Retailers, manufacturers and a host of pet-related businesses were celebrated last night (November 5) at the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards 2026.
Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Stoke-on-Trent, TV vet Dr Scott Miller joined the audience of 330 guests for the black-tie event, with a raft of awards going to pet care businesses both large and small across a number of categories.
Independent retailer of the year was Barks Allowed, an innovative business from Darwen, Lancashire, which has combined a daycare centre with a retail store to enable it to dispense advice on both welfare and nutrition to a growing customer base.
Bristol Raw Dog was named as Raw Store of the Year , while Pets Corner picked up the trophy for Pet Retail Chain of the Year.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, went to Peter Hornsby of Durham Animal Feeds, recognising his outstanding contribution to the pet industry over many years.
PIF chief executive Nigel Baker said: “The PIF Awards are always a very special night, but seeing 330 people from right across the pet industry come together to celebrate what our sector does best was fantastic.
“This has been a record year for entries and the standard has been exceptional. Every finalist should be enormously proud of what they have achieved, and our winners represent the innovation, professionalism, commitment and passion that make this such a remarkable industry. Our huge congratulations go to every one of our 2026 winners.”
The Award sponsors included Platinum Sponsor, Natures Menu; Headline Sponsors: Cliverton, The Animal People Recruitment Company, Mackle Petfoods and Rosewood Pet Products; and Official Drinks Sponsor, Durham Animal Feeds.
A full list of winners is below.
PIF Awards 2026 Winners
Innovation of the Year
Sponsored by Worldpay
Winner: Only Rescues
New Business of the Year
Sponsored by Durham Animal Feeds
Winner: Northumberland Dog Hotel
Best Newcomer of the Year
Sponsored by The Animal People Recruitment Company
Winner: Rosie Paull – Benyfit Natural
Independent Retailer of the Year
Sponsored by Bella+Duke
Winner: Barks Allowed
Dog Walking Business of the Year
Sponsored by Dog Friendly
Winner: Gemma & Jodi’s Pet Services
E-commerce Business of the Year
Sponsored by Rosetta Brands
Winner: Tug-E-Nuff
Grooming Business of the Year
Sponsored by Buddycare
Winner: The Dog House (Leicester)
Cattery of the Year
Sponsored by Worldpay
Winner: Mayfield Cattery
Dog Daycare Business of the Year
Sponsored by Genera Dog Software
Winner: Playschool for Dogs
Garden Centre Pet Department of the Year
Sponsored by Natures Menu
Winner: Dobbies, Melville Nursery
Home Boarding Business of the Year
Sponsored by Cliverton
Winner: Leafields Dog Retreat
Sustainability Award
Sponsored by Citation
Winner: Pet Impact
Pet Service Business of the Year
Sponsored by Cliverton
Winner: Vets at Home
Raw Store of the Year
Sponsored by Nutriment
Winner: Bristol Raw Dog
Kennel of the Year
Sponsored by Dog Friendly
Winner: Crossroads Resort
New Product Award – Accessories
Sponsored by PBW News
Winner: DigDrum – Petosu
New Product Award – Food
Sponsored by PBW News
Winner: Fruit Medley – Durham Animal Feeds
New Product Award – Health & Hygiene
Sponsored by PBW News
Winner: Venison Blood Wellness Range – Totoniks
New Product Award – Treats
Sponsored by PBW News
Winner: Functional Mixers – Natures Menu
Brand of the Year
Sponsored by PetFellas
Winner: ProtectaPet
Wholesaler of the Year
Sponsored by Natures Menu
Winner: We.pet
Pet Retail Chain of the Year
Sponsored by Mackle Pet Foods
Winner: Pets Corner
Export Business Award
Sponsored by Associated Veterinary Services
Winner: Buddycare
Manufacturer of the Year – Under £10m
Sponsored by Anthesis
Winner: The Innocent Pet Care Company
Manufacturer of the Year – Over £10m
Sponsored by Anthesis
Winner: Bella+Duke
International Business Award
Sponsored by INTERZOO
Winner: Landguth Heimtiernahrung GmbH
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Sponsored by NoBull
Winner: “Piggy Fest” – HayPigs!®
Legend Award
Sponsored by Rosewood
Winner: Clayton Payne
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by PATS 2027
Winner: Peter Hornsby – Durham Animal Feeds
