A new campaign launched ahead of this year’s National Pet Shop Day is encouraging pet owners to support their local independent pet shops before more disappear from the high street.
Research carried out by Johnson’s Veterinary Products found that while 67% of pet owners believe independent pet shops are important to their community, only 12% regularly use them as their main source of pet supplies.
The survey also revealed that nearly one in five pet owners never visit their local pet shop during a typical month, despite 57% saying they would be upset if it closed.
Now entering its third year, National Pet Shop Day will take place on Saturday 11 July and aims to encourage more shoppers to actively support independent retailers.
Participating stores will receive promotional support, social media toolkits and inclusion on the campaign’s interactive map. Customers visiting participating shops on the day will also have the chance to win prizes, including a £500 pet-friendly holiday voucher.
Paul Gwynn said the findings highlight the importance of turning appreciation for local pet shops into real shopping support, adding that trusted independent retailers still play an important role in communities across the UK.
More than 500 independent pet shops took part in last year’s campaign, with registration now open for 2026.
