A survey of more than 1,000 UK pet owners, commissioned by Johnson’s Veterinary Products, has revealed that 67% of pet owners in Wales say independent pet shops are important to their community, and 50% say they would be upset if theirs closed. Yet only 20% name an independent as their main source of pet products.
It is that worrying gap between sentiment and shopping behaviour that National Pet Shop Day 2026 is setting out to challenge.
Independent pet shops are part of the fabric of their local communities. They are the places where pet owners get honest advice about animal health and wellbeing, where staff know customers by name, and where the knowledge and experience on offer go far beyond anything a supermarket aisle or search engine can provide. Yet across Wales, as elsewhere in the UK, routine and convenience are quietly winning out over loyalty and local connection.
Now in its third year, National Pet Shop Day returns on Saturday 11th July with a simple ask: if you value your local pet shop, use it.
Paul Gwynn, Chairman of Johnson’s Veterinary Products, said: “For over a hundred years, Johnson’s has stood alongside independent pet retailers, and we know how much they mean to the communities they serve. This research shows that pet owners know it too. National Pet Shop Day is simply asking them to prove it.”
On Saturday 11th July, participating independent pet shops across the region will be throwing open their doors with activities, in-store promotions and the chance for visiting pet owners to win a £500 voucher for a pet-friendly holiday with PetsPyjamas. Pet owners can find their nearest participating store using the interactive map at nationalpetshopday.co.uk.
It takes one visit to remind yourself what you have been missing. And one changed habit helps make sure these shops are still there for years to come.
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