established portfolio and market position allow it to participate in these trends while providing Central with an attractive platform for future expansion in Europe. The combination is expected to drive organic growth through winning innovation and a strong channel presence, and to accelerate pet supplies growth, particularly in Europe, by leveraging TRIXIE's industry-leading logistics and fulfillment capabilities along with its expertise in navigating diverse European markets. This also gives Central a differentiated presence with approx. 10% of net sales generated outside of the United States and establishes a scaled platform to consolidate the fragmented European pet specialty market.

“The addition of TRIXIE strengthens Central’s position across key European pet supplies markets and adds a scaled platform with deep category expertise, strong retail relationships, and industry-leading logistics and fulfillment capabilities across the region,” said Niko Lahanas, Chief Executive Officer of Central Garden & Pet. 

“Bonnik Hansen and the TRIXIE team have built a remarkable company over the past 50 years. We are pleased that a very strong management team will continue leading the business, and we believe this partnership positions us well to drive long-term growth and better serve pet parents across Europe and the United States.”

TRIXIE will operate within Central's Pet segment. Central plans to leverage its scale, sourcing capabilities, and product development expertise to support TRIXIE's continued growth while preserving the entrepreneurial culture, customer focus, and market strengths that have made the company a leader in the European pet supplies market.

"Joining forces with Central Garden & Pet marks an important milestone in TRIXIE's 50-year history," said Bonnik Hansen, Founder of TRIXIE. "I am incredibly proud of what our employees, customers, and partners have built together. In looking for a partner, it was important to us to find a company that shares our values, our culture, and our long-term thinking. We are confident that Central is the right partner to build on our strong foundation and carry the company successfully through its next stage of growth."

TRIXIE's proven leadership will remain in place following completion of the transaction. Management will continue to be led by Dirk Jessen, Burkhard Friedrichsen, and Danny Bollerey. In addition, Dirk Jessen and Volker Haak will remain minority shareholders in TRIXIE. Their continued involvement underscores their long-term confidence in the company's future and provides continuity for employees, customers, trading partners, and suppliers. Volker Haak will also continue to support TRIXIE as a consultant, contributing his extensive experience to the company's ongoing development and its activities across European markets.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of Central’s fiscal 2027, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

What began as a wonderfully bonkers idea became one of the pet world's biggest success stories this weekend, as Piggy Fest – Guinea Pig Festival exceeded every expectation and welcomed more than 2,700 guinea pig lovers to Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk.

The UK's first dedicated guinea pig festival comfortably smashed its original ticket sales target of 500, with guinea pig lovers travelling from every corner of the UK – and even from the Netherlands – to celebrate the nation's favourite small pet. Official Piggy Fest T-shirts have even found fans across the Atlantic, with orders arriving in from the USA.

The overwhelming response has highlighted the incredible passion of Britain's guinea pig community. According to UK Pet Food, there are an estimated 700,000 pet guinea pigs in the UK, with around 1.2% of UK households sharing their home with at least one. Piggy Fest brought that community together in spectacular fashion, proving that these much-loved companions inspire friendships, creativity and lifelong connections.

Hosted by HayPigs! in partnership with Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park and supported by headline sponsor Supreme Petfoods, alongside Guinea Pig Magazine, Little One, Burgess Excel, Natural Nibbles, Piggie Parcels and Rosewood Pet, the festival celebrated everything that makes guinea pigs such special companions while championing responsible ownership, welfare and enrichment.

Rik and Helen Cridland, co-founders of HayPigs! & Piggy Fest, said:  "It was magical and exceeded every expectation we had for the day. Seeing so many happy faces and feeling the energy and buzz around the place was awesome.

"We knew the guinea pig community was bonkers, but they took our breath away. There is something very, very special about these little creatures that captivates our hearts, lifts us when we are sad and brings people together.

"We're so glad everyone enjoyed the day and we are incredibly grateful for everyone who showed faith in our idea and backed the festival. To the helpers, sponsors, vendors, speakers, Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park and of course, all our visitors – thank you so much for making our dream come true - you are the best. Time to start thinking about Piggy Fest 2027."

