Pets at Home, the United Kingdom’s leading pet care retailer, today announced a comprehensive turnaround plan designed to restore growth and innovation across its retail operations. This strategic initiative comes in response to recent financial challenges, including a 33.5 percent decline in underlying profit before tax to £36.2 million for the 28 weeks ended October 9, 2025, compared with £54.5 million in the prior year. Group revenue dipped 1.3 percent to £778.3 million, primarily due to subdued consumer spending on discretionary items like toys and treats following the post-pandemic pet ownership boom. Despite these hurdles, the retail segment’s underlying profit fell sharply by 84.1 percent to £3.5 million, underscoring the need for swift action.

Interim Executive Chair Ian Burke, who assumed leadership ten weeks ago after the departure of former CEO Lyssa McGowan, spearheaded the plan following extensive on-site assessments. He visited over 100 Pet Care Centres and consulted colleagues at every level to pinpoint operational gaps. The strategy revolves around four core pillars: product, price, execution, and cost. Under the product pillar, the company will overhaul its premium pet food offerings to emphasize plant-based, vegan, and organic options that align with evolving customer preferences for sustainable nutrition. Accessories will see revitalization through enhanced own-brand innovations and strategic partnerships with new suppliers, addressing previous self-inflicted shortcomings in range and appeal. Burke emphasized that these changes will help Pets at Home recapture market share from direct-to-consumer competitors in the £7.2 billion UK pet care industry.

On the price front, the retailer commits to an uncompromising approach, ensuring competitive positioning without eroding value. Execution improvements include simplified strategies, better forward planning, and streamlined operations, such as optimizing the transition to a single fulfilment centre in Stafford and rolling out a more reliable digital platform to minimize customer disruptions. The cost pillar targets a £20 million reduction in overheads, alongside enhancements to click-and-collect services for a seamless omnichannel experience. These measures build on the company’s strengths, including its network of 459 Pet Care Centres, 17,000 dedicated specialists, and integrated grooming and veterinary services through Vets for Pets, which delivered resilient performance with over £80 million in expected full-year contribution.

Burke expressed confidence in the path ahead. “For over 30 years, Pets at Home has served as a trusted partner in pet care with a loyal customer base and clear purpose,” he stated. “This turnaround plan positions us to become the world’s best pet care platform, leveraging our scale, data-driven subscriptions, and unwavering commitment to animal welfare.” Investors responded positively, with shares climbing nearly 4 percent in early trading, signaling optimism amid the maintained full-year underlying profit guidance of £90 million to £100 million.

As pet ownership remains robust with over 30 million animals in UK homes, Pets at Home’s focus on health-focused, eco-friendly products and superior service aims to drive long-term loyalty and expansion. The company invites pet parents to explore its evolving ranges in stores and online, promising a brighter future for cherished companions.