A dog owner, who quit a career in finance to start her own firm making pet treats, is now reaping the rewards of a thriving business…in fact, she’s living the Life of Riley.

Sarah Meredith started her company four years ago, making the treats in her home kitchen after discovering her dog Riley was intolerant to many foods.

As the company grew, she moved manufacture into an outbuilding before taking on much larger premises on a business park in Market Drayton, Shropshire.

The aptly-named business, Life of Riley, now has its own pop-up shop on the premises and the range of products are flying off the shelves.

Pet Trade Xtra managed to grab a few minutes of the busy entrepreneur’s time to find out more about the Life of Riley.

How did you come up with the ingredients and recipes for your treats in the first instance?

We realised there was a shortage of grain free non-meat/diary-based treats. Riley was allergic to pork, beef, rabbit and some fish, and to try and distinguish what was in the treats was often quite difficult, so we decided to negate animal proteins completely and use hypoallergenic, grain free, natural and nutritionally beneficial ingredients – this helped us narrow down what ingredients we should use.

What gave you the confidence to attempt to sell the treats?

Research, research, and more research. We also had help from vets and nutritionists to develop the recipes. Feedback was also crucial – we tested our treats on dogs with sensitive tummies and their owners reported back to us.

When did you move out of your home kitchen into a commercial unit?

We started off by converting an old stone outhouse in our garden into a dedicated bakery. We found this was the safest way. Many human foods are not safe for dogs and the risk of cross contamination from using my own kitchen seemed to defeat the whole point of what we were trying to achieve – to provide a safe, reliable product dogs could enjoy without any concerns of upset. We don’t advertise, we rely on word of mouth and our social media to promote ourselves – it takes a little longer that way but with this we have grown nice and steadily into the business we are today, developing as we go along with feedback from our customers. We try to offer a natural alternative to all the novelty type options out there as well as providing the everyday treats. Towards the end of last year we decided that it was time to take the plunge. We found two brilliant commercial units for let, we converted them into a full scale production unit and moved in, in March this year – we have more than 20 times the space that we did, but we seem to be outgrowing this fast too!

Where and how did you start selling the treats?

We started with our own website, but it soon became clear we were much more passionate about providing a great service to our stockists – we are now 90% wholesale/trade and we love it that way – they get just as excited as us when we launch new products and many of them help us come up with ideas and pass on valuable customer feedback. We have a great retention rate and many of them have been with us since the start. We started with a few local stockists but we have now spread from the furthest points of the Scottish Isles, down to Cornwall.

Which retail outlets sell your products?

Pet stores, zero waste shops, garden centres, subscription services, dog groomers, dog friendly holiday accommodation and café’s, but we also have some weird and wonderful ones too!

Do you sell much online?

We do indeed, our wholesalers have special access to our trade prices on our website so it’s very busy on our website. We decided to ditch the old order form and invoice method years ago as it caused too much work for everyone so we have a live system now.

Tell us about your pop-up store.

Since we have moved to our commercial unit, we made our office into a show room to showcase our range when we had meetings. Funnily enough we had that many members of the general public come in and ask to buy things, we felt bad about turning them away all the time. So to keep everyone happy and to receive direct feedback from our customers we decided to open a pop-up shop on Thursdays! It’s fab as we get to meet our doggy customers this way too!

What’s the ultimate ambition for the business?

Oh that’s a tricky question, it’s my passion, it’s what gets me up in the morning so who knows what may happen! At the moment we are really enjoying developing all the ideas we have had over the years and bringing them to market – watch this space!

For more information visit www.lifeofrileyuk.com

Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes  has announced the appointment of Joe Wykes as chief executive officer to lead the business through a period of ambitious expansion that will see annual turnover grow to £100m in the next 12 months. 

Joe joined Jollyes as chief operating officer in July 2021 and has played a key role in its recent expansion through new store openings, acquisitions, online investment and the extension of its distribution and logistics contract with Wincanton. 

