Pet Care and Pet Services

Pet Care and Pet Services

UK Market Synopsis

SYN018 · December 2012

Introduction

This market synopsis examines the trends and market developments affecting the pet care and pet services sector in the UK. It provides information targeted specifically at new, existing or aspiring small business owners who are aiming to trade or develop their interests within this sector.

Wherever possible, this synopsis has been compiled from sources of information that can be accessed online to enable users to conduct further research of their own. These include industry and national press sources, Government research, company reports, market reports, and trade bodies.

Pet ownership

The key factors and recent trends in pet ownership and purchasing are as follows:

Pet ownership

According to the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) there are more than 60 million

pets in the UK, with almost one in two households owning a pet (www.pfma.org.uk/_assets/

images/general/file/Annual%20Report%202012%20Final.pdf). Figures published in 2008 by the PFMA suggest that six in ten single people in the UK purchase a pet for companionship (www.pfma.org.uk/pet-population-2008-2011). According to Government figures, the number of single-person households is set to increase by 163,000 per year until 2031 (www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/pdf/1172133.pdf).

After fish, dogs and cats are the most common types of pet, with around eight million of each owned in the UK. Other common pets include indoor birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. Go to

www.pfma.org.uk/pet-population for a breakdown of UK pet ownership.

Pets at Home has reported increasing sales of reptiles in recent years (www.guardian.co.uk/ business/2011/jul/08/soaring-reptile-sales-boost-pets-at-home). In 2012, there were an estimated 200,000 snakes, 200,000 tortoises and turtles, and 300,000 lizards kept as pets in the UK

(www.pfma.org.uk/small-animal-population). The most common reptiles are the leopard gecko, bearded dragon, royal python, the corn snake and the tortoise.

Pet purchasing

The most recent figures on pet purchasing available from the PFMA (2008) revealed that 27% of pet owners got their pet from a rescue centre or pet sanctuary, while 20% bought them from traditional pet shops or superstores (www.pfma.org.uk/pet-purchasing-trends-2008). Other sources include specialist breeders, friends and family and, increasingly, buying from online

forums or websites such as Reptile Forums UK, which contains a classified section for hobbyists to buy and sell lizards, snakes, amphibians, invertebrates and fish (www.reptileforums.co.uk/forums/ reptile-classifieds-exotics-sale-wanted).

Pet care products

The key factors, developments and trends affecting the market for pet care products are as follows.

Pet retail

Small traditional pet shops, selling small animals, food, toys, bedding and other pet supplies and accessories, are facing increasing competition from large stores offering a wide product range in each store, such as Pets at Home (www.petsathome.com) and Jollyes (www.jollyes.co.uk). Major supermarket chains, including ASDA, Tesco and Sainsbury's, also stock ranges of pet food, toys, bedding and animal care products. Some smaller pet shops compete by focusing on the sale of pet livestock, including rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs. Opportunities still remain for specialist suppliers of reptiles, lizards and tropical fish.

Online-only suppliers and major retailers with an online presence are a source of increasing competition for traditional pet shops and stores. For example, the Pets at Home website

enables customers to purchase items for home delivery, and dedicated online retailer Pet Planet (www.petplanet.co.uk) claims to have almost 9,000 different products in store that can be shipped within two days of ordering. The site also provides pet information, including breed profiles and a forum for pet owners. Other leading online suppliers include Monster Pet Supplies (www.monsterpetsupplies.co.uk) and Pet Supermarket (www.pet-supermarket.co.uk).

Pet food

The pet food industry has been resilient throughout the recent downturn. Sales of pet food grew in value by 1% to reach £2.14 billion in 2011, with sales of small animal pet food experiencing

the highest growth levels (

www.petbusinessworld.co.uk/news/feed/uk-pet-food-market-grows-despite-recession). Around £1 billion of dog food is manufactured each year, consisting of £486 million of dry food, £329 million of wet food, and £231 million of dog treats. For

more information, go to www.pfma.org.uk/_assets/images/general/file/Annual%20Report

%202012%20Final.pdf.

The resilience of the pet food sector has been attributed to the value placed on pets as

companions by people living on their own (

www.euromonitor.com/pet-care-in-the-united-kingdom/report). In particular, this has driven demand for premium pet care brands and organic pet foods. Examples of organic pet food retailers include Lily's Kitchen (www.lilyskitchen.co.uk) and OrganiPets (www.organipets.co.uk).

