Year: 2020

PitPat adds FirstVet to its Life plan member scheme

PitPat has announced a partnership with FirstVet to help its members during Covid-19.   The company which provides online fitness trackers for dogs has teamed up with FirstVet to allow customers to access “on-demand” video consultations with “local, qualified veterinarians.”  PitPat formed the idea due to “continued restrictions brought about by…

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Marston pet shop converted to charity shop

The former owner of Marston-based pet shop Pads and Paws has given his lease to a hospice charity but will continue to run the site, according to local paper the Oxford Mail.  Sean Woodward reportedly made the move after witnessing the work Sobell House Hospice does “first-hand”, later asking the…

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‘Off-lead’ dog park offers franchise model

Paw Pounders has announced a new franchise opportunity for those “who want the very best for dogs and their owners.” The Sutton Coldfield-based off-lead dog park is now offering to sell its franchise model to those interested in owning a pet business but afraid to “risk becoming a start-up.” The…

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RSPCA warns rise in ‘starter pets’ could lead to rise in neglect

The RSPCA has issued a warning over the interest in ‘starter pets’ during lockdown, which often lead to an increase in neglect due to their complex needs. Google searches for small pets to buy during lockdown soared compared to the year before, with ‘rabbits for sale’ searches more than tripling…

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Retailers pay £1.1bn to accept customer payments

The cost to retailers of accepting payments reached £1.1bn in 2019, of which £950m was from card payments. It comes as the BRC launched its latest Payment Survey, that reveals card use has continued to rise steadily, from 54% of transactions in 2016 to 61% in 2019.  This trend has…

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Manchester moved into Tier three

Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced that Manchester will be placed into Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions, after talks between mayor Andy Burnham and the UK government collapsed.  As a result of being placed under Tier 3, pubs and restaurants must close unless they are supplying substantial meals and outside household…

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Natural Instinct launches ‘Halloween Treats’ for dogs

Natural Instinct has added a limited edition dog snack to its range this October.  The ‘Halloween Treats’ consist of mini beef jerky sausages which are made from “100% British beef heart,” the snack retails at £3.50 and is available from the brands website.  To celebrate the launch of the product,…

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Swedencare acquires Nutravet UK

Swedencare has acquired 100% of one of the UK’s leading animal health companies, Nutravet. Founded by Matthew Shaw in 2008, Nutravet adopts an “exclusive-to-vet” sales strategy with more than 2,200 veterinary clinics and animal hospitals as direct customers. Its product portfolio covers most therapy areas in addition to pet dental…

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Second Virtual Petindex takes place

The second Virtual Petindex took place last week (11 October), providing the industry with a “much needed” opportunity for exhibitors to showcase new products and meet customers.  The virtual show will continue until 26 October. The first two ‘live’ days of the event enabled visitors to speak with exhibitors and…

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Wales announces ‘firebreak’ lockdown

The Welsh government has announced a two-week “firebreak” national lockdown, which will force business closures across the country from 23 October at 6pm until Monday 9 November.  According to BBC News, first minister Mark Drakeford said the “time-limited firebreak” will be “a short, sharp, shock to turn back the clock,…

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