Prior to joining Jollyes, Joe served two years as chief operating officer at Benson for Beds and held senior roles in finance and operations in a number of private equity-backed retail businesses. 

Joe brings considerable experience across finance, logistics, property, legal, HR and distribution in multi-site retail environments to Jollyes. 

Richard Cotter, Jollyes’ executive chairman, said: “I am confident that in Joe we have a CEO who has the energy, drive, passion and commitment to deliver our strategic objectives - and, just as importantly, someone from inside our business who knows and understands what we stand for.  

“Because of the amazing Jollyes team, I’m looking forward to the bright future ahead of us as we look to open new stores, acquire new businesses and invest in our people.” 

Joe Wykes said: “I’m really honoured to get the opportunity to lead the Jollyes team as we look to bring the brand to more people in more places.   

“The strength of the whole Jollyes team – in store and in our central operations – and the fantastic reaction of customers to what we bring them, makes me excited about what more we can achieve as we grow.” 

Richard Cotter will continue as executive chairman of Jollyes and over the next few months transition back to the role of non-executive chair he assumed when first joining Jollyes in 2018. 

In January, Jollyes reported record sales of £42 million for the half year to November, a 12.5 per cent rise in like-for-like sales against a year earlier and 30 per cent up on the same period in 2019. 

Backed by Kester Capital, Jollyes plans to open 20 new stores in the next 12 months, organically and through acquisition.  Last year it purchased The Pet Store with three shops in Yorkshire and Bannerbrook Pets in Coventry – which took the total number of stores over 70. 

A new Jollyes store opened in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, in March and it opened its second Welsh store in Wrexham earlier this month.  

New stores planned for this year include Edinburgh, Glenrothes and Stirling in Scotland, and Brislington and Stockton-on-Tees in England.  

Store relocations include Warmley in Bristol and Newtownabbey in Northern Ireland, with store revamps including Totton, Wakefield and North Harbour.  

Jollyes has also invested in its click and collect service and extending online ranges as well as in training, such as an increase in the number of staff qualified to prescribe certain authorised veterinary medicines.  

TV star Tim Vincent (right) officially opened the new Jollyes store in Wrexham.

Tributes have been paid to the founder of a popular pet shop, who sadly passed away at the age of 73.

Norwich-born Lorna Raven opened Fido's Pet Bazaar with husband Alan in 1977 and ran the business for 43 years before they both retired in December of 2020.

The shop was first located in Meadow Way in Hellesdon before moving to Dixons Shopping Centre in Reepham Road in 1984.

They sold Fido’s to Alison and Adrian Pettitt of Pettitt and Boo, who posted on the shop’s Facebook page: “We are devastated to hear the very sad news of the passing of Lorna Raven. Lorna and her husband Alan, ran Fidos for 43 years until December 2020, when they retired. Lorna remained a ‘regular’ in the shop though, often popping in to see the team and drop off newspapers for Cheryl’s Guinea Pigs. We send our deepest condolences to Alan and the Raven family.”

Customers were quick to pay tribute to Lorna:

• “That is so sad to read, such a friendly helpful lady over the years that I went in, and only just retired.”
• “She was a lovely lady and always so helpful all the years we went into Fido’s.”
• “Such a lovely lady always very helpful, sending our condolences to all the family at this very sad time.”
• “So sad to hear this news Lorna was always such a supporter of the city of Norwich rabbit and cavy club she will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”
• “Sorry to hear that Lorna is no longer with us. We met though our interest in guinea pigs.”

Alison Pettitt told Pet Trade Xtra: “Lorna was a highly regarded member of the community in Hellesdon, and we are so shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. She was known as a passionate and knowledgeable animal lover, often relied upon in the community for pet-care advice.

"We have arranged a collection at the Hellesdon store so that customers of Fidos can contribute to a charitable donation to Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Lorna’s name.”

A funeral service to celebrate Lorna's life will be held at St Marys Church in Low Road, Hellesdon on Wednesday, May 18 at 2pm, followed by her committal in the church grounds.

Picture of Lorna above is taken from Fido's Facebook page.

