Direct4Pet expands Lancashire fulfilment hub

Direct4Pet has expanded its fulfilment operations after moving into a 40,000 sq ft logistics centre in Lancashire, a step the business said would support growing demand for next-day delivery and reflect its wider UK expansion.

The Burscough-based retailer, which evolved from a veterinary practice into a dedicated online operation, said the new facility marked the latest stage in its development from a small surgery-led service into a fast-growing pet-care business.

Black Cat Medicines Limited, established in 2013, remains the registered company name, while Direct4Pet has grown into its primary consumer brand following the launch of Direct4Pet.co.uk in 2020.

The retailer supplies prescription medicines, food, supplements, accessories and other pet-care products, overseen by Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons-registered professionals. Howard said the team’s hands-on work with animals informed product selection and customer advice.

The new logistics hub, opened in January 2025, includes conveyor picking and belt packing systems designed to increase speed and accuracy across thousands of daily orders. Howard said trained staff handle all products in-house under veterinary supervision to maintain clinical standards across the supply chain.

Alongside its own website, the business also sells through major online marketplaces, including Amazon, eBay, Tesco, OnBuy and B and Q, aiming to give customers a choice of platforms. Its warehouse system, developed with software provider Storefeeder, enables a third-party logistics service for partner brands by integrating their e-commerce sites directly with Direct4Pet’s fulfilment operations.

Direct4Pet employs veterinary surgeons, registered SQPs, buyers, merchandisers and customer service staff. Insights gathered from customer service teams and external specialists inform decisions on product ranges and new launches.

Since the 2020 rebrand, the company has served hundreds of thousands of UK customers, with its customer base continuing to grow.

Garry Howard, director of Direct4Pet, said: “Although Black Cat Medicines Limited remains our registered company name, Direct4Pet has become our flagship brand – the face of our commitment to quality, convenience, and customer care. What began as a veterinary-led online pharmacy has evolved into a multi-channel retail operation, serving customers not only through our own website but across numerous major marketplaces.

“We live and work surrounded by animals – from family dogs and cats to horses, small furries, and rescue pets – giving us daily reminders of why we do what we do. This hands-on experience shapes everything from the products we stock to the advice we share with our customers. We understand pets and their owners on a personal level.”