Another year, another incredible PATS exhibition in the books! Our third time exhibiting at the event was nothing short of amazing, and it felt like a reunion. Walking through those familiar halls and reconnecting with friends, clients, and candidates reminded us exactly why we do what we do—and just how important the pet industry is to us at The Animal People Recruitment Company.

One of the greatest highlights was seeing so many of the candidates we’ve placed over the years thriving in their roles within our clients’ businesses. Watching them grow and make a real impact within the industry is incredibly rewarding. It's a testament to the hard work we’ve put in to match the right people with the right opportunities.

There was so much love in those halls for our team. Katie, Waheeda, and I were overwhelmed by the warmth and positivity from everyone we encountered. Whether it was catching up with long-standing clients or meeting potential candidates passionate about animal care, the energy was awesome. We were inundated with recruitment requests from both existing clients and new faces, and we are beyond grateful that they choose to partner with us. It’s moments like these that fuel our commitment to this industry and affirm the hard work we've put in since day one.

Built on Passion for the Pet Industry

Our journey began long before we founded The Animal People Recruitment Company. My career in recruitment started 13 years ago, but it wasn’t until I got my dog Rodney over eight years ago that my focus shifted to the pet industry. Rodney completely changed my life—and my career. My passion for the pet world grew from there, and I knew I wanted to make a real difference in this space. The knowledge and experience I’ve built over the years have been the foundation of this business, and it's that passion that drives us to deliver for our clients every single day.

The Pet Industry: A Dynamic Landscape

The pet industry continues to thrive, even in a changing economic climate. The connection between pets and their owners has never been stronger, and businesses within this sector are constantly evolving to meet the needs of both pets and people. From innovative pet foods to cutting-edge veterinary care, the industry’s growth is evident—and the demand for specialised, skilled talent has never been higher.

As the landscape continues to shift, partnering with a recruitment specialist like us has become more crucial than ever. It's one thing to say you’re a specialist in this field, but it’s a whole other thing to actually walk the walk. At The Animal People Recruitment Company, we know with certainty that we deliver on our promises. We’ve worked tirelessly to build trust and credibility with our clients, and those who understand and appreciate the work we do are the ones who see the real difference in the results.

A Level-Up for PATS 2024

This year’s PATS felt like it had truly levelled up, and the buzz around the event was undeniable. With so many fantastic companies in attendance—the energy was infectious. We’re already looking forward to next year’s move to the larger premises at the NEC, which promises to make the show even bigger and better!

Staying True to Who We Are

We’re proud of who we are. We’re not in it for quick wins or short-term gains. For us, this is about making a lasting impact. Our passion for the pet and animal health industries isn’t just lip service; it’s the foundation of everything we do. Like many businesses we met at PATS, we’ve grafted our arses off since day one with a single mission: to make a difference in the lives of pets and the people who work—and want to work—in this industry. Our knowledge is unparalleled, our network is vast, and our reputation speaks for itself. We don’t just talk the talk—we walk the walk, day in and day out. That’s what so many of our clients said to us during the show and why they come back to us time and time again.

The Difference We Make

It’s been over three years since we first founded The Animal People Recruitment Company, and each year at PATS reminds us of how far we’ve come. We’ve worked alongside businesses who share our vision, businesses that have grafted with the same dedication and heart as we have. This industry is filled with incredible people, and we’re proud to count many of them as clients, friends, and candidates.

But our commitment doesn’t end with recruitment. We’ve always believed in giving back, which is why we’re proud to continue our role as platinum business patrons of Birmingham Dog’s Home. Supporting our local community and the animals we care so deeply about is a cause that will always be close to our hearts.

What’s Next?

With PATS 2024 behind us, we’re setting our sights on the PIF Awards in November, where we’ll be celebrating the achievements and innovations of the pet industry once again. We’re honoured to be headline sponsors for this event, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this incredible industry.



Thank you to everyone we met at PATS, for your support, friendship, and belief in what we do. Here’s to the future—and to many more successful partnerships along the way!