With over 500 pet shops and stores officially signed up – more than double last year’s total – National Pet Shop Day™ 2025 has cemented its place as a much-loved fixture in the pet retail calendar. Launched back in 2024, by Johnsons Veterinary Products, the initiative was designed to champion the role of independent pet retailers not just as suppliers, but as providers of pet health and wellbeing support – and the response this year was nothing short of phenomenal.
Pet shops from Cornwall to Caithness opened their doors and their imaginations, pulling out all the stops to deliver feel-good festivities that celebrated pets, people, and the local high streets they call home.
A nationwide celebration of creativity, community, and care
From free treats, goodie bags and puppachinos, to pet-themed tombolas, selfie boards, and colouring competitions, stores once again embraced the opportunity to show what makes them so special. Many shops hosted animal-themed parties, pop-up stalls and expert drop-ins, while some even offered small animal pedicures or commissioned local balloon modellers to bring furry favourites to life.
The social media buzz was unmissable, as stores across the UK shared their quirky setups, happy customers, and four-legged visitors enjoying the fun. Whether it was a photo booth for pugs in party hats or a sausage dog-shaped cake, the creativity on show perfectly captured the warmth, wit and welcome that independent pet shops are known for.
“What we saw this year was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Paul Gwynn, Managing Director at Johnson’s Veterinary Products. “Retailers didn’t just take part – they took ownership. They created something meaningful, memorable, and wonderfully local. It shows just how vibrant and essential this sector is.”
A serious message behind the fun
While National Pet Shop Day™ is undoubtedly a celebration, it carries an important reminder: independent retailers need support more than ever. Pet shops don’t just sell products – they offer knowledge, care, and a friendly face in an increasingly digital world.
“This campaign is about spotlighting the retailers who know their customers – and their customers’ pets – by name,” added Gwynn. “They provide guidance, knowledge, and personalised service that simply can’t be replicated online. They’re part of the social fabric of their communities – and they deserve recognition.”
Backed this year by both the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) and the British Independent Retail Association (Bira), the campaign aligns with broader industry-wide efforts to revitalise UK high streets and safeguard the role of small businesses nationwide.
Looking ahead
If 2024 was a promising start, 2025 was a giant leap forward, and there’s every sign that National Pet Shop Day™ will continue to grow in impact and visibility. The passion, inventiveness and camaraderie shown by participating retailers speaks volumes about the resilience of the sector and the loyalty of pet-loving communities who support them.
But for now – a huge ‘thank you’ to all those who took part. Your achievements were nothing short of incredible, and we sincerely hope you enjoyed it, and continue to feel the positive impact of all your efforts for a long time to come.
Here is just a selection of the many highlights:
