• Like-for-likes rise 2.2% in Pets at Home’s third quarter to December 31.
  • Launched ‘Whiskers n’ Paws by Pets at Home’ trial high-street format in Dorking, focused on cat and dog owners.
  • Acquired Anderson Moores, a specialist veterinary referral hospital in Winchester, which it plans to operate as a stand-alone brand.

Pets at Home like-for-likes edged up 2.2% in its third quarter to December 31 as it trials a new Whiskers ’n Paws high-street fascia.

The new format launched in Dorking, Surrey and is focused on cat and dog owners. The high street store also has a Groom Room salon.

Pets at Home has also acquired Anderson Moores, a specialist veterinary referral hospital in Winchester, which it plans to operate as a stand-alone brand.

The acquisition follows a surge in Pets at Home’s vet services revenue over the third quarter. Like-for-likes jumped 8.5% and total services revenue rose 27.4% to £17.8m.

Meanwhile, merchandise like-for-like sales advanced 1.7%, with the Advanced Nutrition brand performing well and recovering sales in health and hygiene products.

Pets at Home total sales grew 7.1% to £195.1m over the period as the retailer said its financial outlook remained in line with current expectations.

Pets at Home chief executive Nick Wood said: “We are pleased with the improved trading momentum in our merchandise business, alongside continued strength in our vet and grooming services.

“We are also delighted with our acquisition of one of the UK’s leading specialist hospitals, Anderson Moores, which further develops our presence in this important strategic segment of the veterinary market. I would like to thank all our colleagues for their hard work through the busy festive period. We look forward to further growth and expansion in 2016.”

Over the period, Pets at Home progressed with its store opening programme. It is on track to deliver 20 to 25 Pets at Homes stores, five of its dog-focused fascia Barkers, 50-55 vet practices and 55 to 60 grooming salons across the year.

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