Husband and wife team Ian and Louise Toal, directors of award-winning brand Furr Boost, will appear on the BBC One hit programme Dragons’ Den this evening (8pm Thursday), becoming the fourth pet company to appear in the current series.

Furr Boost won Best New Product at the PetQuip and PIF Awards in 2022 and made the regional finals of the Start-up Awards last year. The brand also reached the final 10 businesses in the new PIF Innovation Award.

The company’s products are available to buy online and in pet shops across the UK, including Pets at Home and Jollyes, and it is now looking to export abroad. 

Promoting this evening’s episode the BBC said: “The ideas seeking the Dragons' investment are an at-home manicure business, a range of doggie drinks, an inclusive magazine for visually impaired children and a new take on the traditional bean bag.”

Already this series, cat product inventor Victor Carpio has clinched an £45,000 investment offer for his innovative Dental Wand from Deborah Meaden.

And Lancashire entrepreneur Gemma Connolly of Scoff Paper, who’s created a unique brand of edible greeting cards for dogs, secured £50,000 backing from Sara Davies.

Dog treat firm PARK LiFE was the latest pet brand to appear owith founder Richard Marles turning down investment from Peter Jones and Touker Suleyman.

For further information about Furr Boost visit www.furrboost.com

The new three-day format of PATS 2024 – the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show – is attracting an increasing number of new companies eager to showcase their product ranges to a bigger and wider audience of UK and international buyers.

PATS 2024 takes place at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire from Sunday, 29^th September to Tuesday, October 1^st 2024, and already more than 240 exhibitors have confirmed stand space in four packed halls. 

With six months still to go before the exhibition, an impressive list of leading companies has committed to the show, along with businesses exhibiting at a PATS event for the first time.

Companies like Smart Garden Products, which supplies a range of pet products under its Zoon brand, seePATS as an opportunity to extend their business. Peter Johnson, Smart Garden’s Pet Commercial Director, said: “We are looking forward to exhibiting at the PATS show for the first time. We launched our Zoon range just four years ago, primarily aimed at our garden centre customers, and have been delighted by the positive reaction we received and the remarkable growth that followed. We now feel this is the time to showcase our range to a wider retail audience and PATS provides us with the perfect platform from which to do so.”

Shaun Richards, director of Drool Pet Products, said: “Our brand is just over a year old and very much still in its infancy stage, but we have gained some great momentum as a start-up business. We now feel it’s time to invest in a stand at PATS and get the chance to meet some of our current customers and show our products to future customers.”

The New Starter Zone, supported by trade association PetQuip and Pet Product Marketing,

is again proving to be a popular feature as it provides a dedicated area for new businesses and start-ups.

Almost three quarters of the stand space in the New Starter Zone has already been booked by over 22 exhibitors showcasing exciting new start-ups, including Hackney Dog House, Pip’s Bootique, Storeys and Tails, and Tug-E-Nuff.

Hackney Dog House’s Nisha Kanapathy commented: “We’ve heard numerous positive reviews about the event from our wholesale partners and believe it will be a fantastic opportunity to participate as exhibitors and showcase our growing range of products. It will be great to meet all our existing partners and foster new partnerships. We work with a variety of pet retailers and can’t wait to meet more over the three days at PATS.”

Natasha Taylor, of Storeys and Tails, said: “We decided to take a stand at this year’s show as we are finding that more and more retailers are looking for British made, highly quality dog accessories and we can provide these products. The dog collar market is saturated with lots of options but consumers are getting more sustainably minded, they appreciate quality craftmanship and knowing that they are investing in a product that is made to last. We are hoping to connect with potential retailers and will have all our collections available at the show.”

Pip's Bootique supplies a snood for dogs with special material that helps with anxiety. Della Ballard said: “We have booked a stand to take our product to the next level by finding resellers and making business connections. We want to sell more and innovate more. I now have three product lines so the snood is just the start.”

Danny Nelis-Rouse, director of Tug-E-Nuff said: “PATS is a fantastic opportunity for us to build relationships with industry peers and introduce them to our unique range of exciting dog toys. Our business is built on collaboration and we’re looking forward to meeting face to face with our existing and potential future partners to share the power of play. We offer various routes to market for businesses big and small – and we can’t wait to explore new possibilities at PATS.”

One of the biggest attractions for visitors to PATS is the wide range of products being showcased and this year’s event promises to unveil an even broader selection of items from new exhibitors.

Cardology is bringing its range of premium licensed and own brand cards, bags, wrap and stationery to PATS 2024 for the first time ever. Co-founder David Falkner said: “When we commit to something, we’re ‘all in’. We’re looking forward to expanding our existing presence within the industry and making new contacts at the show.”

Alex Sharp Designs produces a range of pet-themed greeting cards and owner Alex Sharp agreed it made sense to exhibit at PATS. 

If retailers and buyers need more encouragement to register now for free entry to the three-day exhibition, here’s just a quick summary of popular visitor attractions:

• The biggest ever showcase of new pet, aquatic and watergardening products
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• Top groomers giving insightful demonstrations, workshops and talks
• Fantastic networking opportunities
• Free entry, free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher

You can register online at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors and information on how to reach the venue.

After six years with Pedigree Wholesale, Gerard O'Mahony has decided to step down as Managing Director.    

During his tenure the company has achieved unprecedented success, propelling its wholesale business to new heights, fostering an energetic and collaborative culture, and championing its mission to be the standout wholesaler in the specialist pet market. 

“Gerard has been an integral part of our team for over six years, and his leadership and dedication have greatly contributed to Pedigree's recent success. Under his guidance, we have achieved numerous milestones and navigated many challenges,” said CEO Steve Brown.

“Gerard's departure is amicable, and we part ways with deep respect and gratitude. His dedication to our team, and ability to navigate complex challenges have been instrumental in our achievements. 

“Over the coming months, I will be working with Gerard as he completes his handover and formally departs at the end of summer. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks and best wishes to Gerard as he moves onto new endeavours.”

Pedigree has partnered with a dedicated recruitment professional and started searching for a replacement. In the meantime, the team is well equipped to support the transition phase.   

Vitalin, one of the UK’s oldest pet food brands, has celebrated a seven-figure brand investment with the launch of its first TV campaign.

The 30-second TV ad, and accompanying online campaign: ‘That’s a Vitalin Dog’, will run across ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Sky, plus online display and social channels from today (Thursday, March 28th).

The ad was created by Studio Yes, the creative and production firm behind campaigns for Sacla, Belvoir Farm, Cuvva, and Costa.

The commercial alludes to Vitalin’s heritage as a 71-year-old British brand, while bringing it up to date for modern dog owners. The ‘That’s a Vitalin Dog’ campaign forms part of a brand platform that Vitalin will extend across all areas of marketing.

The ad was shot entirely in the UK (complete with British winter weather) and aims to create instant brand recognition for Vitalin whilst also sharing the brand's farm to the tail proposition through the use of British ingredients and added supplements such as paraprobiotics, prebiotics, dental support, and joint care to help give dogs a zest for life.

The ad also references the locally sourced ingredients - an unusual offering in the space - and embeds the brand firmly in the British countryside, where it was founded 71 years ago.

To shoot the ad, Studio Yes worked with director Katie Bell, who has many years of experience working on commercials with children and animals for some of the UK’s biggest brands. In an unusual twist, Sam Ojari, Managing Director at Studio Yes also provides the ad’s voiceover.

The campaign follows a full redesign of the Vitalin brand from B&B studio, the design firm who’ve worked on premium brands such as Belazu, Fever Tree, and Pip & Nut.

The new positioning and packaging brings the Vitalin brand up to date, whilst retaining the ethos of this heritage brand.

Vitalin is owned by Cranswick Plc, one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers, and owners of brands including Ramona’s and Cypressa.

The brand work and ad are Cranswick’s first brand investment in the pet category and represents a significant investment from them in Vitalin.

Jerry Lowe, head of marketing, at Vitalin said: “We have ambitious plans for the growth of Vitalin - and ultimately, we want to become market leaders in what is a very crowded category.

“The Vitalin brand has stood for British pet food, made with love since 1953 and we’re carrying on that tradition to this day. As part of Cranswick PLC our farming roots remain, as such we’re backing British farming and only using British meat in all of our recipes. 67% of our recipes are sourced within 100 miles of our home at Lodge Farm and our packaging is recyclable too.

