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.
-
Jan- 2021 -18 JanuaryBusiness
Pets Country Manor to operate as feline food bank
The Pets Country Manor has announced it will begin operating as a feline food bank, accepting donations of both wet and dry cat food and treats. The manor, which is situated in Tarbock Green, Knowsley and is a five star rated luxury hotel for cats, said that all cat food…
Read More » -
15 JanuaryCoronavirus
Supreme Court sides with small firms in business interruption insurance case
The Supreme Court has delivered its judgment in the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA)’s business interruption insurance test case, with the court’s ruling in the favour of small firms potentially forcing insurers to pay out £1.2bn in CBI claims. Following the judgement, thousands of policyholders will now have their claims for…
Read More » -
5 JanuaryGovernment & Legislation
Chancellor unveils £4.6bn in new lockdown grants
Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are to receive a one-off grant worth up to £9,000, the chancellor has announced. The news comes after the prime minister’s announcement that businesses will be closed until at least February half-term in order to help control the spread of Covid-19. This…
Read More » -
4 JanuaryIndustry News
Sniffers Pet Care invest £20k to improve its digital offering
Sniffers Pet Care has announced that it has invested £20,000 in its digital offering as part of a “pledge to support the independent pet trade”. The brand which distributes a wide range of products to around 700 pet care stores across the UK, including Pets At Home said that since…
Read More » -
Dec- 2020 -21 DecemberIndustry News
Strong connection with suppliers is ‘crucial during the pandemic,’ says PetPlace
Welsh pet supply store, PetPlace has said having a strong connection with its suppliers and partners has been “crucial during the pandemic”. In a statement managing director, Sion Pritchard believed that working closely with brands such as Vital Pet Group and Adios, “enabled them to manage an increase in online…
Read More » -
17 DecemberCoronavirus
Furlough scheme extended until April 2021
The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April 2021 with the government continuing to contribute 80% towards wages to employee’s pay, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed today (17 December). The government will also extend current government-guaranteed Covid-19 business loan schemes until the end of March. This includes…
Read More » -
11 DecemberFeatures
The humanisation of the pet industry
What does ‘humanisation of the pet industry’ mean? By many, pets are seen and treated like family members. Owners want happy and healthy lives for their pets as much as they do for their children, and this has seen the emergence of new products and trends in the industry, with…
Read More » -
8 DecemberCharities
Webbox supports the launch of pet-friendly hostel accreditation scheme
Pet food company Webbox has announced it is furthering its support for animal welfare charity StreetVet by providing ‘Forever Home Packages’ for individuals who manage to secure a hostel place with their pet or a permanent home. The news follows the launch of StreetVet’s first ever pet-friendly hostel for the…
Read More » -
4 DecemberRetailers
Pets at Home to repay £28.9m in rates relief
Pets at Home has announced its decision to repay in full the £28.9m of business rates relief received across the business to the government. The group said its decision reflects the company’s “guiding principle of treating all stakeholders fairly”, but is also supported by a continuing strong performance across the…
Read More » -
Nov- 2020 -17 NovemberFeatures
The rise of D2C in pet care – How are brands adjusting to a new marketplace?
As lockdown restrictions have influenced major consumer behaviour changes, especially when it comes to shopping habits, it’s no surprise that brands across a variety of sectors have been tapping into D2C offerings as they present an easier, safer and more reliable option of purchasing. The pet care industry is no…
Read More »