Anticipation is growing as visitors and exhibitors get set for the biggest-ever Pet & Aquatics Trade Show, opening this Sunday, 28th September 2025, in Hall 1 at the NEC Birmingham.

Running for three days until Tuesday, PATS 2025 will feature a record-breaking 430 exhibitors showcasing hundreds of new and innovative products.

Renowned for attracting high-calibre buyers from across the UK and internationally, this year’s show promises more business opportunities than ever before. From major industry names to emerging brands, the event offers a diverse and dynamic platform where innovation meets opportunity – there’s truly something for everyone.

Among the highlights are the New Product Showcase and live grooming demonstrations by top experts – must-see attractions for those looking to stay ahead of the curve and gain valuable industry insights.

Many of the companies taking stand space at PATS for the first time put their decision down to the professional organisation of the event and the outstanding opportunities to engage with retailers.

James Burton, commercial operations manager at Pawfect Foods, explained: "Having just established our UK-based team, PATS presents an ideal opportunity to share information regarding our unique, exciting, premium products with the pet trade in a well-established and popular forum. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the PATS team for their tremendous support in enabling and assisting our attendance at this year’s show. They have gone above and beyond to make things easier for us."

Established brands like Ancol also acknowledge the importance of exhibiting at PATS, with director Simon Lane stating: “This event is still quite special to Ancol, after nearly 55 years of trading, and we are excited about the move to the NEC. It’s such an important event that Ancol has invested in a larger stand to show off its new products.”

These sentiments are shared by  Petlife International, which will be showcasing its popular Vetbed range of products. Director James Hancock said: “We as a business exhibit at many trade events, but we consider PATS the number one show in our calendar. PATS gives us an opportunity like no other to meet with clients – old and new – and represents the perfect platform to launch new products. We can’t wait to be part of the first NEC event!”

The Aquatics Zone, a dedicated area for aquatics, watergardening and reptile exhibitors, is returning to PATS after a successful launch in 2024, and will host major companies exhibiting multiple brands.

After exhibiting in the Zone last year, Peregrine Livefoods was quick to book its stand for 2025. Marketing manager Andy Fahy said: “We are excited to attend PATS again this year, showcasing our latest products and innovations. It’s a must-visit event for retailers and buyers seeking fresh opportunities, exclusive deals, and insights into the pet trade’s future.”

One of the major draws of the show is the New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews. This year there are a record number of entries, with over 400 products to be judged across nine categories for the prestigious New Product Awards.

PATS has worked closely with international trade association PetQuip over the past few years to increase international interest in the exhibition. Increasingly, overseas buyers are seeing the value of the show in making connections and sourcing high quality UK products. 

PetQuip will be hosting the Buyers’ Centre on the show floor, supporting international buyers with their product-sourcing enquiries, and will be holding its PetQuip Awards Dinner at the National Conference Centre after the second day of PATS.

Joe Denham, Director General of PetQuip, said: “PATS is the most important event of the year for the pet sector, an unmissable opportunity to meet the major brands, see the latest new products and discover new start-ups.  It's the place to find innovation, catch up with friends and colleagues and meet new contacts. The show's new home at the NEC is ideal for international buyers, with connection to the airport just minutes away. As a trade association who supports British pet business to export, we are excited about who we will meet there.”

Award-winning pet store Trusty Pet Supplies, voted UK Independent Retailer of the Year in the 2024 PetQuip Awards, urged all retailers to attend this year’s exhibition. Owner Hannah Edmondson said: “We've attended PATS every year for as long as we can remember and we are very excited for this new location! PATS is a great chance to catch up with suppliers we already work closely with, but what we love most is finding new products and making new connections. There are always some great deals to be had and lots of goodies to take away too. Don’t miss it.”

There’s still time to register for FREE show entry, simply visit www.patshow.co.uk where you will also find supporting information.

PATS is being staged alongside leading equestrian trade show BETA International, which takes place in the adjoining Hall 2 on Sunday (28th September) and Monday (29th September). At BETA International, visitors will be able to explore over 200 brands and engage with over 2,000 equestrian and country sector leaders. You only need to register once for both shows, with BETA International visitors being given access to PATS and vice versa.

PATS 2025 opening times

Sunday, 28th September 2025: 9.30am-5.00pm

Monday, 29th September 2025: 9.30am-5.00pm

Tuesday, 30th October 2025: 9.30am-4.00pm