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

Paws acquires Ocado's Fetch pet brand
Graham Coxell, chairman of Paws Holdings Ltd.

Online firm's customer base will grow to 500,000.

Online cat and dog wellbeing firm Paws Holdings Ltd (Paws) has acquired the online pet food store, fetch.co.uk (Fetch) owned by Ocado Retail.

Paws, which trades in the UK and Europe under the Pet-Supermarket.co.uk, PetMeds.co.uk and Medicanimal.com brands, said the acquisition forms part of its strategy to become 'the number one dog and cat wellbeing business'. 

The acquisition, of which the terms have not been disclosed, will see Paws' customer base grow to 500,000, with a combined pro forma turnover in excess of £55m.

Graham Coxell, chairman of Paws Holdings Ltd, commented: “Given the last year, it has become more obvious than ever the positive role that our pets play in supporting our wellbeing. 

“The UK in particular is known to be a nation of dog and cat lovers, and we know that our customers are looking for a friendly, well-informed online community that will allow them to offer the best nutrition, healthcare and advice they can find.”

Mel Smith, CEO of Ocado Retail Ltd said: “While today’s announcement marks the end of our involvement with Fetch, a part of Ocado since 2014, we are delighted it is joining the PAWS family. We believe they will be the best long-term owner of Fetch and are impressed by the scale of ambition at PAWS as it seeks to scale its business.”

Image (C) Paws Holdings Ltd.

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

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.