“The investment in TV, online ads, large creative, media investment and redesign will help us bring Vitalin to the next generation of dog lovers as ‘That’s a Vitalin dog’ brings our Farm to Tail philosophy to life.”

Pets at Home claims it is on course to deliver expected financial results for the year to March 28, 2024, in a trading update issued on Tuesday.

The UK’s largest pet retailer said in its FY24 pre-close statement:

• Q4 trends have been broadly as expected across Retail and Vets, and Group underlying profit before tax (PBT) for FY24 is expected to be £132m, in line with previous guidance.
• We have now successfully launched our new digital platform to consumers, in line with our commitment for launch this year, offering much improved user experience and functionality across our app and website.
• Our new Stafford DC continues to function well, supporting all store deliveries, with availability remaining at historically high levels. We look forward to transitioning our online sales across through H1 FY25 as previously targeted.
• We expect to finish the year in a net cash position, after having returned over £100m to shareholders in FY24 via dividends and buybacks, and after having incurred £3m more non-underlying costs than previously expected due to higher restructuring costs, taking the total non-underlying costs for FY24 c£27m.
• Looking ahead to FY25, we are comfortable with current analyst consensus expectations for Group underlying PBT1.

Pets at Home’s next scheduled update will be its FY24 preliminary results announcement on 29 May 2024.

Global animal housing provider CASCO Pet will unveil its new joinery service at Interzoo in May, as the company rolls out its latest offering to the pet retail and veterinary sectors.

With the new service, CASCO Pet is launching a curated range of joinery solutions – from reception desks to store counters and storage cabinetry – designed to elevate the look, feel and functionality of a space and enhance overall customer experience. Full customised commercial solutions will also be available.

Boasting the quality craftsmanship CASCO Pet prides itself on, the new range of designs are visually appealing yet durable – a necessity across both industries – and allow for better organisation and storage as well as optimised store or clinic layout.

Visitors to CASCO Pet’s booth can experience the high-quality designs first hand and learn more about the full range of joinery solutions on offer. In addition, the company will be showcasing its innovative pet and vet animal housing solutions designed to ensure animal wellness.

On display will be its aquatic, marine, and coldwater enclosures, reptile habitats and veterinary WELLKennels – further examples of CASCO Pet’s ability to marry functionality and design. Experts from the team will be on hand to answer any queries and to discuss individual requirements, while a digital lookbook will be available to attendees to browse.

Matthew Bubear, CASCO Pet CEO, said: “With nearly three decades of experience serving the industry, we’ve seen time and time again the impact that environment has – and the opportunity it presents in terms of enhancing animal welfare in pet retail and veterinary practices. We also know that an enticing environment can impact client perception as well as inspire customer sales.

“It’s this knowledge and extensive expertise that our new joinery service is built on. We’re looking forward to pet retail and veterinary clinics benefitting from our latest service and could not be more delighted to be launching it at Interzoo.”

The new joinery offering complements CASCO Pet’s design service, which covers every step from initial concept through to full design and final installation – including floor plans, renders and 2D/3D walkthroughs. The company works hand-in-hand with customers to create the ideal solution according to their business needs.

CASCO Pet will be at Booth Number 1-211, Hall 1, at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, Germany, from 7-10 May. Interzoo is the world’s leading trade fair for the international pet industry. The four-day event gathers thousands of trade visitors and showcases the latest trends and innovations within the industry.

For more information about CASCO Pet at Interzoo or for general enquiries contact Emily Foulkes at efoulkes@cascopet.com.

The The PetQuip-organised UK pavilion at Interzoo, Nuremberg from 7 to 10 May will host 47 companies, all showcasing the buoyant UK pet care market.

A huge variety of new products will be on show: from nutritious, natural food and treats, to healthcare, bedding, packaging, accessories, chicken coops and toys.

With the UK market trending towards natural, premium products and a growth in the population of smaller pets, the line-up of UK companies reflects this imaginative market with dogs, cats, reptiles, guinea pigs and birds represented.

“We are delighted to welcome this impressive UK group to Interzoo and we’re excited to discover the potential business that this world class event will bring to them,” commented Emma Brazier, PetQuip’s Event Manager. 

“We have a truly comprehensive representation from the UK pet product sector on show, which includes established brands, growing mid-size companies as well as recent start-ups.”

In addition to the UK product supplier exhibitors, PetQuip will host a British pet product information stand (9-502a), where buyers will receive a warm welcome and refreshments. There they can find out more about sourcing thousands of innovative British pet products.

The British companies and their products are as follows:

ALF Aquatics 9-516c

Showing aquariums, heaters, filtration décor, hardscape, artificial plants, accessories and aquascaping products.

Animology 9-607b

Animology proudly presents a wide array of bestselling pet care products, including dog shampoos, deodorisers, fragrance sprays and grooming essentials. In addition, Animology is expanding the product range with new products for 2024 to include dental, wound care, cleaning products and pet accessories. Animology’s extended lineup reflects its continuous improvement to offering a comprehensive range of solutions for pets.

Arcadia Reptile / HabiStat 9-401

Arcadia Reptile and HabiStat are market-leaders in the provision of reptile products including enclosures, heating, lighting, décor, feed and many more reptile keeping essentials.

Arcadia Reptile’s latest range of bespoke lighting, LumenIZE®, introduces the first app-controlled T5 UV-B and JungleDawn LED Bar systems. Combining precise control with energy efficiency, LumenIZE® will transform the way that we care for our animals, increasing animal welfare.

Assisi Pet Care 9-507b

Assisi Pet Care is delighted to be attending Interzoo 2024. The company’s stand within the British Pavilion showcases three of its distinguished brands. 

Burns Pet Nutrition specialises in using simple, healthy, quality, and wholesome ingredients creating recipes that pets love.

Hollings offers naturally rewarding dog treats, just as nature intended. Proudly no-nonsense and honest, the company believes its treats are those which dogs would naturally choose.

Pet Munchies are natural treats, developed with all dogs in mind, particularly those with sensitive tummies.

The company invites buyers to discover the Assisi Pet Care difference—where excellence, compassion and strong partnerships meet for the wellbeing of pets.

Bamfords Topflight 9-504c

Bamfords Top Flight is a UK family run company, now in its third generation, and proudly celebrated its Centenary Year in 2022. As a manufacturer of top-quality wild bird food, aviary bird seed and performance feeds for racing pigeons, it can offer new clients a great advantage in terms of value, quality control and flexibility in product choice. All new product development comes from the family’s own lofts, aviaries and bird feeding stations, reflecting the first-hand knowledge of birds’ nutritional requirements. The company welcomes new customers to view the latest new products and exciting show offers.

The Barking Bakery 9-515a “The Barking Bakery” will be showcasing its core and seasonal range of baked goods for dogs this year. After an overwhelming response in 2022, the company returns to celebrate its 10th year in business and is looking forward to working with distributors within Europe.

Bronte Glen Ltd 9-603b

The highest quality vet bedding in Europe; recommended and used by vets, breeders and pet owners alike. Bronte Glen produces a range of mats, throws and dog beds, including non-slip, waterproof and antibacterial options in a variety of styles, sizes and colours. Catering for all ages from puppy to senior, the products are designed and manufactured onsite in the firm’s Yorkshire mill, using the best range of British textiles with a focus on excellent quality and value for money for customers and their pets. The products are luxurious, durable, non-irritant, non-allergenic and conform to British Safety Standards.

Buddycare 500ml Shampoo 9-409a

Buddycare’s range includes 12 varieties of vegan and cruelty-free shampoos, infused with Aloe Vera and Pro Vitamin B5. These pH-balanced formulas are suitable for all breeds and feature unique hero ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and coconut oil. With recyclable packaging and easy-to-use high-dosage pumps, the shampoos provide convenience and sustainability. The company offers functional shampoos such as Flea & Tick, White Dog, Derma Sensitive, Aloe & Lemongrass, Calming & Deodorising and 2in1 Shampoo & Conditioner. As well as the functional shampoos, Buddycare also offers scented shampoos which are are unique such as Baby Fresh, Black Cherry, Bubblegum, Oatmeal, Tropical and Vanilla and Shea Butter.

