Since the launch of the Pet Retailer Quality Assurance Scheme last year, interest and Scheme Membership continues to grow.  Like all new Schemes, we have had a lot of contact from pet retailers wanting to know more and have therefore devised a list of our Frequently Asked Questions which we hope you will find useful.

Why is there a need for a Quality Assurance Standard?

The Standard has been specially developed by the Pet Care Trust for a number of reasons, primarily due to the concern over the way in which the local authority inspections are being conducted. Although ideally all Local Authority inspections should follow the same standard (Pet Animals Act 1951: Model standards for pet shop licence conditions), concern has arisen as it is evident that there is a lot of differentiation occurring in the audit content between the various local authorities.  Therefore, in developing the Pet Care Trust Quality Assurance Standard and carrying out assessments via an independent certification body (SAI Global Assurance Services Ltd) members of the Scheme will be assessed to the same standard, providing a level playing field with one standard for all pet retailers.  The future goal is that as the Scheme progresses; the industry can begin to move towards becoming self regulated, with the hope of eventually basing local authority audits on a risk based approach.  

What training/qualifications do the Scheme assessors have?

Again, many pet retailers have commented on the local authority inspectors having little or no animal welfare training.  All SAI Global pet scheme assessors have completed qualifications relating to animal welfare – covering aspects such as legislation, feeding & management, environmental factors, arranging & conducting an audit. Prior to the Scheme being launched they also received training from the Pet Care Trust, and as a company policy additional training is carried out as and when required.  However, practical experience is also of great importance – and again, all of our assessors have practical experience in dealing with livestock.

I already have my regular customers, why should I join?

The Quality Assurance Scheme is based on UK agreed levels of good practice and therefore members of the Scheme can benefit from increased consumer confidence, assuring the public about the welfare of the animals sold, and the retailer’s professionalism. Until now, there has been no quality assurance mark for the pet-owning public to rely on when making a retail decision related to their pets, and although the majority of stores will already have their regular customer base, we hope that members displaying the 'Assured Pet Specialist' logo and their related certificate, will encourage increased custom as consumers begin to actively seek those stores who are members of the Scheme.  However, the consumer was not the only focus when developing this Standard, it also takes into consideration the retailer and their need to demonstrate commitment and professionalism. Standards such as those which focus on animal health and welfare, training and customer care, support the consumer should an issue arise following a sale.

Can I fail the audit?

During the assessment, if the assessor identifies any areas where the standards are not met, then they will point these out to you and discuss.  At the end of the assessment, the assessor will provide you with a Non-conformance report which details any issues that he has found during the audit.  Once the non-conformances have been rectified, we ask that you send to us documentary evidence, which could be either a photo, written confirmation or a copy of a record, again the format of documentary evidence required will be detailed and explained to you at the end of the assessment by your assessor.

How long does it take to become assured?

From application through to certification (receiving your certificate and window sticker displaying the ‘Assured Pet Specialist’ logo, the process usually takes 4-6 weeks.

I don’t sell pets – can I join the Scheme?

Yes, the Scheme is open to all pet stores, including those that only sell feed and accessories. You will still receive an ‘Assured Pet Specialist’ logo and certificate.