The rise in demand for premium pet foods has led to an increase in sales of single-serve pouches and cans of pet food. Experts claim that cat owners spend up to twice as much on single-serve pet food compared with multi-serve packs. Although tinned dog food remains the highest selling category, dry dog food, a more convenient option, saw increased sales of 1.9% to £23.5 million in 2011. Go to www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=independentarticle&ID=216509 for information about pet food.

Health and diet foods

Pet obesity is a growing problem in the UK; a third of all dogs and a quarter of cats are

overweight, and increasing awareness of this issue has created a market for diet pet foods. For more information, go to http://oxygen.mintel.com/display/545248.

There is also a wide range of pet health foods, including gluten-free, additive-free and

hypoallergenic foods. Some suppliers sell natural pet care products, including flea and tick sprays

and homeopathic remedies. Go to www.myitchydog.co.uk for an example.

Gifts, treats and clothing

Pet owners are spending increasing amounts on gifts and treats for their pets, according to research published in 2011 by comparison website Kelkoo ( http://press.kelkoo.co.uk/is-puppy-love-a-passion-killer-over-one-in-four-owners-share-their-bed-with-their-pampered-pets.html). The research found that 28% of pet owners gave their pet gifts on special occasions and 13% dressed their pet in fashion accessories and clothing. Despite the recent downturn, pet owners would rather cut spending on themselves and their family than switch to cheaper brands of pet food or cut back on vets' bills. There is also a particularly strong market for pet toys, with 68% of dog owners and 51% of cat owners buying toys for their pet. Go to http://oxygen.mintel.com/ display/545248 for information.

A trend for designer pets and pet clothing has been driven by celebrity pet owners who use their pet as a fashion accessory. Sainsbury's noted a 13% increase in the number of small

pedigree 'handbag' dogs it insured in 2010. Go to

www.easier.com/79945-sainsburys-pet-insurance-handbag-dogs.html for more information. Pet clothing includes designer collars, evening and formal wear, loungewear, T-shirts, hooded tops, knitted jumpers and raincoats.

Go to www.puchipetwear.com and www.snobdogclothes.com for examples of dog clothing

manufacturers and suppliers.

Pet care services

The key factors, developments and trends affecting the market for pet care service are as follows:

Grooming

Demand for professional grooming services has seen an increase in the number of specialist salons offering shampooing, clipping, brushing and other grooming services for dogs and cats. Many of them offer mobile services. Franchise opportunities are available. Examples

include the Pooch Mobile (www.thepoochmobile.co.uk) and the Mobile Dog Wash

(www.themobiledogwash.co.uk). In October 2012 there were around 6,500 UK enterprises offering dog and cat grooming services listed on Yell.com.

Training

Pet training classes are organised by pet shops, vets and other organisations, and typically focus on topics such as obedience, agility and puppy socialising. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is a membership organisation that organises events across the UK and provides a directory of dog trainers. Go to www.apdt.co.uk/local_dog_trainers.asp for more information. Some pet owners require specialist training to manage pets with behavioural problems such as aggression or anxiety, leading to opportunities for pet behaviourists and psychologists. The

Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) provides information on types of behavioural training and has a directory of registered practitioners. Go to www.abtcouncil.org.uk for information.

Accommodation services

The need for specialist quarantine services for animals entering the UK from overseas provides opportunities for owners of traditional boarding facilities. Animals are required to spend six months in quarantine on entering the UK unless they qualify for the Pet Travel Scheme, which allows cats and dogs to travel between certain countries without the need for quarantine (there is more information on the scheme in the following section on travel and holiday services). There are around 40 Defra-approved quarantine premises in the UK. More information about quarantine procedures, including a list of approved premises, can be found at www.gov.uk/pet-travel-quarantine.