Buitelaar Group 9-409b

With five generations of experience, the company prides itself as an expert in bringing premium raw materials to both domestic and international pet food industries. Running its own award-winning integrated beef supply chain, the company truly understands the importance placed upon transparency, traceability and quality.

The dried, fresh and frozen raw materials are the result of everything the company has learnt from working with food producers from one end of the chain to the other. Continuously building on extensive learnings, through research, innovation and development, the raw materials are carefully monitored and assessed on quality, sustainability and traceability.

Burgess Pet Care 9-613b

Burgess Excel Indoor Guinea Pig Nuggets are the world’s first nuggets specifically formulated to cater for the nutritional needs of guinea pigs who live mostly indoors, to help make happy and healthy indoor guineas. Common household noises such as vacuum cleaners, televisions and children may increase the stress levels of indoor guinea pigs. This is why the company designed Excel Indoor Nuggets with its unique calm-formula by adding dandelion, chamomile, passionflower and L-tryptophan, which is a precursor for serotonin (the happy hormone). The nuggets also contain protected vitamin C, which is essential for guinea pigs’ well-being and prebiotics to help support gut health.

Burns Pet Nutrition 9-507b

Assisi Pet Care brand Burns Pet Nutrition will be attending this year’s Interzoo show.

Burns Pet Nutrition was founded 30 years ago by John Burns MBE. A qualified vet, John Burns developed formulations which are focused on pet health, in order to solve the common problems that he was seeing in his vet practice. Today, the Burns brand of pet food is well known for its high quality dry and wet dog food products as well as its recently introduced range of products for cats.

Canagan 9-503

Supplier of the highly successful and Award-Winning ‘Canagan pet food’, 

the growing reputation of the Canagan brand can be attributed to high quality ingredients, robust customer retention, product performance and a determined loyalty to the independent pet trade.

Durham Animal Feeds 9-520b

Durham Animal Feeds is a UK leading manufacturer and provider of Natural RAW food for dogs. Covering 98% of mainland UK with its own fleet of vans and HGVs, the firm supplies a huge amount of happy pet shops around the country. The company also provides a big range of 100% Natural Dried treats. The company would like to meet retailers to discuss stocking their products for sale in shops in mainland Europe.

Group55 Ltd 9-607b

Group55 is a contract manufacturer specialising in developing private label and white label pet care products for brands internationally. It is also the parent company of market-leading pet care brand, Animology. With in-house development chemists, a world-class manufacturing and production facility and years of experience in producing pet care products, the company develops formulations for pet care brands that are high quality and industry compliant,  always prioritising the safety and wellbeing of pets. Based in Northwest England, the firm also offers warehousing, co-packing and fulfilment services for brands, providing the full 360° service from new product development to fulfilment. 

Henry Wag 9-515b

Henry Wag is a brand that has retailers, their customers, and their dogs at the heart of what it does. Henry Wag specifically designs products to enable dog parents and their dogs to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air with ease, whilst helping to protect customers’ homes and cars.

As an eco-conscious brand, the company is actively using GRS materials in both microfibre (drying coats, bags and towels) and its travel range (car protection from muddy paws, folding crates) to create more sustainable design. Products are presented in fresh eye-catching internationalised packaging to create the perfect in-store display.

Inspired Pet Nutrition 9-326

IPN is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer based in the UK. The family of brands includes Wagg, Harringtons, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads and AATU.

Harringtons pet food is full of tasty natural goodness; food that is healthy, balanced and price-friendly. 

Barking & Meowing Heads is a tasty and tailored range of pet food designed to improve doggie and kitty wellness. 

Its most premium brand AATU is a highly nutritious dog and cat food that is full of high-quality ingredients and offers all the benefits of a raw diet in every bite – without the effort.

J G Pears Commodities 9-613a

J G Pears’ premium quality meals and rendered and purified fats are used as core ingredients by pet food and aquaculture feed manufacturers worldwide. Natural, sustainable, and nutritious, the ingredients help to improve the quality of products, whilst minimising environmental impact.

James & Steel Ltd 9-502b

Products on show include Bam Catnip Toys, handmade in the UK using the highest quality North American catnip; Cats Love Bam!

Also on display are Mr Bug products. The mealworms are bred on its Devon farm, using only a tiny amount of land and water. These veterinarian approved food and treats are not only delicious but sustainable, extremely nutritious and hypoallergenic too. 

Sötnos is a dogwear design inspired by Scandinavian outdoor lifestyle. Sötnos is a luxury dogwear brand which specialises in creating fashionable clothing and accessories that are both practical and beautiful.

Kompact9 9-502d

Introducing Kompact9, the first pocket size ball thrower that was born from a frustration, one shared by many dog owners: Do owners go on a long walk and lug the lengthy and cumbersome ball thrower with them? Or do they just go to the park and play fetch. The company thought there must be a way owners could do both. So, the company designed and built the new product. It’s completely portable as the unique, telescopic design allows the product to retract to fit comfortably in a pocket. It is recycled and sustainable and made from 100% recycled plastic. Designed to be used by people of all abilities, the telescopic shaft and ball cup design make it much easier to release the ball than other throwers and it requires significantly less strength and energy to throw.

It is manufactured in Devon in the UK. 

Law Print & Packaging Management Ltd 9-505b

Law Print is an established leading packaging supplier to the pet food industry, offering a wide range of products from flat bottom bags, quad seal bags, pouches and woven polypropylene bags, printed flexo or rotogravure up to 10 colours, to own label manufacturers and brand owners worldwide.

The company’s Ready2Recycle range of sustainable solutions includes PE/PE and PP/PP mono material packaging in all the same formats and features available for conventional packaging. Single Lip Zipper, Aplix and Pocket Zipper can be added to all its PE/PE bags. PE laminated bags and PP woven bags can also include minimum 30% recycled content.

Lily’s Kitchen 9-627

Lily’s Kitchen will showcase its full range at Interzoo 2024. Included on display are exciting innovations, such as Pasta Al Ragu 400g Dog Wet recipe, which celebrates the best of Italian friends’ cooking and expands the range’s relevance to international markets as it continues to grow.

Also on show is Love & Pride 400g Dog Wet tin and 85g Cat Wet tray: supporting a cause close to the firm’s heart by raising awareness and donating 100% of profits to LGBTQ+ charities. Also on display are new Cat Dry packaging and 150g EU Dog Wet trays plus seasonal limited editions for Halloween and Christmas. These feature alongside the core range of recipes, all made with natural ingredients and proper meat.

McAdams Pet Foods 9-513

McAdams Pet Foods is proud to announce the launch of its new freeze-dried recipes, expanding on the success of freeze-dried Raw Preserve, Free Range Chicken.

The new range includes Free Range, Pasture Fed New Zealand Lamb for Dogs, and a MSC Salmon and Sole for both Dogs and Cats.

Gently streamed and then freeze dried, these recipes are designed to promote healthier skin and coat and support joint care in both dogs and cats. McAdams has added pumpkin, carrots, cranberries, seaweed and green tea extract as well as vitamins and minerals to create a food unrivalled in taste and digestibility.

Naturo Natural Pet Food 9-613c

Naturo is 100% natural dog and cat food, offering complete wet dog food, dry dog food and wet cat food. Naturo wet food, in trays, cans and pouches, and dry food, are available in various sizes, pack formats and for all life stages of dogs and cats.

Naturo recipes are formulated by nutritionists, containing premium quality meats that are 100% traceable back to the farms of the firm’s reputable suppliers.

Naturo recipes have a range of vegetables, fruits, potatoes, brown rice, omega 3 & 6 fatty acids from flaxseed, sunflower and salmon oil, prebiotics, minerals and vitamins.

Nestera 9-615

Nestera, “the UK's top eco-conscious coop maker”, offers the perfect home for hens. Made from 100% recycled plastic, these coops are sustainable, easy-clean, and built to last (25-year warranty!).

Choose from three coop styles (ground, lodge, raised) in three sizes, all featuring red mite resistance and adjustable ventilation. Customers can say goodbye to maintenance woes and hello to happy, healthy chickens. 

Also on display are Nestera's red cedar bird boxes. Customers can watch the magic unfold with built-in WiFi cameras, capturing every precious moment from nesting to hatching. It makes a unique and fascinating gift. 

