There’s been an appeal for donations of pet food in Harrogate as owners struggle to feed their animals.
The call for donations has come from the Harrogate District Foodbank after finding that many pet owners feel they cannot afford to keep their pets with the rising cost of living.
Dog food prices in particular have risen by 40%.
Seeing the appeal, a Harrogate pet shop owner volunteered to collect and deliver pet food donations for distribution across Harrogate district.
Jon Bradley, owner of HG Pets on Cold Bath Road is asking pet owners to come to the store and give unwanted pet food away.
He said:
“We will take any pet food – if it has been sitting in the cupboard because your pet doesn’t like it, we’ll have it. If it is opened, we can tape it up and it can be donated.
The appeal is for all types of small animal pet food –whether that is for a budgie or a dog.”
Mr Bradley said many pet owners are being forced to consider giving away their pets:
“Having got two dogs, I can’t think of anything worse than having to choose between them or myself… I’d put my animal first if I didn’t have a wife and daughter.”
More information regarding food banks in Harrogate district is available on the Harrogate District Foodbank website or via their email at: info@harrogatedistrict.foodbank.org.uk.
If you wish to donate pet food to HG Pets, you can visit them at 47 Cold Bath Road or call at: 07921 169061.
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New independent pet store to open on Cold Bath Road
A new independent pet food shop is to open on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate this month.
HG Pets is taking the space previously occupied by the Refilling Station, which closed in August this year after three years of trading.
The new store will offer a full range of traditional dog and cat dry foods and a couple of ranges of raw food.
There’ll also be a range of toys, beds, leads and collars — plus flea and tic treatments and shampoos.
Owner Jon Bradley told the Stray Ferret:
“I’ve been looking for premises to set up either a pet shop or garden centre for 20 years but never had the opportunity financially to do it.
“I recently left the company I was working with and was able to set this up and do something I wanted to do.”
Mr Bradley, who owns a Dalmatian and a Labrador, thinks there is a market for higher quality dog food in Harrogate — a town of dog lovers:
“I think the main thing is that we are independent and that we’ll offer quality and value.
“We’re going to offer ranges that are different to the national pet retailers such as raw food and offer unique products which are better quality. They’re value for money as they last a lot longer.
“I’ve lived in Harrogate for nearly 20 years – my wife was brought up here and we know that Harrogate is a dog loving town and people are willing to spend on their dogs as long as they get quality.
“I think there is space for us in the independent dog retail and food market Some of the offer pet stores offer different products– half of our store will devoted to feeding.”
HG Pets will also offer a delivery and subscription service. The store is set to open on October 29.

The new store’s logo
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