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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Apr- 2020 -3 AprilEconomy
Chancellor unveils new measures to SME loan scheme
Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a major overhaul to his previously announced SME loan scheme. Initially, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) was aimed at businesses unable to secure regular commercial financing as the virus took its toll on the UK’s economy. However, according to Sky…
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1 AprilRetailers
Banks are failing independent retailers in Covid-19 crisis, says BIRA
High street banks are failing to support small independent retailers in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, a new members’ survey by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has revealed. Bira asked its members three questions about the support they’ve received following the outbreak of coronavirus – and the results…
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1 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19: RCVS announces changes to renewal fee payments
The RCVS has announced new measures to enable the cost of annual renewal fees to be spread out over the course of the year in light of the continuing pandemic. The measures were agreed by its council, and will allow UK members to not pay their full renewal fee in…
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Mar- 2020 -31 MarchCoronavirus
Monkfield Nutrition supports retailers during pandemic
Specialist reptile product wholesaler, livefood farm and manufacturer Monkfield Nutrition has reportedly “responded quickly” to the Covid-19 pandemic. The group is now working to support pet stores and ensure that pet reptiles are fed and cared for as the crisis continues. Monkfield Nutrition, one of the largest livefoods farms in…
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31 MarchCoronavirus
Covid-19: RCVS reduces CPD requirements
The RCVS will reduce the annual requirement of hours of continuing professional development (CPD) that vets are expected to undertake by 25% due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The annual minimum requirement for veterinary surgeons will be reduced from 35 to 26 hours of CPD, while veterinary nurse hours will…
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30 MarchCoronavirus
Covid-19: Raystede Animal Shelter forced to halt services
Raystede Animal Shelter announced it has temporarily halted its animal adoption service amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. No adoptions will take place until further notice, and only essential staff are now coming to work in order to look after the cats and dogs currently being sheltered. The shelter already has…
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30 MarchCoronavirus
BSAVA launches triage tool
The BSAVA has launched a free triage tool designed to help vets in small animal practices identify and process emergency canine and feline cases during the Covid-19 pandemic. The tool provides users with a downloadable and printable guide chart that has been created by a number of veterinary specialists. The…
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26 MarchRetailers
Pets at Home issues guidelines to customers amid coronavirus crisis
The chief executive of retailer Pets at Home, Peter Pritchard, has issued new guidelines to customers amid the Covid-19 virus outbreak. Whilst many shops have been urged to temporarily close, Pets at Home has been permitted to remain open to serve pet owners “essential items”. Some of the new measures…
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26 MarchBusiness
Covid-19: Banks under fire over emergency loan scheme
Banks have come under fire over government-backed emergency loans which require business owners to sign for a personal guarantee, as the UK battles with the Covid-19 pandemic. The British Business Bank (BBB) opened applications for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) on Monday (23 March), and claimed the loan…
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26 MarchCoronavirus
Vets concerned over ‘low supplies’ amid Covid-19 crisis
Concerns have apparently arisen in the veterinary community over potential equipment shortages in light of donations of ventilators to the NHS. As the pandemic spreads, veterinary practices are still providing emergency animal care, and many have begun to donate equipment to the NHS, including monitors, anaesthetic machines and Personal Protective…
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