Visitors enjoyed a packed programme featuring educational talks from respected guinea pig experts, appearances from some of the community's best-loved content creators, family entertainment and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow guinea pig enthusiasts.

The festival also showcased Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park's famous Guinea Pig Village, home to 15 piggy residents who have their own church and nail bar. The Piggy Wish Tree also gave owners the chance to remember guinea pigs that had crossed the rainbow bridge – creating one of the day's most heartfelt moments.

The event raised more than £2,000 for guinea pig rescue organisations, helping support the welfare of guinea pigs across the UK.

Organisers are already looking ahead to Piggy Fest 2027, promising an even bigger celebration of the remarkable little pets that continue to bring so much joy to hundreds of thousands of homes across the UK.

Photographs by Jayne Lloyd for HayPigs!

Direct Pets has been named Pet Shop of the Year at the North East 2026 Local Awards, recognising an independent, family-owned pet retailer that has become a trusted part of the local pet-owning community across Northumberland and the wider North East.

Founded in 2010 by husband-and-wife team Tom and Jen Woodcock, Direct Pets was created to help pet owners access expert advice, quality products and personal service under one roof. Over the years, the business has grown, but its values have remained the same: treat every customer like a neighbour, take time to help and always do what is right for the pet.

For the Direct Pets team, this award is a proud and emotional achievement. Because it was decided entirely by public vote, the win reflects the trust, loyalty and support of customers who have chosen Direct Pets for their pets through every stage of life, from puppyhood and kittenhood through to their senior years.

Direct Pets is an independent family-owned pet retailer with a simple purpose: helping owners give their pets the best possible lives. The business supports pet owners across Northumberland and the North East with quality products, expert advice, community events and long-standing customer relationships.

Pet ownership is deeply personal. People do not just want to buy food, treats, toys or accessories. They want to know they are making the right choices for an animal that is part of their family. Direct Pets understands that, which is why the team takes time to listen, ask questions and offer advice based on each pet’s needs.

That personal approach has helped Direct Pets become much more than a shop. For many customers, it is a place they can return to for reassurance, guidance and friendly support. Whether someone is bringing home their first puppy, managing a dog’s nutrition, finding the right harness or looking for advice as a pet gets older, Direct Pets offers the kind of care and experience that builds trust over time.

Pets4Homes (pets4homes.co.uk) has just released its latest Pet Industry Report with the standout finding being that Britain's fastest-selling puppies are no longer the fashionable crossbreeds, but working and terrier types. 

Jack Russell and Border Terrier puppies are finding buyers in just 11 days on average, with Yorkshire Terriers, Border Collies and mixed breeds close behind at 14-15 days – even as prices hit record highs.

The Jack Russell, the UK’s fastest selling dog, also saw a 15% price increase from 2025-2026 (average price rose from £561 to £648).

Notably, the market is moving faster than ever despite surging costs. The average puppy sold for £1,093 in June 2026, up 26 % year-on-year, yet the typical puppy is now finding a buyer in 18 days, down from 22 days last year – an 18% drop. Demand is clearly outstripping a supply that's still around 30% below pre-pandemic levels.

To conduct this study, Pets4Homes analysed data from the millions of pets advertised through the platform over the past year.

Other notable findings include:

• The French Bulldog's fall from grace continues: having lost the No.1 breeding spot to the Miniature Dachshund, it has now slipped to #5, with listings down 27% year-on-year as Britain turns away from flat-faced breeds
• Postcode premium: the same puppy costs 30% more in London than the North East (£1,110 vs £856), and an identical Labrador costs 55% more in the South West than in Northern Ireland
• Trust pays: puppies from licensed breeders now average over £1,600, a 44% premium over hobby breeders - buyers are paying for reassurance
• Cats bounce back faster than dogs: kitten listings grew 20% year-on-year and have now overtaken pre-pandemic levels, while dog breeding remains around 30% below where it was
• Unexpected boom category: poultry listings are up 57% year-on-year, with as many birds sold in H1 2026 as in the whole of 2024

Clayton Payne, host of the flagship podcast Pet Business Disruptors, has reached peak chart status across his broadcasting network. Latest metrics show the series is now one of the most downloaded audio programmes in the global pet sector.