Established in 1997, CASCO Pet founder Matthew Bubear set out with a vision to deliver innovative and beautiful pet-centric retail fixtures and fittings for the pet retail industry. 

Having embarked on an ambitious programme of global growth and expansion over the last 25 years, that vision has become a reality.

With product ranges now in both the pet retail and veterinary industries, CASCO Pet has evolved into the global leader for high quality pet wellness innovations and housing solutions.  

Having worked on many high-profile projects over the years, CASCO first became known for creating beautiful retail display solutions for a range of customers across the globe. Today they work with not only the Pet Industry's leading chains but also independent pet retailers, Veterinary clinics and hospitals as well as University and Colleges.   All with a common goal of providing optimum wellness for their pets.  

Driven by the entrepreneurial spirit of Matthew Bubear, the CASCO Pet team is made up of a diverse talent pool of experienced pet retail, aquatic and veterinary experts which has enabled them to constantly push new boundaries and successfully enter new markets with the creation of superior product solutions that advance animal wellness and innovation, setting them apart from any competition.   

Matthew, founder and chief vision officer, said: "It is an extremely proud moment to reach such a milestone in CASCO Pet's journey. The result of 25 years of pushing boundaries and setting new standards. We couldn't have achieved it without our talented teams around the world and some truly amazing clients who share our values and commitment to innovation and pet wellness."

To kick off the anniversary celebrations CASCO Pet are delighted to announce their partnership with Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue, an emergency wildlife hospital that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases our native wildlife. 

As a charity that supports the general public, local vets, fire services, police, and the RSPCA, they rely heavily on donations. To ensure they continue to provide the best possible care for injured wildlife CASCO Pet are thrilled to be gifting their clinical housing to the charity’s on-site veterinary clinic. 

Anne Brummer, Founder of Harper Asprey, said: “We are beyond excited that CASCO Pet will be upgrading our on-site veterinary practice for us as part of their 25th year anniversary celebration. It will have a massive impact on us & enable our vet team to care for even more wildlife. We cannot thank them enough.” This donation will help provide ultimate comfort and rehabilitation to their diverse range of vulnerable animals. 

Matthew Bubear commented on the partnership: " I am so, so pleased with our chosen Charity partner for 2022. Such a worthy cause, rescuing precious and threatened wildlife”.  

Passionate about pet wellness and obsessed with innovation CASCO Pet’s strategy of continuous improvement has enabled them to foster a culture of innovation and growth, introducing many industry-first products over the years that always challenge to be different to give their customers and pets more. 

As a global company with offices and teams based in the UK, USA, Germany, Portugal and Australia, they have full control over the entire product development and installation process, meaning clients can have full confidence when they choose to work with CASCO Pet.

The HUGO BOSS Group has entered into an exclusive global dog apparel and accessories license agreement with Kanine Pets World Limited, for a five-year term. The exclusive license covers the design, production, and worldwide distribution of products for dogs including apparel, accessories, home products, and toys under the BOSS brand.

Designed to correspond with the BOSS fashion collections, BOSS is the first premium fashion brand to offer a full-fledged dog collection from apparel to accessories.

"Our new CLAIM 5 strategy is broad-based, as we want to grow across all regions, touchpoints, brands and product areas. We are very excited that in Kanine Group, we have found the right partner to enter the dog accessories business and exploit the full potential of BOSS in this entirely new segment. Kanine Group can draw on extensive experience in the strongly growing premium dog supplies market, and together we look forward to offering high-end products to customers worldwide," says Daniel Grieder, CEO of HUGO BOSS.

"We are delighted to be part of the BOSS family and to collaborate with one of the most renowned and recognizable fashion houses in the world. HUGO BOSS Group’s recent record- breaking global campaigns and the significant continued focus on digital activation is a perfect match for Kanine as we strive to be the most relevant platform for premium dog products globally, offering amazing products to proud pet parents and their furry loved ones.” stated Samuel Wong, CEO and CFO, Kanine Group.