OurPetsLife 9-516a

OurPetsLife’s mission is to empower pet owners with innovative, reliable and accessible products that enhance the well-being of their companions, fostering a lifetime of love, health, and happiness.

OurDogsLife is their first hero brand, which produces top of the range and vet approved products to support and boost dogs’ health. From dog dental care kits to grooming accessories.

There is a family of brands, each with their own unique focus to help pet owners, with more brands under development.

Brands include

Ocean Paws: The go-to choice for conscientious pet owners committed to both their furry friends and the environment. The fully compostable poo bags are the perfect solution for responsible waste management, ensuring a positive impact on the planet.

ProBioPets: Where pet wellness meets cutting-edge nutrition, a range of powdered supplements, each expertly formulated with up to 10 billion CFU probiotics.

NutriBone: Committed to providing beloved pets with the highest quality of care through premium bone broths. The companies’ mission is to enhance the overall health and well-being of pets by offering a range of nutritious and delicious bone broths tailored to address specific needs.

PATS 2024 9-526a

PATS is the UK’s Pet & Aquatics Trade Show. This year’s three day trade show, which showcases the best of UK suppliers and product innovations, takes place at Telford International Centre UK from Sunday 29th September to Tuesday 1st October 2024. International buyers are very welcome to attend the show and utilise the facilities on the Buyers’ Centre, hosted by the UK PetQuip trade association. 

Peregrine Livefoods 9-520a

Peregrine Livefoods is the largest dedicated reptile wholesaler and supplier across Europe. The company breeds millions of insects annually and supplies over 3,000 unique products to hundreds of shops every week. The firm is the owner  of brands including ProRep, Blue River Diets, WhitePython, Aqua Spectra and Fish Science, and exclusive distributor of Reptile Systems, Bird Systems, MistKing and Lucky Reptile. Additional brands include ZooMed, Exo Terra, Taurrus Mites, Vetark, Verm-X and many more.

Pet Rebellion 9-507a

The same luxury comfort as the firm’s established products but now available for the car. With a luxury, super soft pile that makes a comforting place for dogs, the Comfy Car Cover secures around the headrest with adjustable clips and moulds into the seats to hang over the seat. It has a non-slip backing to stop it moving around when dog(s) move in the car and has seat belt cutouts to ensure dogs are clipped in safely. The thick, absorbent pile stops claws and mud from seeping through. It is ‘Universal Size’ 130 x 125 cm), is machine washable and suitable for all backseats with three adjustable headrests.

Pet Remedy 9-514c

Pet Remedy offers a unique and natural calming and emotional wellbeing for all pets.  

Working with the pet’s own natural calming mechanisms, the low concentration of valerian, vetiver, basil, and clary sage essential oils is very gentle in its effect and starts to help immediately through the olfactory system. 

It is used on a daily basis by vets, rescue centres, groomers, other pet professionals and pet owners, all over the world.

It helps all mammals, birds and reptiles. The product is natural and plant based (phytotherapy). It is fast acting, non- invasive and clinically proven with X 9 multi species published studies. The product I’d developed and made in the UK. 

Pet Trade Innovations Ltd 9-514a

Bamboodles is a range of uniquely shaped bamboo plus nylon tough dog chews. Bamboodles are designed for dogs to hold the chew toy in their paws, using the unique T design. The infusion of bamboo stops the toy from snapping or sharding and will just flake away over time.

Sir Woofchesters are British-made, ethical dog treats. The brand’s love of dogs compels Sir Woofchester’s to make treats with the highest quality ingredients while striving for the highest ethical and environmental standards.

Petlife Vetbed^® 9-504a

Petlife International Ltd is pleased to present its latest range of bedding products for dogs, cats, and other small animals at Interzoo 2024, including the Original and Authentic Vetbed^® - a super-soft, quick-dry bed for pets, made from 95% recycled materials. These are available in pre-cut pieces, in roll form and in a new floor-ready pallet shipper. Other products in the Petlife portfolio include a new range of high-quality crate mats and the Safebed range of disposable bedding/litter products for small pets.

PetQuip 9-502a

PetQuip is the international trade association for UK suppliers of pet care goods and services to retailers and distributors. The association helps develop new sales opportunities for its members by providing a vast range of advice, information and direct contact with international buyers of garden and leisure products.

PetQuip hosts groups of UK companies at key fairs worldwide, offering turnkey exhibiting packages, Meet the Buyer events, export advice and signposting, market updates and report, plus sales leads, and a technical export helpline. 

PetQuip also helps retailers and distributors from around the world to source from the UK market, drawing on its heritage of pet ownership and huge variety of suppliers, from brand names to entrepreneurial start-ups. International buyers can meet the PetQuip team in the stand where there will be free freshmen’s and the opportunity for you to match your product requirements with appropriate UK suppliers. 

Pets Choice 9-601

Pets Choice is a market-leading UK manufacturer, with its head office based in the UK in Blackburn and subsidiaries in Cardiff, Wales and Bristol. With industry knowledge spanning over 135 years, the company is  expert in providing pets and wild animals everything they need to stay happy and healthy at competitive prices. The portfolio spans far and wide, consisting of 29 brands including Webbox, Webbox Naturals, Tastybone, Bob Martin, B-Calm, Felight, and Vetzyme. The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and 140,000sqft of warehousing are at the heart of its ability to distribute brands across multiple channels, including grocery, specialists, independents and over 40 countries internationally.  

Podium Pet Products 9-505a

King’s Award-Winning natural pet brand Podium is displaying several products. 

Dog Rocks is a 100% natural and hassle-free solution to urine burn patches on lawns and shrubs. Dog Rocks placed in dogs’ drinking water will begin to filter out impurities. The company is the original Dog Rocks - pet parent and vet endorsed worldwide.

Be:Loved is a wellness and lifestyle range of natural products for pets and their parents.  Ideal as gifts, the products are hand-poured using the finest quality ingredients. Powerful and plant based, Pet Wellness is powered naturally by science.

Proflax Superfood Supplements 9-526c

Proflax is a manufacturer of 100% natural, vet approved, award winning superfood supplements for dogs and cats. Product ranges are oil based - either flax or fish plus herbal tinctures, powders, pure tinctures and air dried soft treats. The firm uses premium quality ingredients only with no ‘nasties’. 

The Proflax ranges are suitable from puppies to seniors and support all aspects of health for all breed types. They are easy to feed and effective - results can be seen in a matter of days.

The company supplies all types of customers who are invested in natural and holistic health and wellbeing for dogs and cats.

ProtectaPet 9-505c

ProtectaPet will be exhibiting its award-winning innovative cat containment systems, including their fence top barrier, freestanding enclosure systems, and steel framed catios. These products have been tastefully designed to give the perfect balance between being aesthetically pleasing and keeping cats safe. The large range of cat fencing components for the modular systems allows the flexibility to accommodate all shapes and sizes of cat garden. The company’s focus on preventative feline welfare and innovative designs are what has led to it being awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category 2023, and International Cat Care’s Cat Friendly Award.

Scruffs 6-238

Introducing an array of innovative pet beds and bowls by Scruffs, a leading pet accessory brand. Addressing a variety of pet needs with a spotlight on trends, functionality, and aesthetic charm, Scruffs is “setting new standards in the petcare industry”.

Scruffs invites retailers to explore an array of exciting offerings for 2024, from eco-friendly 100% recycled pet beds to freshly designed wax-resistant bowls. Scruffs is pioneering new frontiers in pet comfort and style.

Simply2 Pet Products - ProFleece 9-526b

ProFleece pet bedding has a thick, dense pile of 2.5-3.1cm. It prevents pressure sores and joint pain even on hard surfaces. This hygienic bedding is machine washable, quick drying or can be tumble-dried cool. It allows liquid drainage while remaining dry to touch, and resists staining and bacterial growth. Non-allergenic, non-toxic, and non-irritant, it is ideal for situations when comfort and hygiene are vital. 

ProFleece is made in the UK from 120-200 recycled plastic bottles p/m2. It is available in 50+ designs or can be made bespoke and can be own-branded. It is supplied in cut pieces or full rolls.

SMOLZZ by Petzfoodware 9-607d

SMOLZZ by petzfoodware is a unique range of colourful silicone containers, resealable bags, lids and accessories.