Pet Business Disruptors is an industry podcast providing straightforward insight into how the global pet market is developing. The show features discussions with:

• Manufacturers
• Retailers
• Distributors
• Innovators
• Senior supply-chain leaders

Topics include product development, retail trends, logistics, international trade and manufacturing challenges. Payne also broadcasts directly from major international trade shows, including SuperZoo (Las Vegas), Zoomark (Bologna) and Interzoo (Nuremberg), giving listeners access to current market activity and sector developments.

Flagship rankings

Recent chart performance includes:

• Top 4 global placement within its core market sector
• Top 2 ranking in the UK commercial podcast charts
• #1 position in 20 countries, including Singapore, Finland, Hong Kong, Ecuador and the UAE

The show’s trade-event activity will expand further with Pet Business Disruptors Live, a new exhibition created in partnership with Edition Pet. The event will run 9–10 May 2027 and will bring together suppliers, retailers, veterinary buyers/practitioners and service providers for two days of industry-focused content and commercial networking.

About the new podcast: Challenging Pet Health

Challenging Pet Health is Payne’s newly launched companion series, co-hosted with integrative veterinary expert Dr. Katie Kangas. The podcast focuses on clear, evidence-based discussions covering:

• Veterinary practice and clinical decision-making
• Pet-food manufacturing standards
• Retail marketing and product quality

Each weekly 30-minute episode is designed for pet owners, veterinary professionals and industry decision-makers seeking reliable information on pet health and wellbeing.

New podcast rankings

Verified chart positions on Apple Podcasts by Rephonic show strong early uptake:

• #4 — United States (Pets & Animals)
• #3 — United Kingdom (Pets & Animals)
• #3 — Canada (Pets & Animals)
• #6 — South Africa (Pets & Animals)
• Additional rankings in broader Kids & Family categories, including #102 in the US and #89 in South Africa

Early episodes are tracking at a similar pace to the flagship network’s established 40,000+ monthly downloads.

Both podcasts now reach international audiences across multiple chart categories, marking continued growth of Payne’s broadcasting network. The launch of Challenging Pet Health expands the platform beyond commercial and trade-focused content into dedicated pet-health education.

Commenting on the early success of the new series, Payne said: “To reach number four in the United States and number three in Canada so soon after launching Challenging Pet Health has exceeded our expectations. It demonstrates that there is a substantial international audience looking for honest, practical conversations about pet health, veterinary care and the products owners are being encouraged to buy.”

“Pet Business Disruptors has always challenged conventional industry thinking, and this new programme allows us to bring that same independent approach directly to pet owners and veterinary audiences.”

With Pet Business Disruptors maintaining strong global chart positions and Challenging Pet Health rapidly climbing international rankings, the network is set for further expansion through 2026 and into the launch of Edition Pet in May 2027.

A star-studded line-up of pet-loving celebrities, including Vicky Pattison and Tasha Ghouri, has joined forces with Battersea to launch a fashion collection that takes aim at the concerning demand for cats and dogs with extreme physical features – warning that some of the internet’s favourite pet trends may be causing more harm than people realise. 

The limited-edition collection features a selection of Y2K-inspired tees, caps and tote bags emblazoned with playful slogans, such as “Hot girls just want healthy pets” and “Cute but struggling”, highlighting the hidden welfare issues behind some of today’s most sought-after pets.

Each fashion item has been curated in collaboration with the charity’s latest celebrity supporters:

Tasha Ghouri (Slogan:Highkey just want pets to be healthy
Former Love Island contestant and Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has created a design inspired by the language of social media, encouraging people to put pets' health before appearance. Tasha has a rescue dog from Spain and is a passionate advocate for animal welfare.
Tasha said: “This campaign combines my love of animals and fashion, so it was a no brainer to get involved. But most importantly, it’s such an important cause and my slogan embodies how we should always prioritise our pets’ health over aesthetics. Having a healthy, happy pet is the ultimate fashion statement.”  

