The Top 9 Pet & Animal Trade Shows In The UK

There’s no doubt about it – the UK is a nation of animal lovers. So when there’s a chance to celebrate our furry friends at pet trade shows, you can bet these events will attract large crowds.

For any business, taking the opportunity to promote your product or service at an exhibition is a fantastic way of reaching a new audience. Pet and animal trade shows are no exception. Attending these events and promoting what your brand has to offer will not only help you grow as a business, it will enable you to showcase innovations and connect with like-minded professionals.

The 9 best animal and pet trade shows in the UK

1. PATS (Pet & Aquatics Trade Show)

When: 27th-29th September 2026
Where: NEC Birmingham
https://www.patshow.co.uk

Known as the event “where the pet and aquatics trade meet to do business”, PATS is a great place to build your brand awareness, meet your target audience in person, generate new leads and create networking opportunities.

Key attractions at PATS include:

• New starter zone – A dedicated place for new launches, start-ups and innovation
• New products – An opportunity to see what’s new in the industry, including exciting trends and ground-breaking ideas
• Aquatics zone – A dedicated area focusing on new aquatic products and exclusive brands
• Pet grooming – Demonstrations, workshops and insightful information from industry experts

As PATS is mostly aimed at trade, you’re more likely to encounter other brands, exhibitors and industry professionals. But many of these are also likely to be pet owners or animal lovers, so it would certainly be beneficial for you to get your brand name out there.

2. Crufts

When: 5th-8th March 2026
Where: NEC Birmingham
https://crufts.org.uk

One for the dog lovers, Crufts has been around for over 100 years and is described as the greatest dog show in the world. Every year, the event attracts a large and diverse crowd of dog enthusiasts, and according to records, a significant number of whom actually own a dog.

Key attractions at Crufts include:

• Competitions – Thousands of dogs competing for the title, ‘Best in Show’
• Discover Dogs – A place to meet over 200 amazing breeds, from gentle giants to fun-sized minis

Specifically aimed at dog lovers, Crufts is a great place to showcase your dog products or service to thousands of enthusiasts, creating leads and generating sales, as well as getting your brand name out there to a much wider audience.

3. London Vet Show

When: 20th-21st November 2025
Where: ExCeL London
https://london.vetshow.com

As Europe’s largest veterinary exhibition, the London Vet Show is a place for vets to connect with peers, learn from industry leaders and explore solutions to elevate their practice.

At the event, there are a number of features, events and initiatives, including:

• Vet Show 30 Under Thirty – A fantastic initiative which brings together future leaders for peer recognition and celebrates their early career achievements
• Community Masterminds – A safe, dedicated area for live group meet-ups to engage in inclusive discussions on unique issues within their community
• New Practice Academy – A place for those looking to launch a new independent veterinary practice
• Wellbeing Room – A peaceful retreat that promotes self-care practices

Mostly attended by professionals and practitioners, the London Vet Show is a great place for exhibitors to meet hundreds of veterinary enthusiasts. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage with potential customers, generate new leads, showcase your products or services, and achieve a return on your investment.

4. Groomfest

When: TBC
Where: The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park
https://groomfest.co.uk/

Another one for dog lovers, Groomfest is an educational and shopping event for dog groomers.

• Seminars – Guest speakers sharing insightful knowledge and experience
• Demonstrations – Breed grooming demonstrations 

Groomfest is ideal for people with a grooming salon and for professionals to continue developing their knowledge. If these people are your target audience, this is a great opportunity to showcase your product or service, and generate potential leads and sales.

5. BETA International

When: 27th-28th September 2026
Where: NEC Birmingham
https://www.beta-int.com

As the premier, must-attend event for the equestrian and country sectors, BETA International is an opportunity to reach a new audience and increase your distribution across Europe and further afield.