Each is specificially designed to hold all sizes and shapes of wet pet food packaging.

The range helps pet owners store their opened pet food easily all while aiding with portion control. Food is kept fresh and the fridge odour-free. The silicone is food, dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe. Pet owners or even vets can write on them using a whiteboard marker directly onto the silicone and simply wipe off with a damp cloth. So name, date or food type can be noted.

Supreme Petfoods 4-610

“Experts in Petcare. More than just pet food, we champion animal welfare” is Supreme’s slogan. With over 30 years of expertise, the company’s Tiny Friends Farm and Science Selective brands are globally renowned for premium nutrition.

Pioneers in specialist foods for small pets, the firm prioritises their health and happiness. Natural ingredients and traceable processes ensure optimal nutrition. Empowering owners with knowledge on diet, housing, and exercise, the company aims to ensure every pet thrives.

Beyond pets, the company is eco-conscious, avoiding palm oil and favouring recyclable materials.

The company invites visitors to discover why Supreme Petfoods is an industry leader at Interzoo Hall 4-610 and to join them in promoting pet health and welfare globally.

Symply 9-500

The growing reputation of the company’s brands can be attributed to high-quality ingredients, robust customer retention, product performance and a determined loyalty to the independent pet trade.

The brands offer high margins, stunning and 100% recyclable packaging, staff training, free POS, a great range of products and exceptionally high customer retention rates.

The company looks forward to meeting visitors on its stand in Nuremberg!

Total Pet Solutions 9-607a

Bark Logic products has been formulated with discerning owners and their loved pets in mind. Bark Logic delivers a caring, vegan, market leading experience to cleaning dogs.

The Herbal Paws brand has been built with natural ingredients including a range of mushroom capsules, joint supplements, hemp oil and a day-to-day range of shampoo and matching conditioners. Microbiome scientific testing for dogs achieves unparalleled levels of insight to a dog’s intestine. A patented analytical method and results platform is used to deliver a bespoke level of wellbeing to act further on.

All products are available for UK and worldwide markets.

Tribal Pet Foods 9-603c

Tribal will be showcasing a new range of vegan dental sticks featuring a unique blend of seaweed bioactive complexes which have been scientifically tested and shown to reduce plaque and improve oral health.

The full range includes cold pressed dog food made with fresh meat, 80% meat, single-source protein sausages and natural treats with superfood ingredients. The super-premium design has maximum on-shelf appeal and reflects customers’ healthy eating trends and demand for high quality, natural pet food. As part of its commitment to do good, the company’s  products are made with responsibly sourced meats and sustainably sourced fish and all bags are recyclable.  

Vitalin 9-501

Offering holistic vitality for all dogkind, Vitalin works with the seasons and the sunrise to grow the nutrient-dense ingredients that make its food so special. Every Vitalin recipe is underpinned by generations of farming and nutritional expertise and designed to give dogs a zest for life. Vitalin invites customers to put a spring in their four-legged friend’s step every day with Vitalin dog food. The tasty, nutrient-dense recipes blend science and nature to support digestive, joint, and dental health. The first Vitalin recipes were made with locally grown ingredients, and it continues to source many of its ingredients locally today, along with UK-sourced meats.

Wildlife World 9-502c

Wildlife World invites customers to add some novelty to their wildlife product offering with sheep, which is the perfect solution for avian enthusiasts looking to create a warm and secure nesting environment for wild birds in their garden. Packaged in a beautifully designed, eye-catching graphic cardboard display tray, each holding 20 ‘Woolie’ sheep, this ingenious little product helps wild birds finding nesting material. The frost-resistant ceramic sheep contains premium natural sheep’s wool and can be filled with natural materials around the house and garden. Refills are available. The sheep offers an attractive, unique and valuable resource for birds during their nesting season.

WildWash 9-607c

WildWash loves pets and the planet. That’s why they used 20 years of grooming experience to develop a range of natural pH balanced pet shampoos that are brilliantly effective and kind to pets’ skin and coat. Their revolutionary blend of ingredients helps nourish the coat and soothe the skin.

The natural products are used on all breeds of dogs and cats every day and give incredible results. Trusted by groomers, vets and pet owners worldwide, the all-natural WildWash products contain no parabens, no phthalates, no phosphates, no petrochemicals, no sulphates and no PEGs. The company uses 100% pure essential oils. There is a guarantee of no animal testing on any of the products, nor on any of the ingredients they contain. All products are made in England. All products carry the Cruelty-Free International Leaping Bunny logo, Ethical Certification and Bcorp certification.

Wonderful World of Treats 9-508

Wonderful World of Treats has embarked on a mission to make treat time an extraordinary experience for both owners and their four-legged companions. This exciting, new dog treat company has been looking at foods humans love to eat and reformulated them so they are both healthy and irresistible to their canine companions.

For details of PetQuip membership, please e-mail info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com

Doodle’s Deli is your specialist pet exclusive destination for 100% natural, easily digestible treats. Every air-dried product is high in protein and boasts a variety of health benefits for dogs, such as supporting dental hygiene. 

Available exclusively to the specialist pet trade through Pedigree Wholesale, more lines are added every period from a range of new proteins available in various formats. Take a look at this period's new additions here: https://petproducts.co.uk/doodles-deli/

One of our favourites is the Doodle’s Deli Green Lipped Mussel which is a delicious, fun-sized snack perfect for adult dogs of all sizes! Also just launched are Venison Gullets, Lamb Femur Bones and a quarter rack of Veal Ribs.  

The treats in the range are naturally long-lasting and free from artificial ingredients, making them perfect dental chews. They may help dogs across various problem areas, such as supporting the removal of plaque and tartar build-up, promoting healthy joints, and helping strengthen jaw muscles. Doodle’s Deli treats are naturally low in fat. Many products contain naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, a great healthy add-on during treat time. 

Doodle's Deli is exclusively available to the specialist pet retail sector through Pedigree Wholesale. The range now features over 130 lines and offers free in-store support and display solutions so you can sell the range with a strong first impression and impactful merchandising. Speak to your Business Development Manager to find out more.

Shop the full range now at: https://petproducts.co.uk/doodles-deli/

Mikki has expanded its highly popular Bamboo Grooming Range with the addition of some classic bladed products. Crafted with the utmost care and sustainability in mind, the new products embody the brand’s commitment to pet welfare and the preservation of the environment.

Sold in plastic free, ecologically designed packaging, the collection features ergonomically designed handles and comprises:

Claw Clippers – available in small and large sizes the clippers feature micro-serrated blades that give a clean cut whilst the safety stop reduces the risk of over clipping.  There is also a blade lock to ensure safe storage.

Moult Masters – perfect for removing undercoat, these cleverly designed grooming tools have long lasting, anti-rust, stainless steel teeth with a blade protector cap for storage. They come in small and large sizes. 

Stripping Knives – featuring a shaped thumb hold for a strong, but comfortable grip the knives come in a fine or course tooth option to suit different coat types. 

In addition to being made from highly sustainable bamboo the new bladed products are manufactured using people powered processes which reduces machine drive production and carbon emissions.

The range is available to order now via Interpet’s trade website here https://trade.interpet.co.uk/

BeWow Healthcare and Donald Cooke Ltd are working together to launch premium dental product No More Plaque.

Available exclusively through Donald Cooke Ltd, No More Plaque comes in a 60g resealable pouch and is made from Norway’s finest Seaweed, Ascophyllum Nodosum.

Norway’s pristine environment and harsh climate combine to make the best seaweed (in our opinion).  It’s 100% sustainable and natural and is the perfect supplement for a dog’s dental hygiene, helping keep teeth clean by just sprinkling on its food.

With a free scoop inside every pack to measure the daily dose, No More Plaque offers fantastic value for money compared to other Premium Plaque products.

At an RRP of only £12.99, Donald Cooke Ltd can offer the customer even better value for money than other brands for a top quality product.  With a trade price of only £4.50 per pouch, there is fantastic margin available to the retailer as well.

Available exclusively through Donald Cooke Ltd, who also exclusively distributes Tick Twister, Boil & Broth pouches and Kefir Water as well as its own brand K9 Chew Co. range of Natural Treats, Antlers and Yak Cheese chews, with a £100 minimum Order Value across all ranges, there is plenty of choice.

