Here you will find sources of information such as market research (statistics, trends, developments), key companies, trade magazines, newsletters, and Internet sources.
This guide will be useful to anyone starting a business within the pet industry and also for those wanting to further their knowledge within this area.
Start-Up Information
The Cobra database contains practical fact-sheets on all aspects of starting, running and managing a small business – including information on writing business plans, marketing, company structures etc.
It also covers the practical aspects of how to start and run particular types of businesses – outlining necessary skills, regulations, licences and legislation etc. and highlights other sources of information and advice available.
Fact sheets for small business in PDF format – available online via electronic resources:
Business Opportunity Profiles (BOP)
| Tack Shop | 2019 | BOP302 |
| Veterinary Surgery | 2019 | BOP261 |
| Pet Dog Trainer | 2020 | BOP425 |
| Pet Shop | 2021 | BOP170 |
| Pet Grooming Service | 2021 | BOP037 |
| Pet Sitter/Home Boarding Service | 2018 | BOP382 |
| Dog Walker | 2018 | BOP308 |
| Aquatics Retailer | 2021 | BOP269 |
| Boarding Kennels | 2021 | BOP048 |
| Cattery | 2021 | BOP083 |
| Worm Farm | 2018 | BOP198 |
| Livery Yard | 2018 | BOP079 |
| Horse Riding School | 2018 | BOP131 |
Mini BOP
| Animal Hydrotherapy Service | 2019 | MBP003 |
| Animal Physiotherapist | 2019 | MBP002 |
| Pet Hotel | 2019 | MBP050 |
| Equine Massage Therapist | 2019 | MBP018 |
| Pet Taxi Service | 2018 | MBP332 |
| Cat Café | 2017 | MBP449 |
| Pet Clothing Designer | 2017 | MBP227 |
| Pet Funeral Service | 2020 | MBP049 |
| Pet Portrait Artist | 2020 | MBP051 |
| Dog Day Care Centre | 2020 | MBP408 |
| Bed & Breakfast For Horses | 2017 | MBP132 |
| Farrier | 2017 | MBP098 |
Market Synopses
| Pets & Pet Care | 2020 | SYN022 |
| Pets and Pet Care (Coronavirus Update) | 2020 | SEC107 |
Business Legal Library
| Pet Animals Act 1951 | 2018 | LEG627 |
Market Research & Statistics
If you are planning on starting a business you will need to be aware of the latest trends, developments and opportunities within your industry which can all be found from market research.
Market research also covers market size and forecasts, consumer demographics and attitudes, the key players and products and will often include SWOT and PEST analysis showing areas of strength, weakness, opportunities etc.
Included here are reports covering the UK, Europe, and global markets. Reports covering other world regional markets are not included.
- Pet Care In [country]. Country Report, 2020 These industry overviews contain data on pet populations, sales of pet products by category, manufacturer, brand, category of retailer.
- Pet Products in [country]. Country Report, 2020 These category briefings contain data on cat litter, pet healthcare products, pet dietary supplements, and other pet products.
- Other Pet Food in [country]. Country Report, 2020 These category briefings contain data on the market for pet foods for birds, fish, “small mammals” (gerbils etc.), reptiles.
- Cat Food In [country]. Country Report, 2019
These titles have been produced for the following European countries in 2019:
- Ireland
- Austria
- Netherlands
- Italy
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Ukraine
- Gerrmany
- Bulgaria
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Czech Republic
- Greece
- Romania
- Finland
- Portugal
- Norway
- Spain
- Belgium
- Hungary
- France
- Poland
- Turkey
- Russia
- Eastern Europe
- Western Europe
Other Passport Euromonitor titles published in 2020-2021 include:
- Sustainability in the European Pet Food and Pet Care (video)
- Pet Care: Quarterly Statement Q4 2020
- Processing: Premium Pet Food’s Next Frontier
- Coronavirus Will Change the Future of Pet Retail
Accessible via electronic databases
These reports have sections on: industry performance; industry outlook; products and markets; competitive landscape; major companies; operating conditions; kay statistics.
- Pet Food Wholesaling in the UK January 2021
- Pets & Pet Supplies Retailers in the UK January 2021
- Garden Centres and Pet Shops in the UK August 2020
- Prepared Pet Food Manufacturing in the UK December 2020
- Veterinary Services in the UK October 2020
Accessible via electronic databases
These reports have the following sections: overview; the market; the consumer; data.
- Pet Food – UK September 2020. Also has a section on companies and brands.
- Pet Food and Pet Care Retailing – UK August 2018
Local Data Online
Provides a birds-eye view of the makeup and complexity of the retail and leisure offering in a chosen location.
Review key trends over time:
- Vacancy rates
- Occupancy trends
- Retail mix
Understand demand profiles through demographic data such as:
- Employment statistics
- Average weekly earnings
- Crime rates
- Unemployment
- House prices
Also, contact details and individual reports of companies in the digital communications industry are available from our electronic sources: Market IQ.
Business News & Journals
In order to find the latest news on your topic it is always worth searching NewsBank and EMIS.
You will find articles from specialist business and academic journals, as well as newspapers and magazines. You may also find market research reports and case studies. As well as profiles of leading industry figures.
You will also find articles covering recent developments, and predicting future trends in your industry.
Internet Sources
Below are listed the websites of major UK associations and societies. These can provide useful information, such as: lists of members; calendars of forthcoming shows and events; details of training, professional qualifications and accreditation. Some also carry advertising. N.B. This list is a selection only. There are many other societies and organisations whose websites may be useful sources of information.
Pet Industry Federation
Trade association for the entire pet industry. Website includes a Services Locator.
Pet Food Manufacturers Association Ltd.
Trade association. The Pet Food Facts page includes information on codes of practice, labelling, and legislation.
Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK
Professional association’s website.
The APBC: Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors
Includes a members’ list, and information on pet behaviour counselling as a career.
Pet Product Retail Association
A specialist division of the British Independent Retailers’ Association (BIRA).
The Kennel Club
The UK’s largest organisation dedicated to the welfare of dogs. Website has a list of forthcoming dog shows.
National Association of Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
Professional association dedicated to maintaining standards. Offers courses in pet-sitting and dog-walking.
Cats Protection
The UK’s leading feline welfare charity.
National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists
Professional association. Includes information on training.
Dog Breeders Association
Professional association.
Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
The main organiser of cat shows in the UK. Website includes a calendar of forthcoming shows.
Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH)
Professional association.
Canine Hydrotherapy Association
Professional association and governing body. Website includes list of canine hydrotherapy centres in the UK.
The Parrot Society UK
A good general information resource on pet parrots; also carries advertising.
Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association
A trade organization for pet stores, fish breeders, and importers. Website features information for both members and consumers.
British Horse Society
Professional association for riding schools, providing qualifications for instructors and grooms.
British Equestrian Trade Association – BETA
Trade association for all businesses connected with equestrianism. Includes calendar of forthcoming horse shows.
National Cavy Club
Contact the National Cavy Club via Facebook.
National Hamster Council
Gives details of local hamster clubs, and a calendar of forthcoming shows and events.
British Rabbit Council
Gives details of forthcoming shows, contract details of local clubs, and a directory of breeders.
Please note that every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however some recently acquired items may since have been added to the collection. Please ask for help at the enquiry desk.
Images by btsiders, Mr. Flibble, Schwarzerkater under a Creative Commons license