Demand for pet sitting and home boarding services from pet owners going on holiday is highly seasonal, with peak periods typically falling over Christmas and during school holidays. The number of holidays a person takes in a year is increasing. People in the UK take an average of two holidays a year (www.teletextholidays.co.uk/Holidays/About/Lifetime-of-Holidays) and the average length of holidays had increased from 9.9 nights in 2008 to 10.5 nights in 2009 ( www.insurewithease.com/news/number-of-brits-taking-holidays-abroad-fell-dramatically-in-2009). However, demand for pet sitting services has recently been affected by an increase in the number of pet owners taking domestic holidays, or 'staycations', rather than going abroad. In October 2012 Yell.com's catteries and boarding kennels categories each had around 3,500 listings. Boarding services also exist for small animals, including birds, reptiles and lizards, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters and mice. Go to www.smallanimalsboarding.co.uk for an example.

Travel and holiday services

There are opportunities for pet-friendly accommodation providers and specialist pet holiday organisers, with one in five pet owners always taking their pet with them on holidays and weekends away, according to a survey by Kelkoo ( http://press.kelkoo.co.uk/is-puppy-love-a-passion-killer-over-one-in-four-owners-share-their-bed-with-their-pampered-pets.html). Since the introduction in 2000 of the Pet Travel Scheme, which relaxed quarantine rules, it has become easier for pet owners to take pets with them on overseas trips, and in 2010 74,700 pets entered the UK under the scheme. Defra has now announced plans to make it easier and cheaper for people to travel abroad with pets, which could further increase demand for specialist pet travel services. Go to www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad for more information about the Pet Travel Scheme.

According to the AA, there are more than 1,200 AA-inspected 'pet-friendly' hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites in the UK. The AA publishes a guide, available for £3.99 at http:// shop.theaa.com/store/places-to-stay/500-series-dog-friendly-places-to-stay. For more examples of pet-friendly accommodation providers, go to www.petfriendlyhotels.com. In addition, some specialist pet resorts now offer activity holidays for dogs. Go to www.centre-barks.com for an example.

Niche and novelty services

A trend for wedding ceremonies for pets has spread to the UK from the US. Kitz Katz is an example of a service that provides pet wedding ceremonies. Go to www.kitz-katz.co.uk/ PetWeddings.php for more information.

Pet funeral and bereavement services are also common. Pet funeral and cremation businesses supply cremation urns, burial plots, and memorials. The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria (APPCC, www.appcc.org.uk), which sets standards for pet burials and cremations, estimates that there are approximately 100 pet crematoria and cemeteries across the UK. The National Federation of Private Pet Crematoria (NFPPC, www.petcrematoria.org.uk) also provides advice and guidance for operators of pet crematoria and funeral services.

Pet photography and portrait painting are often provided by photographers and artists who also carry out other types of commission. Yell.com lists nearly 400 photographers who include pet photography in their services, and around 100 dedicated pet artists.

Pet shows

Pet shows provide opportunities for enterprises to promote their products and services and attract new customers, or to receive feedback on products from existing customers. Suppliers are also able to provide demonstrations of their products and expertise through seminars and advice

clinics. The London Pet Show (www.londonpetshow.co.uk) is an example of a pet show providing

sponsorship and exhibition opportunities. Pet shows are held as part of National Pet Month, a month of events aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership and the benefits of owning a pet. As part of National Pet Month in May 2011, 1,200 events were held across the UK, including several national events.

The Kennel Club organises approximately 5,000 licensed dog shows across the UK, including Crufts (www.crufts.org.uk). Only dogs registered on the Kennel Club's breed register are eligible to take part in the shows. However, the Kennel Club also licenses charity 'Companion Dog Shows', which are more informal and can be held as part of fundraising events, such as village fêtes or school events. These events are open to all dogs. Go to www.thekennelclub.org.uk/ item/2159 for more information on Kennel Club dog shows and Companion Dog Shows.

Cat shows are organised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (www.gccfcats.org), the feline equivalent of the Kennel Club. There are approximately 1,500 cat shows held across the UK each year.

Pet health

Insurance

Currently, only 30% of pet owners have pet insurance. Almost half of the pet insurance market is held by specialist pet insurers, while supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury's account for a quarter. Go to http://oxygen.mintel.com/display/479807 for more information. According to the Dog Breeders Association (DBA), vet fees are increasing by an average of 12% per year,

prompting more owners to take out pet insurance. Go to

www.dog-breeds.co.uk/news/vet-bill-increase for further information. However, as more pet owners claim for veterinary treatment through their insurance, premiums are rising.

