Trade Organisations

Pet Industry Federation calls for consistency in animal licensing data

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has published an analysis of animal licensing returns from local authorities in England, highlighting growth in home boarding and dog daycare alongside a decline in kennels, catteries and pet sales businesses. The report, covering 2023 to 2025, found that licence fees increased by an average…

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PIF adds new funding guide to Business Toolkit

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has expanded its Business Toolkit for members with the addition of a new guide, Funding for Business. The resource is designed to help pet businesses navigate the range of finance options available, from traditional loans and grants to alternative funding routes.  It provides comparisons, highlights…

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The Kennel Club announces closure of Bark and Read

The Kennel Club and The Kennel Club Educational Trust have announced the closure of the Bark and Read Alliance. The organisation stated that the initiative has now surpassed the original goal of promoting canine-assisted literacy support in schools, within a framework that benefits both dogs and children. Therefore, the decision…

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OATA warns against ‘one-size-fits-all’ fish welfare policy

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has welcomed a call by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) for a code of practice for farmed and ornamental fish, but warned that some of the recommendations could prove “unworkable”. SAWC’s report, Ascribing Sentience to Fish: Potential Policy Implications, supports recognising fish as…

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Animal Focused Alliance secures Primary Authority partnership for Wales

The Animal Focused Alliance, a pet industry body, has formed a Primary Authority partnership with Monmouthshire County Council to improve regulatory consistency for pet businesses in Wales. The government-backed scheme allows organisations to receive expert advice from a designated local authority – in this case, Monmouthshire – on how to…

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The Kennel Club launches report on dog breeding licensing regulations

The Kennel Club is launching a new report in the House of Commons calling for an urgent review of the current dog breeding licensing regulations. The company claims that current regulations are having a significant impact on both responsible breeders, as well as buyers finding responsibly-bred, healthy puppies. The report…

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Pet grooming bodies set new welfare standards for groomers

Pet grooming bodies have published a new set of guidelines for professional dog and cat groomers, aiming to raise welfare standards and support informed choices by pet owners. The Guidelines for Dog and Cat Groomers, developed by the Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG) in partnership with the Pet Industry…

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Hungarian Mudi becomes UK’s newest recognised dog breed

Kennel Club has announced that The Hungarian Mudi will become the UK’s 225th recognised pedigree dog breed next month. The rare herding breed, which dates back to at least the 18th Century in Hungary, will be added to the Kennel Club’s Imported Breed Register from 1 July 2025. A breed…

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OATA appoints new finance and office manager

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has announced the appointment of Dawn Jones as its new finance and office manager, who will take over from Ray Valovec when he leaves in June. Jones joins from a local accountancy firm where she was personal tax manager and client manager for a…

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OATA relaunches biosecurity assessment tool

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has announced that it is relaunching its Business Biosecurity Self-Assessment Tool, now redesigned as a streamlined, easy-to-use online survey. The updated tool guides businesses through a series of simple, tick-box statements covering key areas such as supply chains, quarantining procedures, hygiene measures, wastewater management,…

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