Written by Katie Fletcher , Recruitment Director

Go behind the scenes at PATS 2026 and meet the people shaping the pet industry, from exhibitors and suppliers to industry experts.

Are businesses taking the human out of hiring? Explore the impact of AI in recruitment, candidate experience, and the value of human connection.

By Chris Whatling , Managing Director & Co-Founder of The Animal People Recruitment Company

From BVA Live 2026 at the NEC Birmingham: connecting with the veterinary community and sharing why a strong hiring process is essential for employer brand success.

Chris Whatling shares how inclusive recruitment in the pet and animal health sector strengthens culture, supports LGBTQ+ allyship and attracts diverse talent.

Key takeaways from the PIF Business Conference Last week, I attended a series of expert-led sessions hosted by Bird & Bird , in partnership with the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) , focused on a challenge that’s still very real for our industry: exporting pet products from the UK into the EU post‑Brexit . First, a genuine thank you to PIF for the invitation and for bringing businesses together to talk openly about what’s working, what isn’t, and where the risks really sit. These conversations matter , because exporting into Europe today is not what it was five years ago, and pretending otherwise helps no one.

Insights from Global Pet Expo 2026 in Orlando, exploring key pet industry trends, innovation, hiring strategy, and what businesses need to grow in a competitive global market.

Katie Fletcher shares her observations from this year’s show, from industry growth to seeing teams thrive and why Discover Dogs remains a personal highlight.