Veterinary services

According to The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), there are more than 17,800 registered veterinary surgeons practising in the UK, and more than 4,500 registered vets. Just over half of veterinary practices specialise in treating small animals. Go to www.rcvs.org.uk/ publications/rcvs-facts-2012/?destination=%2Fpublications%2F for further information. Some vets offer specialist health services for reptiles. An online database of practices that provide this type of service is available at www.reptilevets.co.uk. In March 2011, Pets at Home reported a 250% increase in like-for-like sales of reptiles and related products and reptile food.

Go to www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jul/08/soaring-reptile-sales-boost-pets-at-home?

INTCMP=SRCH for more information.

Pet pharmacies

Under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2008, pet owners can obtain some pet medicines prescribed for their pet from suppliers other than the prescribing vet. As a result, vets now face increasing competition from online pet health stores and specialist pet pharmacies.

However, there remain products for which the supplier must either be a qualified vet, pharmacist or on the Veterinary Medical Directorate's (VMD) List of Suitably Qualified Persons. Go to

www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/pdf/register_AMTRA_SQPs.pdf for information.

Online pet pharmacies supply prescription drugs, for which a prescription is required from a vet, as well as over-the-counter products for which no prescription is required. Examples of online pet pharmacies include Pet Prescription (www.petprescription.co.uk) and Pet Meds (www.petmeds.co.uk).

Micro-chipping

Many pet owners are opting for micro-chipping to increase the chance of a lost pet being returned to them. This involves inserting a chip with a unique identification number under the animal's skin. If the pet is found, the chip can be read by a scanner. According to the RSPCA, almost a third of all dogs had been micro-chipped in 2009, and over a quarter of all cats,

compared with 14% and 17% respectively in 2005. Go to www.politicalanimal.org.uk/RSPCA/Pet

animals microchipping.pdf for more information.

There are an estimated 10,000 scanners in use by veterinary practices, local authorities and animal welfare groups. Animals as small as frogs and rabbits can be micro-chipped and the process typically costs between £20 and £30. For more information about micro-chipping, go to

www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/m/microchipping/default.aspx. Specialist producers of pet micro-chips such as idENTICHIP (www.identichip.co.uk) supply veterinary practices, rescue centres and local authorities with the product.

Vaccinations

Regular vaccinations for dogs include vaccination against distemper, parvovirus, canine hepatitis and parainfluenza. Cats are vaccinated against feline leukaemia virus, cat flu and feline infectious enteritis. Rabbits are vaccinated for protection against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease. Pets can also be protected against pests such as ticks and fleas with regular treatments such as Frontline, which are supplied through pet shops (http://uk.frontline.com/Pages/ default.aspx).

Complementary therapies

Some vets specialise in treating animals using complementary therapies such as homeopathy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and herbal medicines. Chiropractic, osteopathy and physiotherapy are the only therapies that can be administered to an animal by a person other than a qualified vet. However, before any complementary therapy is given to an animal, a vet must diagnose its condition. Go to www.natural-animal-health.co.uk/index.htm for more information on who can provide treatment.

Franchises

There are a number of franchises operating in the pet care and pet services sector, including:

•

Pet sitting franchises such as Petpals (www.petpals.com/franchise/index.php), Paw Pals (www.paw-pals.co.uk/pet_sitting_dog_walking_franchise.htm) and Creature Comforts (www.petsittinguk.co.uk/pet-sitting-franchise/pet-sitting-franchise.php). These typically require an initial investment fee ranging from around £8,000 to £15,000.

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Pet grooming franchises such as Dial-a-Dog-Wash (www.dialadogwash.com/Franchise/) and

Groomers 4 Pets (www.groomers4pets.co.uk/franchise). These typically require an initial investment fee ranging from around £11,000 to £15,000.

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Dog walking franchises such as Petpals (www.petpals.com/franchise) and The-Dogwalker

(www.the-dogwalker.co.uk/become_a_franchisee.aspx). These typically require an initial investment fee ranging from around £6,500 to £14,000.

Regulation and initiatives

Projects and initiatives aimed at the development of the pet care and pet services sector

include the Pet Advisory Committee (PAC www.petadvisorycommittee.org.uk), which is made

up of MPs, major animal welfare charities, veterinary organisations, local authorities, and environmental health and trade associations. It focuses on the role of pets in society and makes recommendations to the Government.

