Where it all started...
Originally the Pet Trade Association (PTA), the precursor to PIF was formed in the late 1940s. It was the early days of government regulation, the Pet Animal Act was under debate, and Sam Jacobs saw the need for an association to represent the pet trade. Membership was open to any business in the pet industry including retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers.
PTA represented retailers
The National Association of Pet Trade Wholesalers (NAPTW) was formed to represent wholesalers.
First NAPTW convention
NAPTW changed its name to Pet Industry Association (PIA)
NAPTW changed its name to Pet Industry Association (PIA) and a joint qualification with the British Veterinary Association was created: the Pet Store Diploma. Students attended seminars, studied at home, and then took the exam at the BVA in London. City and Guilds eventually became the examining body; City & Guilds 776 Pet Store Management was launched as a home study course with an exam at a college each year. The first grooming competition was also held during this time at the Pet Trade Exhibition in Harrogate.
The first “Groomer of the Year” competition
PTA and PIA amalgamated to form the Pet Trade and Industry Association (PTIA)
The first grooming exams took place
The first PetIndex exhibition
PTIA granted charity status
Pet Care Trade Association established
Pet Care Trade Association becomes the Pet Industry Federation
Pet Care Trade Association becomes the Pet Industry Federation and the Pet Care Trust becomes The Pet Charity to create better identity between the two organisations.
First Virtual PetIndex
75th anniversary
Celebrating 75 years of helping the pet industry grow.