Yasmin Pettet (Dump him unethical breeding)
Love Island star and host of the show’s official podcast Yasmin Pettet has brought her signature fashion-forward aesthetic to the collection with a gutsy slogan encouraging people to think twice about unethical breeding. A self-proclaimed ‘cat whisperer’, Yasmin adopted her childhood cats from Battersea, making the cause particularly close to her heart.
Yasmin said: “Battersea is so close to my heart, having had rescue cats from there growing up. The coolest thing about a pet should never be how they look – it should be that they live a happy, healthy life. Go grab yourself a cute tee and be part of the movement.”  

Vicky Pattison (Pets aren’t a fashion accessory)
TV presenter Vicky Pattison has curated a bold design reminding people that pets should never be treated like the latest trend. A lifelong dog lover, Vicky now has two beloved rescue Labradors, Max and Milo, and has long been a passionate advocate for responsible pet ownership.
Vicky said: “I’m so proud to be taking part in this important campaign and love that it uses fashion to get people talking about something that really matters. Let’s leave our pets out of fashion choices and focus on helping them live happy and comfortable lives.”  

Faye Winter (Hot girls just want healthy pets)
Passionate animal advocate Faye Winter has curated a playful slogan championing healthy pets over passing trends. The former Love Island star shares her Devon home with a host of animals, including her beloved Golden Retriever, Bonnie.
Faye said: “I adore my pets and I adore fashion, but our love of trends should never come at the expense of an animal’s health. I hope this collection encourages people to rethink what’s really worth celebrating when it comes to our pets. Trends will always come and go, but our pets rely on us to put their wellbeing first, every single time.”

Max Balegde (Cute but struggling
TikTok sensation and Celebrity Gogglebox star Max Balegde has brought his trademark humour to the collection with a tongue-in-cheek slogan designed to challenge perceptions of what makes a pet truly ‘cute’. Max recently became a dog dad to his puppy, Eevee, after growing up surrounded by family pets.
Max said: “Becoming a recent dog dad, all I want is for Eevee to live her healthiest and happiest life possible. Social media can be brilliant for bringing animal lovers together, but it can also fuel demand for pets with extreme features without showing the health problems they often face. They might be cute, but they are indeed struggling, and this fashion line is all about encouraging people to put pets’ health first.”  

Pandora Christie (Healthmaxxing Over Looksmaxxing)
DJ & presenter Pandora Christie has reimagined one of social media's biggest buzzwords to encourage a healthier way of thinking about pet ownership. Pandora is a long-time supporter of Battersea and has previously owned rescue pup Henry. Pandora said: “We should all be ‘healthmaxxing’ when thinking about our pets – and that’s exactly what my collection is all about. This is an amazing campaign to be part of, using fashion to advocate against this worrying trend of buying pets with extreme characteristics. Let’s all work together to keep our pets happy and healthy.”

 
The summer drop comes as research from Battersea reveals that Gen Z and Millennials are significantly more likely to choose pets with extreme characteristics – such as flat faces, folded ears and excessive skin folds – with social media and popular culture playing a major role in shaping perceptions of what cats and dogs should look like. 

But the charity warns that these desirable features can leave animals struggling to breathe, move, play and live a normal life.

For French Bulldog owner Jennifer, the reality behind the “cute” aesthetic has been devastating. Her dog Lily underwent her first operation at just 16 months old and has since needed multiple surgeries, alongside ongoing health issues including breathing problems, spinal issues, eye ulcers and chronic reflux. 

Commenting on her experience, she said: “I love the look of French Bulldogs and to be honest, I didn’t realise how bad things were.”

Jennifer has now spent more than £40,000 on veterinary care and adds that “no amount of health insurance or money can take away (Lily’s) suffering."