Commercial Manager of BeWow Healthcare Paul Lilwall said: “As a new brand we partnered with Donald Cooke Ltd to help us get product out to retailers across the country as part of the small portfolio of brands they work with rather than it being lost within a traditional wholesaler.  I am really excited to get back in touch with my old customers so we can get No More Plaque into the pet trade”.

Head of Business Development for Donald Cooke Ltd, Simon Lewis-Dale commented: “When Paul rang about the product, we felt it was a really simple decision to make as it complements our Natural Treat range and sits perfectly alongside our other exclusive brands Tick Twister and Boil & Broth.  I worked with Paul previously and his energy and enthusiasm for this product made it an easy decision.”

Guide Dogs and Wild in Arthave announced a spectacular art trail, aptly titled Paws on the Wharf, which is taking place in Canary Wharf until 17 May 2024. 

This unique and engaging initiative aims to raise awareness about sight loss while celebrating the extraordinary bond between guide dogs and the people that they help. The event will feature 25 guide dog sculptures, each skillfully painted by a different artist, transforming Canary Wharf into a free public art exhibition that highlights the power of creativity and inclusivity.

From vibrant characters and colours to thought-provoking designs, these sculptures will not only showcase a wide array of artistic talent, but also convey the importance of fostering an inclusive and accessible society that understands and supports individuals with visual impairments. Five of the sculptures will feature exclusive artwork by artists with sight loss including Angela Charles, Alex Devlin, Kevin Gavaghan, Sian Healey and Clarke Reynolds.

To encourage education and awareness in school-aged children, Guide Dogs has also been working with schools to create one very unique sculpture. Schools throughout Tower Hamlets were invited to participate in a student-led sculpture design competition with accompanying learning resource pack supporting the Ofsted framework. Designs were reviewed by an independent judging panel which included award-winning author and illustrator Adam Stower. The winning school, Ben Jonson Primary School will see their sculpture brought to life by experienced trail artist Jill Busby and feature on the main trail. 

The art trail promises an enchanting experience for Londoners and visitors alike. Sixteen of the sculptures will be located in Canary Wharf itself and nine will be placed in the wider Tower Hamlets borough. The trail will include a programme of exciting events and will be completely free. It aims to be one of the most accessible art trails yet to ensure inclusivity for people with sight loss and other disabilities. In addition to being step free and offering different options for maps, there will be an option to access the trail through the NaviLens App and NaviLens Codes - cutting-edge technology to enable people with sight loss to visit the trail independently. The NaviLens App will also provide information about the guide dog sculptures, the artists and the sponsors. Guide Dogs will also be offering sighted guide tours on specific days for people who would prefer support navigating the trail.

As a grand finale to the event, Guide Dogs will host an exclusive art auction featuring the sculptures. This auction not only provides an opportunity for art enthusiasts to acquire one-of-a-kind pieces but the funds raised from the public auction will also contributes to Guide Dogs’ ongoing efforts to provide essential services and support to individuals with sight loss.

This remarkable event is made possible through the partnership with Wild in Art and the support of Citi. It will be hosted by Canary Wharf Group and Canal & River Trust. 

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “Paws on the Wharf will bring colour and creativity to Canary Wharf, and I have no doubt that the guide dog sculptures will capture everyone’s imagination. The trail will be a great opportunity for people to take a stroll around Canary Wharf and experience some truly unique and inspiring artwork, while finding out more about the important work of Guide Dogs.”

Deborah Bourne, Director of Fundraising for Guide Dogs, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing our accessible art trail to Canary Wharf. Paws on the Wharf is a first for Guide Dogs and will be an artistic event that everyone can enjoy - truly inclusive and a shared experience for all. On selected days from March to May our amazing dogs and staff will be on hand to raise awareness of our mission and add even more colour to the spectacle. Thank you to the wonderful artists and sponsors who have made Paws on the Wharf possible and who have given us this unique platform to raise awareness about what we do and the importance of inclusivity, as well as the opportunity to raise funds by auctioning these incredible artworks.”

Paws on the Wharf will transform Canary Wharf into a captivating open-air art gallery, celebrating the remarkable journey of guide dogs and those they assist. For more information, and to keep up as news and events are announced, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/pawsonthewharf or follow along on Instagram at @pawsonthewharf_guidedogs.

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OATA has used its submission to a consultation on Susceptible and Vector Species to complain about the way Defra has handled proposed changes to the disease status of a number of popular aquarium fish.

Defra has failed to follow Government Consultation Principles on timescales, or giving sufficient detail to enable an informed response or allowing consultation responses to inform policy.

“Given that the consultation document states that the ‘expectation is that all the changes will come into effect on 31st May 2024’ then it seems it’s a done deal, regardless of any consultation responses. So we have to ask ourselves what was the point of this so-called consultation. Defra has handled this very badly,” remarked OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee (pictured).

OATA was given just a few weeks to work out the financial impact on the industry if more controls were introduced on a number of fish, including popular aquarium species such as zebra danios. But without any detail of what the particular controls would be then it proved almost impossible to understand their impact.

The trade body has therefore had to submit a response by the closing date that highlights the poor consultation process, along with some limited ideas on potential impacts, rather than the usual detailed response following input from relevant businesses that would outline exactly how the industry could be affected.

“As an industry, we understand and support the need to prevent diseases entering the UK. But changes also need to be proportionate to the risk. It’s only after securing meetings with relevant government agencies that we’ve been able to get a better understanding of what could be involved.

“Unfortunately we do not consider this is an isolated example of Defra failing to listen to industry. We’ve experienced similar problems trying to highlight issues for live animals during discussions on new importing rules and delays in issuing CITES permits. There is just a worrying lack of engagement with industry that has been getting worse over the past few years.”

Read OATA’s response to the SVS consultation here.

The British Independent Retailers Association has announced the merger of Retra, the Radio, Electrical and Television Retailers' Association, marking a milestone in their histories.

Bira, who work with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, said the expansion shows its commitment to supporting and advocating for independent retails in the consumer electronics industry.

Established in 1942, Retra has been instrumental in representing the interests of retailers and service providers in the electrical retail and services sector. With over 500 trusted member companies across the UK, Retra has been pivotal in driving business growth and fostering professional development within the industry.

Jeff Moody, Commercial Director of Bira, said they were 'delight'ed to welcome Retra members into the Bira family, and emphasised the shared commitment to supporting independent retailers.

He said: "We did not want to see Retra close. However, we are thrilled to continue Retra's legacy by providing unwavering support to independent electrical retailers."

Under the merger, Bira has pledged to uphold the Retra name, recognising its significance within the electrical retail sector. Members can expect continuity in existing services, including insurance, training, website support, and publications such as ALERT. Moreover, Bira will serve as a dedicated advocate for the sector, engaging with government bodies to ensure favourable policies for businesses.

Mr Moody added: "Our lobbying and campaign efforts have historically yielded tangible results, and we remain steadfast in championing the interests of our members. Bira's advocacy has led to significant victories, such as the introduction of the small business Retail Rates Discount, providing a 75% discount, directly benefiting independent retailers."

In addition to existing services, Retra members will gain access to a range of Bira's membership benefits, including a professionally managed legal helpline and preferential rates with Global Payments. Bira's membership team stands ready to provide comprehensive support to Retra members and their businesses.

Mr Moody added: "Bira's exclusive focus on independent retailers reaffirming our commitment to serving the retail sector for over 125 years. Bira represents only retail, and we are dedicated to supporting independent businesses like these."

This merger follows Bira's successful integration of the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) in June 2023, further consolidating its position as it being the voice to advocate for independent retailers.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College has identified the most common conditions in pet guinea pigs in the UK are overgrown nails, ringworm and eye ulcers. 

Several of these common conditions are linked to sedentary lives in captivity and therefore offer opportunities to reduce their frequency. These findings will not only help veterinary teams to improve clinical care for guinea pigs but also provide owners with evidence-based health information so they can provide more natural living conditions for their pets.

The guinea pig is a hugely popular pet in the UK. They are generally considered docile, lively and easy to care for by prospective owners. However, these beliefs may reflect limited awareness of common disorders due to the lack of research into the health issues affecting the subset of the species kept as pets.