BOSS dog accessories will launch two collections per year, starting in August 2022 with the Fall / Winter collection. The products will be available worldwide in the online stores hugoboss.com and kanine.com, as well as in selected BOSSsStores, department stores and pet stores.

Kanine Group designs, sources, and globally distributes pet apparel and accessories under various owned and licensed brands, including its namesake Kanine brand, and operates www.kanine.com, an exclusive platform for premium and exciting products including apparel, accessories and home products for pets.

“This show always delivers…it’s a brilliant event…a great place for networking…there is so much to see.” These are just some of the many fantastic comments received from visitors to the recent PATS Sandown.

The two-day pet trade exhibition, which attracted 1,794 visitors to Sandown Park in Surrey, was hailed as a great success after hundreds of new products were launched during the show.

Now the attention has turned to PATS Telford, which takes place on Sunday and Monday, September 25th-26th 2022.

According to retailer Becky Seviour, of Pet Pals, if you have an interest in the pet trade, then you have to visit PATS. “I think it's important to visit PATS as a pet products buyer, as it gives us the opportunity to meet and speak to producers in person, rather than over the phone or online all the time. Also, buyers can view the quality of the products on offer, not always possible from a photo and of course we can see the latest in designs and materials being used.”

Becky’s thoughts are echoed by Nikki Harris, of TFM Countrystore, who said: “PATS is a perfect event to find new suppliers as well as meet up with your existing contacts to find new products. It’s a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of the great deals too.”

With five months to go before opening its doors to visitors, PATS Telford is set to be another ‘sell out’ event. More than 140 companies have already confirmed they will be exhibiting at the Telford International Centre, where regulars like Wagg, Harringtons, Pedigree Wholesale, Hem and Boo and BECO Pets will be joined by a growing number of companies making their first appearance at Telford, including Paleo Ridge, Herbal Dog and Assisi Pet Care.

PATS is the UK’s pet industry exhibition and the only event where the entire trade comes together under one roof.

PATS Sandown in March was the 25^th PATS exhibition and one company that has attended every event, Inspired Pet Nutrition, is now looking forward to more successful shows. Sales director Ben Anderson said: “I have attended all 25^th PATS shows and have enjoyed everyone. I feel honoured and privileged to have been a part of the PATS success story and look forward to the next 25 shows, including Telford in September.”

With the easing of air travel restrictions PATS Telford is set to have a strong international presence with pet buyers and exhibitors from around the world expected to attend the show.

In a move to create more interest with international buyers, the PATS team will be travelling to Nuremburg, Germany, in May to exhibit in the British Pavilion at Interzoo.

“Our primary aim for exhibiting at international shows is to meet, talk to and encourage international retailers and distributors to come to PATS, both in Telford and Sandown,” said Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions, organisers of PATS.

Leading trade association PetQuip will also be working with PATS to tempt international pet retail chains and distributors to the Autumn showpiece.

The association’s involvement doesn’t end there because it will be staging its prestigious PetQuip Awards after the first day of the exhibition. 

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive a free tea and coffee voucher, and a free show catalogue.

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.

Leading pet brand Fish4Dogs has launched a #TreatSmart campaign this month to help consumers decided which treats are suitable for what type of reward.

Jo Mulgrew, Marketing Director at Fish4Pets said: “We embarked on extensive voice-of-the-customer research when rebranding recently, and we were overwhelmed by the findings. 

“Our customers loved the benefits our treats had to offer, but like many other brands on the market, when browsing on shelf, they found it hard to tell what the treats should be used for. For example, could they be broken into smaller piece and chewed quickly so they could use for training, or were they more of a longer lasting reward?

“We used this information to re-categorise our range and make it easier for retailers to merchandise and consumers to browse.”

Following the research, the brand restructured its dog treats into four unique categories: ‘SUPPORT+’, ‘LOVE’, ‘DENTAL’ and ‘TRAINING’, 

SUPPORT+ is a range of treats and supplements for dogs and puppies that not only taste great, but they also include selected additions to support health considerations such as coat and skin condition and joint health.