Laura Alwen, Rehoming & Welfare Manager at Battersea, said: “No animal should ever have to suffer in order for humans to find them ‘cute’, and it is heartbreaking to see so many dogs and cats paying an impossibly high price to look a certain way. 

“All too often we see animals being brought to rescues like Battersea when their loving owners aren’t able to cope with the significant vet bills or care requirements they’re facing because of the way their pets have been bred to look. Together we can prevent this from happening and ensure pets can live happy healthy lives with their owners who love them.”

Battersea explains that this “hidden cost of cute” is rife amongst young pet owners, with the leading animal rescue charity hoping the fashion collection helps to encourage them to think twice before buying one of these ‘trendy’ pets.

Caroline Jenkins, Head of Campaigns, at Battersea, said: “We want this fashion collection to be something people are excited to buy and wear, but more importantly something that sparks a bigger conversation.

"By taking our Cost of Cute campaign into the spaces where trends are created and shared, we hope to use a positive trend to disrupt a harmful one and ultimately challenge the way we think about pets including knowing what can lie beneath the 'cute' surface."

Later this month on Wednesday 19 August, the charity will be holding a pop-up event in Battersea to invite the public to see the fashion collection and sign a pledge to champion healthy pets by putting welfare before appearance.

The range is available to purchase online now, on sale until 15 September. All proceeds will go to help the dogs and cats of Battersea.

To purchase the new Battersea collection and find out more about the campaign visit here. 

Pettex Aquatics Ltd has announced it will cease trading on 30 September 2026 after being in business for 67 years.

In a statement, the Essex-based company thanked all of its customers, suppliers and partners for their custom and support over the years. The team remained available to assist with any queries relating to the closure, outstanding orders, or account matters.

“After 67 years, this isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly,” said director Steve Bolton. “With our directors now reaching retirement age, we felt it was the right time to bring this chapter to a close in a way that honours everything the business has stood for.

“We’re incredibly proud of what this business has built, and that pride comes entirely from the relationships we’ve formed with our customers, suppliers and staff over the decades.”

The company will continue to trade and fulfil orders as normal in the lead-up to September 30.

The Pet Industry Federation is inviting UK pet product businesses to join its dedicated UK Pavilion at Global Pet Expo 2027, taking place in Orlando, Florida, from 17-19 March 2027.

Global Pet Expo is one of the world’s leading pet industry trade shows, attracting major retailers, distributors, wholesalers and commercial partners from across the United States and wider international market.

The PIF UK Pavilion will offer participating businesses a co-ordinated and clearly identified presence within the show’s International Pavilion. A strong proposed location has been secured close to one of the exhibition’s main trolley aisles, offering an important visibility advantage for UK companies, particularly those exhibiting at the event for the first time.

Participating businesses will also benefit from practical support from PIF before, during and after the show, including liaison with the organisers, pre-show briefings, freight and compliance signposting, collective promotion, buyer and distributor-focused activity and on-site support.

Eligible first-time APPA members joining through the UK Pavilion will also benefit from a negotiated membership rate, covering the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.

A range of exhibition options is available, from compact kiosk and showcase formats suitable for start-ups and businesses testing the US market, through to full 10x10 ft booths and larger stand configurations.

The pavilion footprint will shortly be finalised with the organisers. Once the space allocation has been locked, PIF may not be able to accommodate further exhibitors.

Businesses interested in participating should contact Alexandra Baker at alexandra.baker@petfederation.co.uk or visit: https://petfederation.co.uk/international-trade/global-pet-expo-2027/ to complete the online stand request form. 

We.pet Independent Wholesale has expanded its growing portfolio of over 40 brands, by partnering with Brothies to distribute its Canadian-made bone broth chews in the UK. 

Bringing the nutritional benefits of bone broth into a convenient chew format, Brothies are made with real bone marrow and are packed with protein, glucosamine and collagen to support joint health and coat condition.

Available to the trade in three tasty flavours with a fourth close behind, Brothies are naturally low in fat and provide dogs with a satisfying chew alongside a range of health benefits. 