Key attractions include:

• New Product Showcase – Visitors are invited to explore the latest products available in the market. A great chance to put your brand in front of an interested crowd
• Speakers – A place to hear from expert panels and insightful talks by industry professionals
• The Feed Hub – A place for industry leading experts to discuss everything related to equine nutrition and feeding trends 

BETA International attracts over 2,000 visitors consisting of specialised retailers, wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters, equine professionals, industry buyers, influencers, as well as press and media. 

If your products or services are geared towards this crowd, BETA International is an opportunity to meet people face-to-face, and generate new business, sales or leads with senior decision-makers that have high purchasing power.

6. The GCCF Supreme Cat Show

When: 18th October 2025
Where: NAEC Stoneleigh
https://www.gccfcats.org/shows-activities/the-supreme

One for feline lovers, The Supreme Cat Show is organised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy and is the UK’s biggest cat show. It hosts award shows, feline information and exhibition stalls selling everything an owner needs, from practical and well-made cat furniture, to delicious food and treats.

At the event, you will find:

• Competitions – Hundreds of cats and owners competing for coveted titles, including ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Best Decorated Pen’
• Information stalls – The event is often attended by other cat organisations who share the latest news and trends relating to feline information

If your products or services are targeted at people with a passion for cats, this is the event for you. It’s a great place to meet pet business owners, cat owners, industry professionals and other exhibitors, so you can network, engage and generate new leads.

7. Goodwoof

When: 16th-17th May 2026
Where: Goodwood
https://www.goodwood.com/goodwoof

Set in a beautiful location, Goodwoof is an event to celebrate everything we love about our canine companions. Here are some of the things you’ll find when attending:

• Competitions – From kennel design competitions, to sheepdog and gundog trials, multiple exciting events and contests take place at Goodwoof
• Activities – With the help of experts, this is a dedicated space for owners to have a go at activities with their dogs and to teach them new tricks
• Expert advice – Hear directly from world-class dog experts who help owners gain a deeper understanding of their dog’s wellbeing, covering everything from nutrition to behaviour

When exhibiting at Goodwoof, you will encounter a significant number of dog owners, many of whom are likely to have their pet with them on the day. Other attendees include industry professionals and pet business owners. Regardless, it’s a great opportunity to make new connections, showcase your products or service and generate new business.

8. Bradford Premier Small Animal Show

When: 17th-18th January 2026
Where: Doncaster Racecourse
https://www.bradfordpremiersmallanimalshow.co.uk

One for the smaller furry creatures in our lives, The Bradford Premier Small Animal Show celebrates the likes of cavies, gerbils, hamsters, mice, rabbits and rats. When attending, you will find:

• Competitions – Small animals competing in big competitions, there is a dedicated section for each animal type hoping to win the coveted ‘Best in Show’ title
• Education – The Bradford Premier Small Animal Show prides itself on the abundance of information that can be learned at the event, from like-minded pet owners and industry professionals

With hundreds of small animal enthusiasts collating under one roof, this is the ideal place to reach pet owners, industry professionals and pet business owners that have a particular interest in smaller furry friends. Use the opportunity to showcase your products or services, meet and greet new connections, and help your brand reach a new audience.

9. International Herpetological Society Show

When: 7th June 2026
Where: Norbreck Castle Hotel
https://www.ihs-web.org.uk/shows/

This show enables people and societies to buy and sell their surplus animals and offspring. 

At the event, you will find:

• Exchanges – Buying and selling of animals, as well as redundant or unwanted hardware
• Member areas – A place to buy merchandise and for non-members to join the society

Those attending this event include industry professionals, pet business owners, exhibitors and those looking to acquire an animal. When exhibiting, you will find traders selling a range of dry goods, equipment and feeding supplements.

