Quality Assurance for Pet Retailers
Detail:
As many of you may have already heard, in July last year, the Pet Care Trust launched the first Quality Assurance Standard for Pet Retailers in the UK.. The Pet Retailer Quality Assurance Scheme (operated by SAI Global Assurance Services Ltd) is the first in a series of proposed standards for the pet industry, has been developed for all pet retailers, including garden centres selling pets and aquatic/exotics specialists.
The Standard has been developed by the Pet Care Trust's Animal Welfare Advisory Group which includes the expert knowledge of vets, a zoologist, small animal breeders and legal advice versed in animal welfare issues and pet retail. The Ornamental Aquatics Trade Association (OATA) also shared their code of conduct and water quality criteria. It is split into 2 parts; Core standards, applicable to all businesses and Taxa standards developed specifically for the health and welfare of various species.
Part 1. Core Standard comprising of the following sections: Pet Vending Standards / Animal acquisition / Animal accommodation / Animal Care and Hygiene / Animal Health and Welfare / Animals leaving the premises / Staff training and animal knowledge / Health and Safety / Retail products and customer care.
Part 2. Taxa Standards: 6 additional sections - Rabbits & Rodents, Birds, Ornamental Fish, Reptiles & Amphibians, Ferrets & Other Small Carnivores and Puppies & Kittens.
As with all consumer-focused assurance schemes, recognition of the logo and the meaning behind it, is crucial and highly important in securing a population who actively seek out pet retailers who are assured. With this in mind, the Pet Care Trust plan to promote the Scheme regionally, however this publicity does rely heavily on establishing a number of assured pet retailers in our regions to avoid public disappointment and ensure that those wishing to visit an Assured Pet Specialist are able to find a retailer in or close to their area.
Many pet retailers have backed the Scheme and are pleased to see this positive move towards raising the standards of those stores selling livestock.
For more information contact Rachel Woodwards at rachel.woodwards@saiglobal.com or call 01908 249934.
The Standard has been developed by the Pet Care Trust's Animal Welfare Advisory Group which includes the expert knowledge of vets, a zoologist, small animal breeders and legal advice versed in animal welfare issues and pet retail. The Ornamental Aquatics Trade Association (OATA) also shared their code of conduct and water quality criteria. It is split into 2 parts; Core standards, applicable to all businesses and Taxa standards developed specifically for the health and welfare of various species.
Part 1. Core Standard comprising of the following sections: Pet Vending Standards / Animal acquisition / Animal accommodation / Animal Care and Hygiene / Animal Health and Welfare / Animals leaving the premises / Staff training and animal knowledge / Health and Safety / Retail products and customer care.
Part 2. Taxa Standards: 6 additional sections - Rabbits & Rodents, Birds, Ornamental Fish, Reptiles & Amphibians, Ferrets & Other Small Carnivores and Puppies & Kittens.
As with all consumer-focused assurance schemes, recognition of the logo and the meaning behind it, is crucial and highly important in securing a population who actively seek out pet retailers who are assured. With this in mind, the Pet Care Trust plan to promote the Scheme regionally, however this publicity does rely heavily on establishing a number of assured pet retailers in our regions to avoid public disappointment and ensure that those wishing to visit an Assured Pet Specialist are able to find a retailer in or close to their area.
Many pet retailers have backed the Scheme and are pleased to see this positive move towards raising the standards of those stores selling livestock.
For more information contact Rachel Woodwards at rachel.woodwards@saiglobal.com or call 01908 249934.
By:
RWoo82
Date/time :
18/06/2010
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