We.pet director Daniel Vander said: “This is an exciting partnership for We.pet, bringing a new brand into the UK market that aligns with our mission of supplying unique natural products to the independent trade."

Saturday 11th July may have been one of the hottest days of the year thus far, but that did not stop pet owners across the UK from stepping out to support their local independent pet shop for National Pet Shop Day 2026.

Hundreds of independent pet shops and stores threw open their doors for the third annual National Pet Shop Day, and the response from communities up and down the country was everything Johnson's Veterinary Products had hoped for. From free puppy treats and photography pop-ups to charity raffles, interactive activities, goodie bags, in-store discounts and prize giveaways, retailers made the day their own, each finding their own way to celebrate what makes their shop special and remind their customers why choosing local matters.

The scenes played out against a backdrop that felt fitting for a campaign built around community warmth. Customers turned out in the sunshine to visit the shops they say they love. And on National Pet Shop Day, they proved it.

Paul Gwynn, Chairman of Johnson's Veterinary Products, said: "For over a hundred years, Johnson's has stood alongside independent pet retailers, and we know how much they mean to the communities they serve. Seeing so many pet owners go out of their way to support their local shop, on one of the hottest days of the summer, says everything about the bond between these businesses and the people they serve. That is exactly what National Pet Shop Day is all about."

The day also saw the presentation of the National Pet Shop Day Recognition Award, created to honour independent pet shops that go above and beyond for their customers, their communities and the animals they care for. This year's award was presented to Coalville Pet Supplies in Leicestershire, nominated by Coalville Public Radio in recognition of the business's decades of dedication to local people, charities, community organisations and animal welfare, including the tireless work of owners Bob and Diane through Midland Parrots, rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming parrots across the Midlands. Full details of the award and its recipients are available in a separate release.

The 2026 campaign was backed by BIRA, PIF and new supporter OATA, and supported by consumer and retailer research that told a powerful story about the gap between how much pet owners say they value their local pet shop and how often their shopping habits actually reflect that. On Saturday 11th July, at least, the habits caught up with the sentiment.

National Pet Shop Day will return in 2027. Independent retailers who would like to register their interest for next year's campaign are encouraged to visit nationalpetshopday.co.uk.

More pictures below...

The Animal Focused Alliance has welcomed confirmation from Skills England that the redevelopment of the Level 2 Animal Care Assistant apprenticeship, including its new end-point assessment plan, can now be completed.

The decision follows months of waiting and marks a significant step forward for the training of the next generation of animal care professionals.

The Alliance's founder, Vicky Skinner is facilitator of the Trailblazer group leading the redevelopment, working alongside Skills England, employers and sector partners to shape the apprenticeship and its assessment. The work reflects the Alliance's core mission to raise standards and champion animal welfare across the pet industry.

The announcement comes at an opportune moment for pet businesses. A series of new government incentives is making it more affordable than ever to take on an apprentice. From August 2026, training for apprentices under the age of 25 is fully government-funded, and from October 2026 non-levy small and medium-sized employers can claim a new £2,000 grant when they recruit an apprentice aged 16 to 24. Employers taking on younger apprentices aged 16 to 18 can also receive a £1,000 incentive payment.

For the small, often solo-run businesses that make up much of the pet care sector, these measures represent a real opportunity to grow their teams and invest in skills. Employers are encouraged to check the latest official guidance on GOV.UK, as some incentives are still being finalised.

While the new funding model still needs to be navigated, there is no official go-live date for the redeveloped apprenticeship. Nevertheless, the organisation says the progress is a welcome sign that development is firmly back on track.

The Animal Focused Alliance is a UK trade association supporting pet businesses of every kind – from dog walkers and home boarders to animal encounter providers and catteries. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of animal welfare while being the voice of the pet industry. Members benefit from Primary Authority-assured licensing advice, regular sector updates, expert webinars, a free legal helpline, exclusive discounts, and representation in national policy discussions.

Learn more at www.animalfocusedalliance.co.uk.