Therefore, the study, led by the RVC’s VetCompass programme, investigated anonymised veterinary clinical records of a random sample of 3,785 guinea pigs from the 51,622 guinea pigs under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2019. Researchers analysed the diagnosis and mortality information to learn more about the most common disorders diagnosed in these guinea pigs and also about how long guinea pigs live overall.

Overgrown nail(s) was the most commonly recorded disorder overall, with a one-year frequency of 26.55%, showing that over a quarter of guinea pigs were affected every year. Other commonly recorded disorders included ringworm (dermatophytosis) at 6.02%; eye ulcer (corneal ulceration) at 4.99%; diagnosis not completed (formal diagnosis not reached) at 4.39%; anorexia (not eating) at 4.04%; and abscess (painful; infected swelling) at 4.02%.

The study also identified substantial health differences between male and female guinea pigs. For example, male guinea pigs had shorter lifespans overall and were predisposed to bite injuries and dental disorders, whilst females were more susceptible to eye disorders.

Other key findings include:

• The average adult bodyweight for guinea pigs overall was 1.05kg. The average bodyweight of males (1.10kg) was heavier than females (1.00kg).
• The average age of guinea pigs in the study overall was 2.21 years. The average age of females (2.33 years) was older than males (2.14 years).
• Female guinea pigs had a higher probability than males of corneal ulceration, ocular/conjunctival foreign body and abdominal mass.
• Male guinea pigs had a higher probability than females of anorexia, bite injury, overgrown incisor(s), dental disease and wound(s).
• The overall average age at death was 4.03 years. The average lifespan of females (4.58 years) was statistically higher than males (3.74 years).
• The most common causes of death were anorexia, collapse and peri-anaesthetic death.
• Only 2.95% of guinea pigs had a formal breed name recorded.

These results contribute to an improved understanding of the common disorders in pet guinea pigs in the UK. Many of the most common disorders such as overgrown nail(s)and corneal ulceration are related to animal care such as levels of exercise, diet and bedding conditions. Therefore, raising awareness of these risk can help owners to prevent and detect these conditions. Routine veterinary health checks are recommended for guinea pigs to allow early detection of disease and also provide an opportunity to advise owners regarding husbandry and diet.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at RVC, and lead author of the study, said: “This study highlights that many of the most common health issues of pet guinea pigs are related to how we keep them as pets in captivity. With this new awareness, owners can better understand the world from the guinea pigs' perspective and provide exercise, bedding and nail care to ensure these wonderful creatures enjoy healthier lives.”

Dr Vicki Baldrey, Lecturer in Exotic Species and Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery at RVC, and co-author of the study, said: “This research will help us focus our undergraduate teaching and continuing education materials on the most commonly seen conditions in pet guinea pigs, to ensure vets are as well informed as possible, not only to diagnose and treat these much-loved pets, but to advise owners on optimal husbandry practices to prevent problems and enhance welfare.”

Easter is a time full of celebrations for the whole family, and it’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your pet, especially as this year Easter marks the change to British Summer Time, bringing an extra hour of light. As pet parents across the country will look to make the most of the welcomed sunshine, when going on daily walks and attending Easter celebrations like egg hunts there are additional hazards to be cautious of from toxic Easter treats and newly sprouting plants.

To ensure Easter is a happy and safe time for you and your pet, Bella & Duke’s Canine Nutritional Advisor, Jude McCoy lists her top five tips for making Easter safer for pets. 

1. Easter eggs and chocolate treats - Easter eggs and other chocolate treats are a widely known to be a definite no for dogs. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine which is toxic and really difficult for dogs to metabolise. The level of toxicity depends on the darkness and concentration of the cacao, so a quality 85% dark chocolate is going to be much more toxic than a small piece of milk chocolate, but giving any type of chocolate to dogs must be avoided. If you are planning an easter egg hunt at home, make sure to keep your pets out of the way and collect any stray easter eggs from the garden before letting them out again. You can still include your furry friends in all of the festivities, try making them their own hunt by using natural treats like scrumptious venison treats.
2. Hot cross buns – Another staple in Easter celebrations, hot cross buns contain dried fruit such as raisins and sultanas, both of which are toxic to both cats and dogs and can cause kidney damage. It’s important you ensure these are kept out of reach from your pet as even small quantities can cause severe damage. 
3. Spring bulbs and flowers - Easter is a beautiful time of year with spring flowers and bulbs in full bloom, but make sure you keep them well out of reach of your furry friend, particularly if they’re prone to chewing plants or digging up the garden. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and amaryllis are all common spring plants that are poisonous to dogs. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and other dangerous side effects. Dogs are natural explorers, it’s on you as the owner to keep a keen eye on your pet and keep them away from any toxic plants. And despite being less likely to dig up plants, cats face issues with lilies due to the pollen in the stamens (the inner antenna part of the flower) cut these out to remove the risk of pollen being ingested which can cause irritation. 
4. Easter decorations - When gifting or receiving easter baskets, it can be tempting to let pets play with plastic grass and straw and tissue, but they can be easily swallowed and often lead to digestive issues, resulting in vomiting, bloating and dehydration. Always keep decorations and gifts out of reach and give your furry friend a pet-friendly toy instead.
5. Spring cleaning - If you’re using easter to tidy up the house with a bit of spring cleaning, it’s important to remember that many cleaning products can be dangerous to pets. Common household cleaning items such as heavily scented disinfectants, bleach and ammonia-based cleaning products, which create harmful gases, are toxic and should be kept safely away from pets.  

Jude McCoy, Canine Nutritional Advisor at Bella & Duke said “Easter is a great time to bring your furry friend into the family festivities and with the improved weather it’s the ideal opportunity to explore new routes on your daily walks as plants begin to blossom. However, with this comes some added precautions, we know how toxic chocolate is to our canine companions but there are some extra hazards you should be aware of. 

If you’re baking hot cross buns, watch out for any stray sultanas or raisins that your pet might try to get their paws on. Plants, cleaning products and Easter decorations can also all be a hazard to your pet, especially if they’re keen explorers. This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid Easter all together, keeping a close eye on your pet will limit any hazards and unnecessary trips to the vet.”

UK Pet Food (formerly Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association) has unveiled its new Pet Population Report for 2024. The research reveals a noteworthy gender difference in pet adoption demographics with more men opting to adopt adult cats.  Findings also highlight the huge value that pets bring to our lives.

Over the past four years, 27% of men have chosen to take on an adult cat as a pet, compared to 18% of women (2).  This translates to 1.5m new male households benefiting from the addition of an adult cat, compared to around 1m female households.  For the first time since the pandemic puppy and kitten boom, UK Pet Food data notes an appreciation for mature pets across all demographics, with a total of around 2.5m households acquiring adult cats and adult dogs have been welcomed into 2.1 million households (3).  

Key highlights from the report include:

• 17.2 million households (60%) house one of the UK’s 36 million (non aquatic) pets in 2024 (4)
• There are 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats in the UK in 2024 - an increase of 1.5m each
• 38% welcomed a new pet into 10.9 million homes over the last four years (5).
• Kittens and puppies welcomed into 2.6 million and 3.7 million households respectively over recent years.  
• Fish are also swimming up the charts in 21% of UK homes. 

The report confirms that emotional benefits appear to be a strong draw for pet ownership with around one quarter of owners admitting that they enjoy time with their pet more than with their family members. Over a third (39%) confirm that their pet benefits their family’s mental health, around one half of owners over 45 would be lonely without their pet and one fifth would like to see pets available on prescription.

Michael Bellingham (pictured above), Chief Executive of UK Pet Food, comments: “This year’s findings prove again the huge popularity of pets in the UK.  As the owner of an older cat, I was particularly interested to see that more men are adopting older cats! There could be all sorts of reasons for the increasing popularity of our furry and aquatic companions, but this year’s research highlights the profound therapeutic impact of pets. Pets play a significant role in our homes; they help combat loneliness and they can have a positive effect on our mental health. We were pleasantly surprised to see that one fifth of those questioned are calling for pets to be available on prescription. We couldn’t agree more.”

