Bira Steps Up to Protect High Street Pet Shops

The high street has always been the beating heart of communities across Britain. From the corner shops that greet you by name to the specialist retailers who offer expertise you simply cannot find online, independent businesses create the character and charm that make our towns and cities unique.

At the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), our singular mission is to enable independent retailers to succeed and thrive in an increasingly challenging retail landscape.

This is precisely why we are delighted to announce our partnership with Johnson’s Veterinary Products as a headline supporter of National Pet Shop Day (NPSD) 2025. This initiative perfectly aligns with our core values and objectives at Bira, celebrating the extraordinary contribution that independent pet retailers make to their communities.

Independent pet shops represent everything that makes the independent retail sector special. These aren’t just places to purchase pet food or toys; they are community hubs where passionate experts provide personalised advice that simply cannot be replicated by larger chains or online retailers.

Pet shop owners build lasting relationships with their customers, often knowing not just the names of the people who visit their shops, but also their pets! They understand the specific needs of local pet owners and stock products accordingly. This personalised approach creates an experience that goes far beyond a simple transaction—it’s about building community and trust.

National Pet Shop Day is a great event focused on these important community businesses, many of which are small independent retailers. It celebrates the hard-working business owners who are passionate about supporting their communities and equally passionate about helping customers get the best products and care for their beloved pets.

We cannot ignore the significant challenges facing independent retailers today. The landscape has transformed dramatically over recent years, with the rise of online shopping, increasing overheads, and changing consumer behaviours all putting pressure on small businesses.

The pandemic accelerated many of these trends, and while the initial surge of “shop local” sentiment provided some respite, many independents continue to face tough trading conditions. Business rates remain disproportionately high for physical retailers compared to their online counterparts, utility costs have soared, and attracting footfall to high streets remains challenging.

At Bira, we’re working tirelessly to address these issues through our advocacy work with government, providing practical business support, and creating opportunities for retailers to connect and share best practices. Our involvement with National Pet Shop Day represents another important way we’re supporting a vital sector of independent retail.

Campaigns like National Pet Shop Day serve multiple important purposes. First, they remind consumers of the unique value proposition offered by independent retailers—expertise, personalised service, and community connection. In today’s world of algorithm-driven recommendations and faceless transactions, these human touches matter more than ever.

Second, they create a focal point for media attention and consumer awareness. By concentrating our efforts on a single day, we can generate significant interest and footfall that can lead to lasting customer relationships.

Finally, they foster a sense of community among retailers themselves. The inaugural NPSD in 2024 saw more than 200 pet shops participating, creating a network of businesses sharing ideas, successes, and challenges. This collaborative spirit is essential for the long-term resilience of the independent retail sector.

I am often told that independents are at the heart of every good high street. I totally agree with this sentiment, and pet shops are very much part of what makes a high street vibrant and distinctive. At Bira, we believe that supporting specific retail sectors through initiatives like NPSD is a vital component of our broader strategy to revitalise independent retail across the UK.

Our partnership with Johnson’s Veterinary Products and the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) for National Pet Shop Day 2025 represents our commitment not just to pet retailers, but to the principles that make independent retail special. By working together, we can help ensure that our high streets remain diverse, vibrant spaces that serve their communities for generations to come.

We invite all independent pet retailers to join us on Saturday, 12th July 2025, for what promises to be an even bigger celebration than last year. Together, we can highlight the incredible value you bring to pet owners and communities across the country.

To learn more about Bira’s work supporting independent retailers, visit the Bira website.