The key legislation affecting the pet care and services sector includes:

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The Animal Welfare Act 2006 (www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/contents) makes it

an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal (such as allowing fighting or baiting, transporting animals without due care and animal cruelty). The Act refers to non-farmed animals. It increased the minimum age at which a child may buy an animal from 12 to 16, and prohibits the giving of pets as prizes to unaccompanied children under the age of 16. It also increases the effectiveness of law enforcement for animal welfare offences, and bans the mutilation of animals, with specified exemptions. The welfare of animals in Northern Ireland is covered by existing legislation, notably The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 (www.legislation.gov.uk/apni/1972/7), while Scotland has its own Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 (www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2006/11/contents).

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The Pet Animals Act 1951 requires pet shops to obtain a licence to trade from their local authority. The Act addresses premises and standards of animal care and the sale of animals in public places, including markets and exhibitions. It applies in England and Wales. Go to

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/14-15/35/contents for information. The Pet Shops Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 apply to pet shops in Northern Ireland and cover the

protection of animals as well as the licensing of pet shop owners (www.legislation.gov.uk/ nisr/2000/405/pdfs/nisr_20000405_en.pdf). In Scotland the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 (www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2006/11/contents) applies.

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The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 is the key piece of legislation affecting veterinary surgery. It established the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as the statutory regulator for veterinary surgeons and set out the requirements for registration. It stipulates that only those registered with the RCVS can practise veterinary surgery, subject to exceptions for veterinary students, nurses and farriers. Go to www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/the-role-of-the-rcvs

for further details.

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The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962 regulates the use of complementary

therapies on animals. Under the Order, physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths are able to treat animals where deemed necessary by a veterinary surgeon. Go to

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1973/308/contents/made for more information.

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The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2008 (as amended) control the manufacture and

supply of veterinary medicines. They require that premises where veterinary medicinal

products are supplied are registered with the RCVS. Go to www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/public/

vmr_legislation.aspx#uk2011 for further guidance.

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The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 requires all kennels in England and Wales to

be licensed by their local authority. Licences are granted annually in the name of the owner. Boarding establishments are subject to an annual inspection to ensure the cleanliness of the accommodation and check that precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of infection. Go to www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1963/43/contents for more information. The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 (www.legislation.gov.uk/apni/1972/7) requires a veterinary officer from the local district authority to visit the boarding premises before issuing a licence. In Scotland the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 (www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2006/11/contents) applies.

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The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended) makes it an offence to own controlled

breeds of dog without specific exemption from a court. Controlled breeds include Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero. The Act applies in England,

Scotland and Wales. Go to www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/contents for more

information. In Northern Ireland, The Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 applies (www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1991/2292/contents/made).

•

The Dogs (Licensing and Identification) Regulations require dog owners in Northern Ireland

to purchase a licence from one of several organisations specified by the Government. These organisations include the Kennel Club and the Northern Ireland Master of Hounds

Association. Go to www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2011/279/contents/made for more

information.

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EC Regulation 998/2003 sets out the requirements for the non-commercial movement of

pet animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) travelling from within the European Community (EC), and into the EC from non-EC countries. It established the rules by which the UK Pet Travel Scheme operates. Go to www.gov.uk/pet-travel-legislation for information.

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The Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010 prohibit dog owners in Wales from attaching electronic collars to dogs or cats. The collars administer electric shocks to animals as part of a training technique, but are deemed cruel by many animal welfare

groups. Go to www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2010/943/contents/made for more information about the regulations.

Further sources of information

BOP 37 Pet Grooming Service BOP 48 Boarding Kennels BOP 83 Cattery

BOP 170 Pet Shop

BOP 261 Veterinary Surgery BOP 269 Aquatic Retailer BOP 308 Dog Walker

BOP 382 Pet Sitter/Home Boarding Service BOP 425 Pet Dog Trainer

Trade associations

The Pet Care Trust (PCT) is a national charity that promotes the benefits of responsible pet ownership and pet care education and training.

Tel: (01923) 273933

Website: www.petcare.org.uk

The Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) is a membership organisation for businesses producing pet food and snacks in the UK. It provides information on pet ownership and demographics, trends and nutritional issues.

