This year’s PATS trade show will include a new feature highlighting expert knowledge and practical advice for looking after live animals.
Staged in partnership with educational workshop provider Animal Teach, the Animal Encounters feature will give visitors the opportunity to view animals such as snakes and guinea pigs under the care of expert handlers, with every session designed to provide practical, trade-relevant information that can be taken back to the workplace.
Four expert-led sessions will run every day of the three-day event at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm, covering topics comprising snake behaviour and care, animal adaptations, small animal welfare, and building better practice through knowledge, which is described as a practical look at how ongoing staff education directly improves welfare outcomes and customer confidence, with take-home approaches businesses can build into their own training and customer advice.
Every session will be led by Animal Teach founder and zoologist Naomi Ennis and supported by her team, with time allocated for questions from the audience. The Animal Teach team will also be available on stand U10 throughout the duration of the show.
Ennis said: “Our mission is simple: to provide exciting educational opportunities that inspire all generations to truly connect with animals.
“We want these experiences to be affordable, adaptable and accessible, while raising awareness of animal care and the natural world.”
Animal Encounters is one of a number of new features at this year’s PATS exhibition, along with a Pet Industry Federation drop-in clinic, a Hosted Buyer Programme, an International Pavilion and a ‘Coffee & Connect’ seminar and networking session.
PATS 2026, which runs alongside equine trade show BETA International at NEC Birmingham, takes place on September 27-29. For more information, including a full list of exhibitors, visit www.patshow.co.uk.