The DENTAL range, including the multi-award winning, original, and highly successful Sea Jerky on which the business was first established. Delicious, 100% white fish skin treats that are naturally abrasive in texture, which can help with tartar on teeth and substantially support a dog’s dental health.

In the TRAINING range there are treats for puppies and adults designed to be stimulating and rewarding when working with your dog. Size, smell, and calories were considered when designing these treats, so treats in this range can be used many times during a training session.

LOVE is the range name for luxury Fish4Dogs treats designed to help you show your dog how much you adore them. This range offers unique variety, including crunchy biscuit-style fish treats, a variety of tasty fish wraps and the more unusual, but equally delicious, dried squid discs.

“We have seen these categories go from strength to strength in the past 12 months, not only due to the success of their natural ingredients and palatability, but through effective branding and category segmentation,” added Jo.

“Our new campaign #TreatSmart which starts this month and includes a new ‘TreatSmart’ trademarked logo, incorporates a multitude of material including new Point of Sale for our VIP stores and extensive consumer advertising in leading UK consumer dog magazines to help our retailers pull through sales by offering a clear differentiation in treat product types, unique to the needs of each dog owner.”

For more information on Fish4Pets products, or if you are considering becoming a stockist, please call (01299) 252 352.

Butternut Box, the leading fresh dog food subscription service, has added a completely plant-powered recipe to its range of fresh meals.

The new dish offers customers a way to reduce their pups’ environmental pawprint, while still incorporating tasty, plant-powered protein to ensure their dog’s tail is wagging for the rest of the day.

The decision to create a punchy plant-based meal arose from the love Butternut Box customers have for their pups, with 71% of pet owners saying they want a vegetable-based meal once a week so their dogs can enjoy different textures and flavours – a wonderful way to freshen up mealtimes.

Dr Ciara Clarke, In-House Vet and Research Specialist at Butternut Box, said: “Incorporating a more varied diet into your dog’s meal routine is ideal for picky eaters as you learn to understand their likes and dislikes. Dogs are omnivores and a well-balanced diet is essential for their health and wellbeing.

“Our new plant-based meal is beneficial for dogs with allergies and the plant-based ingredients are also gentle on digestion, making it easier to eat for dogs with digestive issues. Many plants are anti-inflammatory, meaning they help relieve joint pain and arthritis too, showing this meat-free alternative is a great way for our furry companions to try something delicious whilst helping them to be happier and healthier too.”

This plant packed dish offers pooches a deliciously well-balanced meal, making it paw-fect for switching up dogs’ dinner times. Plant Get Enough is full of veg that does good from the inside out, like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips – and powered by pea protein to support healthy muscles.

Suitable for pups of all ages, rest assured you’ll find no nasties here as it’s made with only human-quality ingredients, and all the vitamins and minerals your pup needs to thrive.

The new Plant Get Enough dish stands proud alongside the rest of Butternut Box’s tasty range and follows the successful launch of their vegetarian meal, Ready Steady Veggie. An ideal meal for shaking up your pooch's palate, mix it up with their favourite dishes such as Swish Fish Dish, Wham Bam Lamb, and Pork This Way – happy dances are guaranteed.

Plant Get Enough is now available via the Butternut Box website. For more information please visit: https://butternutbox.com/

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An advertised event at which thousands of reptiles and amphibians would have been sold at Kempton Park Racecourse on Sunday 14 August 2022 has been rejected due to risks of illegal animal selling. 

Spelthorne Borough Council has confirmed that the racecourse had taken the decision not to proceed with the event. This outcome was reached after the council advised the venue of the law prohibiting the trade of pets from market stalls. 

The Animal Protection Agency, World Animal Protection and Freedom for Animals, which have campaigned for an end to reptile markets over the years, said they were relieved this reptile market would not go ahead and commended Spelthorne Council and the racecourse for acting decisively.