Daniel Warren-Cummings, Behaviour Officer at Cats Protection and owner of Lady Bug the cat, said: “Cats have always been a popular choice of pet but we’re particularly delighted to see that more men are seeing the benefits of older cats, as well as kittens. Just like humans, cats are all different and this is what makes them great pets for people from all walks of life - whether its indoor cats suited to living in a quiet home, or more adventurous ones, which thrive in a busy household, and love exploring the outdoors. We often hear from men who tell us their cats are not only great companions, they’re also incredibly entertaining which can be a great stress-buster.”

Chris Whatling, Founder of Animal People Recruitment explains why he adopted older cats: “Harper and Bear became cherished members of our family over eight years ago when we adopted them from Cramar Cat Sanctuary in Birmingham. After a heart-wrenching experience with our previous rescue kittens, who unfortunately succumbed to FIP6, we turned to rehoming older black kittens that find it harder to find a home. Harper and Bear's unconditional love and gentle nature have filled our lives with joy and healing. Their presence has been integral to our well-being, and now, with Rodney, our beloved Cavapoo, our family feels complete. Rodney's companionship not only brings immense joy but also significantly contributes to our mental and physical health through daily walks, fostering a deeper sense of connection and vitality in our lives.”

UK POPULATION OF PETS 

Based on extensive research across 8956 households, the UK's pet population: 

• 60% of UK households (17.2m) households 36 million non-aquatic pets
• 13.5 million dogs (36% households)
• 12.5 million cats (29%)
• 1.5 million indoor birds (3%)
• 1.3 million domestic fowl (1.6%)
• 1 million rabbits (1.6%)
• 700,000 tortoises and turtles (1.6%)
• 700,000 horses & ponies (1.5%)
• 700,000 Guinea Pigs (1.2%)
• 600,000 hamsters (1.5%)
• 600,000 snakes (1.3%)

This year's Pet Population data is featured as part of the comprehensive 'Pet Data Report,' offering insights into UK population data, regional trends, market data, pet nutrition research and more. For further details, visit ukpetfood.org.

Leading natural pet food company MPM has unveiled the beginning of a significant evolution in the look and feel of its bestselling wet and dry cat food Applaws – the first makeover of the brand since its launch in 2006.

For 18 years, Applaws has been the go-to choice for pet parents seeking natural, tasty and high protein responsibly sourced cat food and is now a £135m-plus brand sold in over 40 countries including the US, UK, Australia in over 130 retailers.

Now Manchester-based MPM is lifting the lid on the largest brand refresh it’s ever undertaken.

The change is the result of an extensive project, speaking to thousands of cat parents all over the world to make sure the new look delivers an even more premium, quality offering.

It has partnered with strategic and creative agency, Bulletproof who worked on packaging and visual identity across all our touchpoints.

The new look and feel was unveiled at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida.

The rebrand covers the full Applaws offer – wet foods, treats and dry food – and the new branding is expected to be fully in place across global retailers by the end of 2024. 

MPM’s chief executive officer Julian Bambridge said: “This is a really important moment for our Applaws brand and the wider MPM family.

“The high quality, naturally tasty ingredients, that Applaws is known for, have won over cats and cat parents alike all over the world.

“But it’s now time to do even more to tell our story and show there’s a naturally tasty adventure waiting for every cat.

“I’d like to thank the incredible MPM team globally and our global agency, Bulletproof, who have worked on this rebrand - executing this kind of change, sustainably and effectively is no easy task.

"But that work is laying a foundation for our ambition as we grow to be the number one premium natural cat food brand in the world.

“As a B Corp we’ve delivered this thoughtfully with MPM staying true to its principles. The refresh will be phased over a period of time to ensure there is no packaging waste as the brand transitions to its new look and feel.”

MPM (Making Petfood Matters) was founded in 2002 with its brands Applaws, Reveal and Encore based around natural recipes for cats and dogs and distributed worldwide.

The Pet Industry Federation has launched its annual Innovation Awards, which recognise the groundbreaking ideas and advancements in the pet industry from companies and people who have pushed the boundaries of innovation.

The awards are free to enter and are open to all businesses in the pet sector, including product, service or tech.

The Innovation Awards are a key feature of PIF’s Business of Pets conference, designed to help pet businesses take that vital step to the next level. The two-day conference, now in its second year, will take place on Wednesday 5 - Thursday 6 June at Cranfield Management Development Centre near Milton Keynes and will have a full itinerary of inspirational and insightful speakers; from angel investors and key distributors to sustainability and marketing experts; legal advisors and mentors.

A judging panel will select ten finalists in the Awards who will then have the opportunity to present their innovation at the Business of Pets conference, giving them unprecedented access to potential investors. The winner will be chosen on the final day of the event. 

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: "We had fantastic feedback for the Business of Pets conference last year and the Innovation Award finalists found that the conference provided an unrivalled opportunity to pitch their innovation in front of an audience of experts and peers. There is so much innovation in the pet industry and these awards recognise the hard work and dedication that go into getting new business concepts off the ground. I would encourage all pet innovators to enter for PIF’s Innovation of the Year Award."

For full details of entry criteria and how to enter, https://petfederation.co.uk/the-business-of-pets-conference/innovation/

Entries close on Thursday 25 April. Tickets to The Business of Pets conference will go on sale from Thursday 18 April. 

Pictured: Huskaloo Coconut Cat Litter was the Innovation Award winner in 2024. The company's Tracey Voss was presented with the award at the Business of Pets conference by Nigel Baker, PIF CEO.

Pedigree Wholesale has invested £600,000 in a new fleet of delivery trucks, helping the company to achieve its overall aim of providing better service to customers.

It plans on replacing its entire fleet of vehicles over the next three years. This continued investment plan is part of a commitment to becoming the ‘wholesaler of choice for customers and partners’.

The new trucks come with a new look and feature some of the exclusive own brands on the back: Cooper & Co Dog Food, Natures Deli Treat Pastes and Nobbly’s Dental Dog Chews.

Quinten Evans, Head of Operations, Pedigree Wholesale, said” “This year, our strategy is to put our Customers first, so our new, refreshed fleet helps us to do just that by enabling us to service our Customers better. We are also pleased to share the new, fresh designs on the backs of the trucks, showcasing some of our great Own Brands when our drivers are on the road.”

Award-winning pet superstore chain Jollyes has agreed a new 10-year logistics partnership with supply chain partner Wincanton.

It also announced it had completed the eight week transition of logistics operations to a new shared-user Wincanton site, on time and with no disruption in service to stores and suppliers.

Since 2019, Wincanton has provided warehouse and distribution services, providing store fulfilment to Jollyes stores across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The new ten-year contract will help support Jollyes’ continued ambitious growth plans as it prepares to accelerate expansion following significant investment by new owner TDR Capital.

Since 2022, Jollyes has doubled the size of its estate, opening 37 new stores, most recently in Belfast and Newport and will open its 101st store in Rotherham, South Yorkshire tomorrow (Friday, March 22).

Building a foundation for a continued growth, Jollyes move to Middlewich, Cheshire, brings a much larger space onstream, able to accommodate its rapid store growth.

The new hub means Wincanton can pick and deliver up to 25 per cent more cases each year as it replenishes all Jollyes 100-plus stores, fulfilling over 10,000 deliveries each year.

The operation is supported by Wincanton’s warehouse management system (WMS) to deliver tailored inventory management, item tracking and performance reporting.

Joe Wykes, CEO at Jollyes, said: “Our partnership with Wincanton is a crucial part of the platform we’re building to support our growth plans.

“Our determination to grow, bringing our special combination of expertise, service and value to UK pet parents has to be underpinned by world class infrastructure that will help us realise those ambitions.

“We’re looking forward to building on our existing strong relationship with Wincanton as we move well beyond the 100-plus stores we trade from today.”

Carl Moore, Managing Director of eFulfilment at Wincanton, commented: “We’re delighted that Jollyes has chosen Wincanton to continue to support its future growth journey. Our shared-user warehouse model means we can provide the agility and resilience retailers need to delight their customers and grow their business.”

The new contract with Wincanton comes just days after Jollyes was named the UK’s best retailer turning over up to £250m in sales at the prestigious 2024 Retail Week Awards.

Jollyes has increased the number of locations by 50 per cent in three years, opening 33 stores in 26 months and has ambitious plans to open an additional 12 new stores over the next 12 months. 

It has already secured agreements for new locations in Northampton, Nuneaton, Chester and East Kilbride in 2024.