Covid-19
Covid-19 disrupted every level of the UK pet industry — from in-store operations and customer behaviour to global supply chains and product availability. Under this tag, Pet Gazette examines the commercial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on pet shops, distributors, importers, and suppliers. Coverage includes lockdown trading conditions, workforce challenges, logistics disruption, e-commerce growth, and the long-term shift in consumer purchasing patterns. We also report on government support schemes, safety regulations, and how the pandemic has reshaped strategic planning across the petcare sector.
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Jun- 2020 -1 JuneRetailers
Usdaw calls on government to respond to crime report
Retail trade union Usdaw has called on the government to respond to a new report which highlights the cost to business and staff of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers. The ‘Retail violence: abused and attacked at work’ report by broadcast journalist Jamie Long highlights the 9% increase in violence…
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1 JunePet Owners
SSPCA urges public not to buy pets online after pups seized in port raid
The Scottish SPCA is urging the public not to buy puppies online after seizing 13 dogs from an illegal dealer. Officers from the Society’s Special Investigations unit (SIU) swooped on Cairnryan port over the weekend where an individual travelling from Ireland was caught with 13 dogs of various breeds. SSPCA…
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May- 2020 -29 MayIndustry News
Mars Petcare launches platform for pet owners
Mars Petcare announced that it has collaborated with the Waltham Petcare Science Institute to create a free digital education tool for pet health. The Pet Health Pal tool is powered by the chatbot functionality within Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, and is supported by Pedigree and Whiskas. The platform works to…
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28 MayCharities
RSPCA reports rise in cats in care amid Covid-19 lockdown
Animal charity RSPCA has reported it has taken 324 cats into its care, more than any other pet, and fears that the situation is set to “get worse” since the Covid-19 lockdown was introduced. RSPCA said there is already an influx at this time of the year, but lockdown means…
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26 MayCoronavirus
Non-essential retailers set to open in June
Thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are “Covid-19 secure” and can show customers will be kept safe, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said. All non-essential retailers including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics,…
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26 MayVeterinary
Vets offer video examination tips for pet owners amid lockdown
Teesside-based animal hospital Wear Referrals has produced a video to help dog owners carry out basic examinations on their pets during the lockdown. Wear Referrals, in Bradbury, County Durham, has filmed the basic health check video to help provide support and assistance to pet owners who are unable to get…
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26 MayFeatures
Top tips for separation anxiety when Covid-19 lockdown ends
With the UK in lockdown, some pets will be enjoying the extra company at home. However, as lockdown restrictions start to ease and people return to their normal routines, pets may develop separation anxiety. If pets have become used to you being around 24/7 anxiety might occur when they are…
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22 MayCoronavirus
The PharmPet Co launches amid Covid-19 lockdown
Online veterinary pharmacy The PharmPet Co has launched to customers across the UK this month, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision was made by brothers Neil and Phil Younger, and their father, Keith, who together established the business in 2019. The family of pharmacists have 60 years of industry experience…
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22 MayVeterinary
BSAVA appoints new Professor Ian Ramsey as president
BSAVA has announced the appointment of Professor Ian Ramsey as its new president for 2020/2021. Ramsey succeeds Sue Parerson to the post and has served BSAVA as a regional secretary, member of several committees and chair of Petsavers and Scientific. He gained both the UK and European Diplomas in Small…
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21 MayIndustry News
Pets at Home sales top £1bn for the first time
Total annual revenue at Pets at Home exceeded £1bn for the first time in its history, increasing 10.2% to £1,058.8m in the full-year ended 26 March 2020 . Like-for-like revenue also surged 9% during the period, while retail like-for-like revenue was up 9.4%, marking a 15% rise on a two-year…
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