Tel: (020) 7379 9009

Website: www.pfma.org.uk

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the UK. It provides details of training requirements, relevant legislation that must be observed, and has a code of conduct to which members must adhere.

Tel: (020) 7222 2001 Website: www.rcvs.org.uk

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) provides advice and guidance on dog behaviour, as well as information on courses and issues affecting the sector.

Tel: (01285) 810811

Website: www.apdt.co.uk

The National Association of Registered Petsitters (NARP) is a membership organisation for pet and house sitters. It provides a directory of pet sitters and details of the benefits of membership. Tel: 0845 230 8544

Website: www.dogsit.com

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) represents the interests of ornamental fish breeders, wholesalers and retailers. It provides news and information on issues affecting the industry, along with details on fish-keeping courses.

Tel: 0870 043 4013

The Guild of Essential Oil Therapy for Animals (GEOTA) is a voluntary regulatory body for practitioners providing therapy for pets using essential oils. It provides information on training courses and legislation governing the use of essential oils on animals.

Tel: (01869) 349955

Website: www.nhs4animals.com

The Pet Advisory Committee (PAC) examines the role of companion animals in society. Its membership includes major animal welfare charities, veterinary organisations, local authorities, environmental health and trade associations.

Tel: (01306) 628136

Website: www.petadvisory.org.uk

The Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC) conducts research into the welfare, care and treatment of companion animals.

Tel: (01954) 718882

Website: www.cawc.org.uk

The Pet Health Council (PHC) advises on the health and welfare of pet animals in the interests of pets and people.

Tel: (020) 7379 6545

Website: www.pethealthcouncil.co.uk

The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) is an international network of qualified pet behaviour counsellors.

Tel: (01386) 751151

Website: www.apbc.org.uk

Training

The Animal Care College offers introductory, intermediate and advanced courses in a range of animal care subjects, including canine and feline psychology.

Tel: (01344) 636436

Website: www.animalcarecollege.co.uk

The College of Animal Welfare provides veterinary nurse and animal care training courses, including Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships, at five centres across the UK. Tel: 0844 372 9410

Website: www.caw.ac.uk

The Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour runs online courses for people looking for professional instruction in dog training and behavioural counselling.

Website: www.dogtraining-online.co.uk

The Kennel Club operates an accreditation scheme for instructors in dog training and canine behaviour.

Tel: 0844 436 3980

Website: www.the-kennel-club.org.uk

Trade shows

National Pet Month is held annually to promote responsible pet ownership.

Glee is a trade exhibition that takes place annually. It includes seminars and demonstrations of new products relating to the pet sector.

Website: www.gleebirmingham.com

Industry publications

'Kennel and Cattery Management Magazine'

This is a publication for kennel and cattery businesses. Tel: (01293) 871201

Website: www.kennelandcattery.com

'K9 Magazine'

This is a lifestyle magazine for dog owners.

Website: www.k9magazine.com

'Your Dog Magazine'

This publication provides information and articles about caring for dogs. Tel: (01780) 745900

Website: www.yourdog.co.uk

'Your Cat Magazine'

This publication provides information on general care, health and behavioural issues. Tel: (01780) 766199

Website: www.yourcat.co.uk

Useful sector portals and websites

The National Federation of Private Pet Crematoria (NFPPC) provides a directory of pet cemeteries and crematoria.

Website: www.petcrematoria.org.uk

Pet Breeders UK is a directory of pet breeders across the UK.

Website: www.petbreedersuk.co.uk

Petholidays.com provides a guide to pet-friendly holidays in the UK.

Website: www.petholidays.com

The Pet Web Site provides information, articles and details of products and services for pets.

Website: www.petwebsite.com

UK Pets provides news and information on pet care and the pet services sector.

Website: www.ukpets.co.uk

DISCLAIMER While all reasonable efforts have been made, the publisher makes no warranties that this information is accurate and up-to-date and will not be responsible for any errors or omissions in the information nor any consequences of any errors or omissions. Professional advice should be sought where appropriate.

Cobweb Information Ltd, Unit 9 Bankside, The Watermark, Gateshead, NE11 9SY. Tel: 0191 461 8000   Website: www.cobwebinfo.com