The very best of the pet industry came together last night (Thursday 5 November) as the winners of the PIF Awards 2026 were revealed at a packed celebration at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Stoke-on-Trent.
A sell-out audience of 330 guests gathered for the Pet Industry Federation’s annual black-tie Awards, celebrating the outstanding businesses, individuals, products and achievements helping to drive the pet sector forward.
Following the highest-ever number of entries received for the PIF Awards, the evening recognised excellence across every corner of the industry, including retail, grooming, boarding and daycare, manufacturing, pet services, international trade, innovation and new product development.
TV vet, Dr Scott Miller, joined PIF as special guest for the evening, helping to celebrate the achievements of finalists and winners before guests continued the celebrations with casino entertainment, a live band and disco.
Among the evening’s winners, Northumberland Dog Hotel was named New Business of the Year, while ProtectaPet took home the Brand of the Year title.
The Legend Award was presented to Clayton Payne, while one of the evening’s most prestigious honours, the Lifetime Achievement Award, went to Peter Hornsby of Durham Animal Feeds, recognising his outstanding contribution to the pet industry over many years.
Nigel Baker, Chief Executive of the Pet Industry Federation, said: ‘The PIF Awards are always a very special night, but seeing 330 people from right across the pet industry come together to celebrate what our sector does best was fantastic.
‘This has been a record year for entries and the standard has been exceptional. Every finalist should be enormously proud of what they have achieved, and our winners represent the innovation, professionalism, commitment and passion that make this such a remarkable industry. Our huge congratulations go to every one of our 2026 winners.’
The Awards also provided an opportunity for guests to support Birmingham Dogs’ Home and U-Hearts Foundation, with fundraising during the evening helping both charities continue their work giving animals in need the chance of a better future.
PIF extends its sincere thanks to all of the sponsors whose generous support makes the Awards possible, including Platinum Sponsor, Natures Menu; Headline Sponsors: Cliverton, The Animal People Recruitment Company, Mackle Petfoods and Rosewood Pet Products; and Official Drinks Sponsor, Durham Animal Feeds, together with all of the category and event sponsors who supported this year’s celebration.
PIF Awards 2026 Winners
Innovation of the Year
Sponsored by Worldpay
Winner: Only Rescues
New Business of the Year
Sponsored by Durham Animal Feeds
Winner: Northumberland Dog Hotel
Best Newcomer of the Year
Sponsored by The Animal People Recruitment Company
Winner: Rosie Paull – Benyfit Natural
Independent Retailer of the Year
Sponsored by Bella+Duke
Winner: Barks Allowed
Dog Walking Business of the Year
Sponsored by Dog Friendly
Winner: Gemma & Jodi’s Pet Services
E-commerce Business of the Year
Sponsored by Rosetta Brands
Winner: Tug-E-Nuff
Grooming Business of the Year
Sponsored by Buddycare
Winner: The Dog House (Leicester)
Cattery of the Year
Sponsored by Worldpay
Winner: Mayfield Cattery
Dog Daycare Business of the Year
Sponsored by Genera Dog Software
Winner: Playschool for Dogs
Garden Centre Pet Department of the Year
Sponsored by Natures Menu
Winner: Dobbies, Melville Nursery
Home Boarding Business of the Year
Sponsored by Cliverton
Winner: Leafields Dog Retreat
Sustainability Award
Sponsored by Citation
Winner: Pet Impact
Pet Service Business of the Year
Sponsored by Cliverton
Winner: Vets at Home
Raw Store of the Year
Sponsored by Nutriment
Winner: Bristol Raw Dog
Kennel of the Year
Sponsored by Dog Friendly
Winner: Crossroads Resort
New Product Award – Accessories
Sponsored by PBW
Winner: DigDrum – Petosu
New Product Award – Food
Sponsored by PBW
Winner: Fruit Medley – Durham Animal Feeds
New Product Award – Health & Hygiene
Sponsored by PBW
Winner: Venison Blood Wellness Range – Totoniks
New Product Award – Treats
Sponsored by PBW
Winner: Functional Mixers – Natures Menu
Brand of the Year
Sponsored by PetFellas
Winner: ProtectaPet
Wholesaler of the Year
Sponsored by Natures Menu
Winner: We.pet
Pet Retail Chain of the Year
Sponsored by Mackle Pet Foods
Winner: Pets Corner
Export Business Award
Sponsored by Associated Veterinary Services
Winner: Buddycare
Manufacturer of the Year – Under £10m
Sponsored by Anthesis
Winner: The Innocent Pet Care Company
Manufacturer of the Year – Over £10m
Sponsored by Anthesis
Winner: Bella+Duke
International Business Award
Sponsored by INTERZOO
Winner: Landguth Heimtiernahrung GmbH
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Sponsored by NoBull
Winner: “Piggy Fest” – HayPigs!®
Legend Award
Sponsored by Rosewood
Winner: Clayton Payne
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by PATS 2027
Winner: Peter Hornsby – Durham Animal Feeds
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Dan Everett