The event poster misleadingly described the event as a ‘breeders meeting’ and did not convey that large-scale animal selling would take place. The above-named animal protection groups, which have monitored reptile markets around the country, were able to advise the cfouncil and the racecourse of the true nature of the planned event.

An increasing number of venues are turning away reptile markets due to their well-documented problems involving animal welfare and illegal selling, as well as the public outcry they generate. In the last few weeks, Doncaster Council announced that Doncaster Racecourse would no longer host a large reptile market after a final event on 19 June 2022, which they are contractually obliged to allow. Following that, Newcastle City Council confirmed that Newcastle Racecourse had also turned away reptile market organisers after concerns had been expressed by the council to the venue management.

Conditions at reptile markets are invariably poor, with animals typically confined to small, plastic, takeaway tubs, seriously compromising the animals’ welfare. The law prohibits commercial trade in pet animals from temporary and makeshift environments because of the suffering it causes to animals. Scientists have described the treatment of reptiles at markets as tantamount to animal abuse.

Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, said: “This planned event was not going to be a meeting, as advertised, but a large-scale wild animal market. Spelthorne Council was right to take such a proactive stance in offering sound legal advice to the Racecourse. Thanks to their action, a great deal of animal suffering has been prevented.”

Dr Charlotte Regan, Campaigns Manager, World Animal Protection, commented: “Reptiles are wild animals with complex welfare needs, not commodities to be commercially exploited by the exotic pet trade. Although the event at Kempton Park Racecourse will thankfully no longer be going ahead, these inhumane reptile markets continue to pop up. Defra must end these markets once and for all – they are outdated events that should have no place in our society.”

Dr Andrew Kelly, Director, Freedom for Animals, added: “Freedom for Animals congratulates Spelthorne Borough Council and Kempton Park Racecourse for acting decisively and taking the responsible action not to host this reptile market. There is sufficient scientific evidence that the welfare of animals displayed and sold at such markets cannot be protected. There is also ample evidence of illegal selling at previous markets. Wild or so-called exotic animals do not thrive in captivity and should not be kept as pets.”

A Llanelli pet owner who repeatedly ignored requests to clear up her dog’s mess has been ordered to pay nearly £1,400.

Llanelli Magistrates heard how the garden of Samantha Davies, aged 33, of Stryd Bennett in Llanelli was largely covered in dog mess, waste items and filth resulting in an horrendous odour and affecting neighbours nearby.

In a prosecution brought by Carmarthenshire County Council the court was told there had been a number of complaints from neighbours in the area and several warnings given by council officers of the state of the rear garden.

In April 2021 Davies was issued with an Abatement Notice under Section 80 of the Environment Protection Act by Carmarthenshire County Council ordering her to remove the waste and clean up the area within 28 days.

Five weeks later officers attended the property and found that the garden was as bad as ever and issued a further letter to Davies reminding her of the notice requirements. When the officer returned to the property on June 17 the garden was cleaner and had less waste.

However, the council received further complaints four weeks later of around 20 to 30 bags of dog excrement stacked up against a neighbour’s fence which were releasing an horrendous odour. Officers revisited the property and also found that a large numbers of stools were covering the patio.

Officers visited the property again on September 9 and February 16 this year and found the garden was still unkempt and patio slabs were covered with faeces with some appearing to have been there for several months.

Davies was not present in court but admitted breaching the notice twice and was fined £300 for each breach. She was ordered to pay £701 costs and £60 victim surcharge.

After two years of nationwide lockdowns and foreign travel restrictions, many Brits will be jetting off for some much-needed summer sun this year.

However, it seems the thought of leaving our beloved pets behind while we’re off on holiday is too much to bear for many dog owners, who are instead opting to holiday in the UK – and they’re taking their pets with them! 

Veterinary experts at YuMov, a leading joint supplement brand for dogs, noticed that Google searches for ‘dog friendly holiday cottages’ have sky-rocketed by 850% compared to this time last year, as people seek to get away with their dogs.

They also noted that searches for ‘Dog friendly cafes’ was up 160% compared to 2021, ‘Dog friendly restaurants’ by 110% and searches for ‘Dog friendly attractions’ was up by 70% on last year, as people look to get out and about with their pets.  

