Pets At Home reveals plans for up to 20 high street shops in London

Pets At Home is on the hunt for up to 20 sites in London, where it plans to open high street branches to cater for a new wave of animal owners in the capital since the first lockdown.

Chief executive Peter Pritchard said the retailer has seen a “significant step up in pet ownership during the pandemic”.

During the third quarter the number of puppy and kitten club members grew 47.2%. It is a service the chain offers to new pet owners, giving discounts and advice.

In the quarter it launched two “next generation stores” in Camden and Putney. Pritchard told the Standard up to 20 more similar sites are planned in London as stores become available.

They will typically be around 4000 square feet, with products, a groomer and vet on site. The firm is more known for larger 7500 square feet branches on retail parks.