Covid
Covid-19 had a profound and lasting impact on the UK pet industry, reshaping consumer habits, retail operations, and supply chain resilience. Under this tag, Pet Gazette explores how pet shops, distributors, and petcare brands navigated lockdown restrictions, staffing challenges, product shortages, and evolving customer expectations. We also report on the post-Covid trading landscape — including lasting shifts towards online sales, changes in in-store footfall, altered buying patterns, and recovery strategies. Coverage is tailored to support pet retailers and supply chain professionals adapting to the sector’s ongoing evolution in the wake of the pandemic.
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Apr- 2020 -3 AprilRetailers
Covid-19: Bira welcomes call for more loan access
A government pledge to pressure banks into supporting small business during the coronavirus pandemic has been welcomed by the Pet Product Retail Association parent company the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA). The business secretary Alok Sharma recently called on high street lenders to ease access of the Coronavirus Business Interruption…
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3 AprilCharities
Covid-19: The Kennel Club and The Kennel Club charities emergency relief initiative
The Kennel Club, the Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT) and the Kennel Club Educational Trust (KCET) have announced their intention to support canine organisations in their communities which may be suffering genuine financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Kennel Club has agreed to credits totalling £25,000…
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3 AprilIndustry News
Keep chocolate away from pets this Easter, urges BVA
The BVA is urging pet owners to keep chocolate Easter treats out of reach from pets in order to avoid an emergency trip to the vets during the ongoing pandemic. The association warned that strict Covid-19 measures mean that vets are only able to see emergency cases, follow strict social…
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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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2 AprilCoronavirus
Pets at Home to beat guidance amid spiked demand
Pets at Home has revealed that its closing weeks of full-year trading saw “exceptional levels of demand” amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In the period ended 26 March 2020, existing customers increased their average basket size, whilst new customers have accessed its pet products and healthcare services. Trading was largely…
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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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