Scotland seems to be high on this year’s staycation hit list for pet owners, as searches for ‘Dog friendly cottages in Scotland by the sea’ was up by 110% compared to 2021.

With 12.5 million dogs now living in the UK, many hotels, holiday lets, restaurants and attractions are choosing to welcome both two and four legged guests through their doors. But Dr Jayne Laycock, resident vet at YuMOVE warns pet owners to do their research before they book.

She comments: “It's amazing that so many dog owners want to take their pets away on holiday with them. It’s definitely a great time to bond with your pet, and exploring new places allows you to be more active together.

"However, it’s also important to think carefully about your dog’s needs to ensure they stay safe and well throughout your time away. Yes, this may require a bit more forward thinking and planning than usual, but trust me, it’ll be worth it to build those lasting memories together with your pet.”

A high-street pet shop has moved 50 yards ‘down the road’ to new premises which offer greater opportunities for the business to grow.

Lynn Connell, who has been running a pet shop for more than 20 years, set up Pet Pantry with her daughter Abbie in Winchester, Hampshire, five years ago.

But the business has since outgrown the premises and when a more suitable outlet became available on the same street the pair decided to change venues.

“The new store has a far better layout,” said Lynn. “It’s double the size of the current shop and is on one level compared to the two unworkable levels at the moment. We’re really excited about the move.”

Pet Pantry is a family-run business with Lynn and Abbie working in the shop. Lynn said her husband was a massive support and helped with doing jobs around the store.

“Our customers have been very supportive and understanding,” said Lynn. “They mean everything to us, and we’re sure they’ll love the new shop as much as the old one.”

Lynn and Abbie welcomed customers to the new store earlier this week.

Yorkshire-based pet food brand Wagg has launched Snack Shots – a new range of pocket-sized treats. 

Handy for those on-the-go treating and training occasions, Snack Shots will be launching in a selection of flavours and are available in Asda stores across the UK.

Snack Shots come in a variety of pocket-sized packets including BBQ Bangers, Low Fat, Training, and Tasty Bones. 

The treats offer a new innovation for the pet food industry and are set to make a positive impact within the treat market. Since the start of the pandemic, dog treats have been the most consistent source of growth within the pet food sector and continues to grow +10% year on year, accounting for almost 40% of dog food sales. The days of coat pockets full of crumbs and smelling like meaty treats are set to become a thing of the past!

The new range features a selection of Wagg bestselling treats and flavours in bumper packs of 12. Coming in a variety of new flavours and shapes, the tasty oven-baked treats provide a great way for shoppers to trial the product and new flavours.

Made in the UK, the treats are enriched with vitamins and minerals, and contain no added sugar, to ensure a natural taste and a healthier snack for dogs.

With research showing that one in three UK households purchase dog treats**, IPN’s latest launch offers consumers a ready-made solution to taking treats out and about.

Speaking about the launch of Snack Shots in Asda, Lucy Stones, Marketing Manager – Complimentary Feeding & Treating at IPN, said: “We are super excited about the launch of our Snack Shots range. 

“We believe that every good dog deserves a little treat every now and then, and treats play a crucial role when it comes to training and rewarding the correct behaviour. This is why we have introduced these great pocket-sized packs. 

“Many of us are dog owners ourselves at IPN and we’ve all fallen foul to smelly pockets full of crumbled up dog treats in the past. We wanted to find a solution that worked for owners whilst still offering a tasty, nutritious, and naturally good treat for our pets, and that’s exactly what we have done with Snack Shots.”

Snack Shots are available in Asda stores at £4 RRP.

To find out more about Waggs Snack Shots visit: https://waggfoods.com/

Watermarque, a popular aquatics retail outlet in Yeovil, Somerset, is being rebranded as part of a new ownership arrangement.

Southern Aquatics has taken over the store from J&K Aquatics. The shop will continue to function as normal but will be rebranded as a branch of Southern Aquatics.

