TRADE TALK | PET GAZETTE | 5
STUDY FINDS DOG OWNERS ARE ‘HAPPIER WITH BIG DOGS’
The RightPet study surveyed 12,167 pet owners from 106 countries, 75 percent were purebred dogs, and 25 percent were of mixed breeds
A new survey has found that dog owners get
more satisfaction owning large dogs than
small dogs.
The RightPet study surveyed 12,167 pet
owners from 106 countries, 75 percent were
purebred dogs, and 25 percent were of
mixed breeds.
A RightPet found that both women and
men are happier owning large dogs than
small dogs, with men and younger people
significantly more satisfied with medium,
large, and giant breeds, and less satisfied
with toy and small dogs.
Older people around age 70, were found
to be equally satisfied with any dog size,
while
dog owners with experience owning multiple
dogs of different sizes report the greatest
satisfaction with large dogs.
The study found a direct correlation
between dog size satisfaction and the fact
that dog owners rate bigger dogs as more
emotionally stable, child-safe, trainable and
less-barky than small dogs.
Brett
Hodges,
owner of
RightPet,
said: “What
our study has
found is that large dogs score higher in traits
that are really important to most dog owners.
People don’t prefer large dogs per se – they
like them because, in general, they’re more
even tempered, trainable, and quiet than
small dogs – making them ‘best in home’.”
PIF UNVEILS PACKAGE OF LICENSING
SUPPORT FOR ITS MEMBERS
The new Animal Activities Licensing regulations come into force on 1 October 2018
The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has
announced a licensing support package for
its members to help them comply with the
requirements of the new Animal Activities
Licensing (AAL) regulations, which come into
force on 1 October 2018.
The new regulations address the changes
in pet owner attitudes and lifestyles and
takes into account of different business
models which have sprung up in recent
years and the rise of internet. There will
be one generic licence for commercial
pet businesses, regardless of how many
licensable activities they undertake and there
will be standardised criteria on the various
activities providing a framework of minimum
standards which businesses must meet in
order to gain a licence.
In addition, a star-rating system will be
introduced for businesses, and there is a
requirement within the legislation for trained
inspectors.
Nigel Baker, PIF chief executive, said:
“We know that many pet businesses have
concerns about complying with the new
regulations, particularly if they are falling
within the scope of licensing for the first
time. We hope that our package of benefits
will give members reassurance and take
on some of the hard work that businesses
would have to do to find suitable documents,
leaflets and training courses.
“Our package will evolve and develop
over time to best meet our members’ need
and as we act on feedback from them about
what they would find most beneficial.”
NATURAL PET CARE BRAND HOWND
SECURES £50,000 FUNDING
The company behind the Bring Your Dog to Work Day initiative will use the investment to
expand and launch its Hero dog bowl
Hertfordshire-based natural pet care brand
HOWND has secured a £50,000 funding
package from NatWest to progress its
growth plans and launch a new product.
Company founders Mark Hirschel and Jo
Amit have used the finance to support new
product development. The company will
launch its first ever pet accessory, the HERO
Bowl, an antimicrobial food and water bowl,
at the end of the year.
HOWND provides a range of UK-made,
natural and vegan pet hygiene products,
and the company was founded in 2015 after
entrepreneurs Hirschel and Amit recognised
a growing demand for ethical pet products.
The pair joined NatWest’s Entrepreneur
www.petgazette.biz
Accelerator Programme, formerly known
as Entrepreneurial Spark, in 2017. The
business was also supported by NatWest
entrepreneur development manager Chris
Kettle and relationship manager Manveer
Degun.
Hirschel said: “The HOWND brand has
grown considerably in the last three years.
As the market for natural pet products
expands, there is significant potential for
future growth. Being a part of NatWest’s
accelerator programme has been a key
factor in our current success. It gave us
access to comprehensive coaching and
invaluable financial support. Over the next
12 months, we have ambitions to diversify
our product range. This will enable us to
continue to provide the most innovative,
natural and ethically sourced pet products
on the market.”
Sharad Varma, business growth enabler,
NatWest added: “NatWest’s accelerator
programme supports passionate
entrepreneurs like Mark and Jo. It provides
access to mentors, investors and advisors,
as well as financial support. HOWND has
proven it has what it takes to succeed, with a
product and brand which is truly unique.”
October 2018