A unanimous decision by the judges meant Pets at Home took the Responsible Retailer accolade, reflecting the breadth of its achievements over the past year.
The retailer’s Better World Pledge captures a determination to be “the most responsible pet care business in the world” and benefit pets, people and the planet.
Pets at Home’s long-term goal is backed by 10 targets and 20 clearly defined actions, which the retailer says are “all linked to our business strategy and the UN sustainable development goals”.
More than 850 people and pet charities have been supported in the past year through direct grants or vouchers, and the retailer donated £100,000 to support pets affected by the war in Ukraine. Other donations included £600,000 for hearing dogs in 2022.
“The metrics are really impressive. Pets at Home’s long-term goals show how committed it is”
One judge said: “The high level of donations and the Better World Pledge mean it’s making a difference and using what it does to have a purpose.”
On the sustainability agenda, Pets at Home, which aims to be net zero by 2040, has saved nearly all its waste from going to landfill, with 3.5 million pet food pouches that were deemed “unrecyclable” now being recycled through in-store schemes.
In partnership with the Woodland Trust, the retailer has also helped to protect, create and restore 3,000 areas of woodland.
A judge concluded: “The metrics are really impressive. Its long-term goals show how committed it is.”