The store was previously operated by J&K Aquatics as a separate entity to its wholesale business, after the site came into the company’s ownership as part of a trading debt around 35 years ago.

J&K Aquatics managing director Paul James said: “While retail is where we started, J&K’s focus has always been on our wholesale operation.

“With a large portfolio of products and some large pillar brands to promote and sell, we need to devote our time and management resources to the wholesale side of the business and making that as good as possible. 

“In the last few years, it has become difficult for us to dedicate enough time or resources to the retail side of the business to make it successful, and Southern Aquatics were searching for another retail store, so they approached us.

“It’s a win-win situation for all involved: J&K, Southern and the long-standing staff at the Yeovil store. We look forward to the next step in our relationship with Southern Aquatics.”

Entries have opened today for the Pet Industry Federation Awards 2022 with the winners being revealed at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire on November 17. 

Following a record number of nominations in 2021, the judges are expecting a higher than ever standard this year. 

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, commented: “We are delighted to be hosting the PIF Awards again this year. 

“The Awards, sponsored by Cliverton Insurance and Tuft, provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise and reward the outstanding performances in the pet industry over the last twelve months.”

With a range of 20 categories, these keenly anticipated awards are a great showcase for the breadth of the pet industry and highlight this year’s inspirational success stories. 

To enter your business for an award visit www.petfederation.co.uk. Entries will remain open until July 29.

Sponsorship is available at Headline or Category level and provides promotional and networking opportunities. To find out more about sponsorship, telephone Daniel Everett, PIF’s Events Coordinator, on 01234 224507 or email daniel.everett@petfederation.co.uk. 

Leading UK fresh dog food brand, Butternut Box, has announced a new partnership with one of the nation’s favourite on-screen vets, Dr Bolu Eso.

With both Butternut Box and Dr Bolu sharing a love for pups across the nation and ensuring their health and happiness is their ongoing mission, it is set to be a ‘pooch perfect’ partnership for the year ahead.

Butternut Box chose to bring Dr Bolu on board for his expertise in the veterinary field, as well as his belief in the brand’s products and his love for what they stand for.

Graduating in 2019 with an Honours and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and Intercalated Master of Science, Bolu has a wealth of experience looking after pets of all breeds, shapes, and sizes, and is committed to caring for the health and wellbeing of all furry friends.

Known for his TV appearances on various British TV shows and viral hits on social media, Bolu is keen to continue educating and entertaining the nation with his new partnership with dog food brand, Butternut Box.

Founded in 2016, Butternut Box has become the leading fresh dog food company in the UK and Europe, thanks to its highly personalised dietary offering and digital first approach.

Most recently, Butternut Box hosted a social competition that put the nation’s dogs on eye-catching billboards across the country.

Delivering delicious, human-quality meals for dogs, full of freshly prepared ingredients, straight to customers’ doors, Butternut Box understands the importance of all dogs leading healthier lifestyles, and their brand ethos is aligned perfectly with Bolu’s passion and commitment to the nations’ pets.

Dr Bolu Eso commented: “I’m truly thrilled to be working alongside the brilliant minds at Butternut Box. Putting pets at the heart of everything they do, speaks volumes and being able to provide veterinary expertise to ensure both dogs and their owners are happy and healthy, couldn’t resonate more with me.”

Khadeeja Paul, brand manager at Butternut Box, said: “We’re more than excited to have Dr Bolu Eso on board as the newest member of our Butternut Box squad. He’s exactly the sort of health-conscious animal lover that really understands what we’re trying to achieve, and we’re grateful to have his expertise to help with our mission to deliver health and happiness to dogs and their humans across the world.

“Looking at the year ahead, we have some exciting activity in the pipeline, including surprise pop-ups and national competitions planned for the summer months. We’re delighted to have Dr Bolu’s involvement in this upcoming activity as well as his credible voice throwing support behind the quality of the brand and helping to represent what we do and why we do it.”

For more information on Butternut Box visit: https://butternutbox.com/