Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Pets at Home's profits fall despite increase in sales
Pets at Home has seen its pre-tax profits fall by 16.6 per cent.
Group will be going ahead with planned expansion

Pets at Home has reported a fall in its pre-tax profits in spite of an increase in sales.

According to Retail Gazette, Pets at Home saw a rise in revenue of 7.8 per cent to £898.9 million in the year to March 29. At the same time, the retailer benefited from a 5.5 per cent surge in like-for-like sales.

A £13 million investment in its turnaround strategy, however, saw its pre-tax profits fall by 16.6 per cent to £79.6 million.

Chief executive Peter Pritchard told Retail Gazette that Pets at Home would be going ahead with its planned expansion. Over the coming months, the Group expects to open up to five superstores, 25 veterinary practices and 10-20 grooming salons.

“Our plans to reposition retail are working, more customers are coming back to shop with us, and we are committed to returning the business to profit growth,” he said.

“But it hasn’t been easy. We took decisive action, threw passion and energy into it, and delivered targeted pricing changes to give customers the products that mattered most to them, with the service and value they expect from us.

“Our product innovation this year has been the best I can remember and the investment we made in the development of a subscription service is bringing some excellent results, as is order In-Store, which brings our full online range to every store in the business.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.