14/03/2025
Why Independent Pet Shops Matter More Than Ever
Most of the big-name pet food brands you buy in supermarkets or online started life in independent pet shops.
Pet shops are the launchpads for innovation, introducing grain-free diets, raw food, and high-protein formulas long before they became mainstream.
Independent pet retailers take risks on new brands—brands that later go on to dominate the market. Without their willingness to educate customers and test new ideas, many of the pet food products and accessories we take for granted today might never have existed.
Yet, independent pet shops are under threat:
📉 Online sales of small pets is growing, but without the trusted advice and welfare guidance that pet shops provide.
📉 There are fewer places for new and innovative brands to reach pet owners and establish themselves.
Independent pet shops are more than just retailers—they are the foundation of pet industry innovation. They bring high quality nutrition advice, new product ideas, and personal customer service to pet owners.
If we don’t support independent pet shops, the next big breakthrough in pet nutrition and new novel pet accessories may never reach the shelves.
Let’s ensure the UK pet industry continues to evolve—with independent retailers leading the way.
www.petfederation.co.uk
The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) is the membership association for the UK pet industry. Representing all types of pet businesses for 75 years, PIF strives to raise standards and enable its members’ businesses to thrive. PIF members have access to a wide range of benefits, from cost savings to tra...