UK pet retailer Jollyes has completed the removal of small animals from all 100-plus stores, as it accelerates the roll out of raw frozen food across its stores.
Traditionally at this time of year pet stores will temporarily stop the sale of rabbits for the days around the Easter holiday, a move which Jollyes has now made permanent across the year.
This move, which has involved the phased removal of all live rabbits, guinea pigs and birds has been completed over a 12-month period giving breeders ample notice of the change. The switch has been welcomed by animal wellbeing advocacy groups.
Joe Wykes, Jollyes chief executive officer, said: “We know the sale of live animals at pet stores has provoked a strong reaction from many over the years. And of course, we know how much our colleagues loved to look after them.
“But while we will, of course, continue to sell everything a responsible rabbit, guinea pig or bird owner needs for their pets, their removal from our stores has opened up an opportunity for us.”
With the creation of new space in stores, Jollyes has been able to grow its raw frozen food ranges to meet accelerating demand from customers.
Beginning in Northern Ireland where Jollyes is the market leader with 16 stores, Jollyes has now rolled out extended freezer sections selling raw dog food across the rest of the UK with 90 stores now able to offer customers the full range.
Shoppers will still find an extensive range of food, toys and supplies to satisfy all the needs of their smaller furry friends across Jollyes’ 100-plus store network. It recently opened new stores in Pontefract and Chichester with more openings planned for 2025.
Stay informed
Our editor carefully curates two newsletters a week filled with up-to-date news, analysis and research, click here to subscribe to the FREE newsletter sent straight to your inbox and why not follow us on LinkedIn to receive the latest updates on our research and analysis.