Tips for making the most of a trade show

Attending a trade show as an exhibitor is a fantastic opportunity to increase your brand awareness and reach a new audience. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of a trade show:

• Plan early – Make sure to book well in advance of the event and research it beforehand so you understand who will be attending and what must-see exhibitors will be present. You can then tailor your display and messaging accordingly
• Network – Be welcoming and start up conversations with those that visit your stand. Think about ways to keep them engaged and interested in your brand. For example, do you have branded freebies to give away? Make meaningful connections with industry professionals, and be sure to take their details so you can follow-up and reconnect with them after the event has ended
• Explore – Maximise your learning and business opportunities by attending workshops, product demonstrations, and using this chance to form business partnerships
• Strategise – Have a specific marketing strategy or focus for the event, so you can tailor your graphics and product display on your stand

Why attend an animal and pet trade show?

As the UK is a nation of animal lovers, animal and pet trade shows are always guaranteed to draw in big crowds. If your brand is animal or pet related, attending these shows is a chance to:

• Create partnership opportunities and develop supplier relationships
• Increase your brand awareness, exposing your products or service to a wider audience 
• Showcase what you have to offer, as attendees explore innovative products, new pet care solutions, and industry advancements
• Expand your own knowledge by attending seminars and workshops led by industry leaders 

How to prepare if you’re exhibiting at a pet trade show

• Choose the right stand type – This is crucial to success as it impacts your presence at the show – how you come across to attendees. First impressions are everything and making sure you stand out amongst a busy crowd is vital. And have you thought about what type of stand you’d like? A modular exhibition stand that can be reused at multiple events? Or if you’re after something more unique to your brand, a custom exhibition stand may be the way to go. We are experts at choosing the right exhibition stand type for your brand, so feel free to contact our team for guidance
• Shell scheme or space only – Which system would be the best to showcase your brand? Shell schemes are a basic walling system that are easy to book and cost effective. However they are limited when it comes to flexibility. Alternatively, space only stands consist of a marked-out space within the exhibition hall or outdoor area in which you can build your stand from scratch. Whilst these offer more flexibility and will help within a competitive environment, they can be more expensive and complex. Visit our blog post on Shell Scheme vs Space Only exhibition stands for further advice

At RDW Exhibitions, we have been supporting brands with exhibition stand solutions since 1980. Our solutions are sustainable, cost-effective, versatile and compact. We can help you throughout your entire exhibiting journey, covering everything from exhibition stand design, to build and even graphic design.

FAQs

What is a trade show?

A trade show is often a large-scale event where brands showcase their products and services to potential customers, industry professionals, and other businesses. Whilst these events are usually industry-specific, they may be open to the public or they may be limited to trade.

What types of businesses exhibit at pet trade shows?

Manufacturers and retailers of pet food, toys, grooming products, pet fashion, veterinary supplies, aquariums, and livestock equipment are common exhibitors at pet trade shows.

What should I consider when designing a pet-related trade show booth?

Make it engaging with pet-friendly spaces, interactive displays, live demonstrations and related free samples. As many pet trade shows welcome animal visitors, consider pet-safe flooring and waste disposal areas.

How can I exhibit at a pet product trade show?

To exhibit, you typically need to book a stand through the event’s official website. Many exhibitors use shell scheme stands to create a professional display.

What kind of products are showcased at a pet supplies trade show?

These trade shows feature a wide range of pet supplies including food, toys, grooming products, bedding, aquatics and veterinary supplies.

Are pet supplies trade shows open to the public?

Whilst most are industry-only events, some may offer public access days where consumers can explore and purchase pet products.

How is a pet conference different from a pet trade show?

A pet trade show primarily focuses on product exhibitions and business-to-business networking. Whereas a pet conference usually emphasises education, industry discussions and professional development.

Conclusion and expert thoughts

For pet and animal businesses, taking time to research the above-mentioned trade shows and positioning yourself in front of these audiences could have a huge impact on your brand. 

Once you know where your audience is, and how your brand would fit within that market, make sure to plan your approach early. An effective exhibition stand at a pet trade show would be something that is engaging and stands out to animal lovers. Something that showcases precisely what your brand has to offer and even allows for demonstrations, where relevant. 

And if you need some guidance, our friendly team is happy to help. We offer a range of services to help you make the most out attending a trade show. 

Contact us today and let’s have a chat about how we can make your brand stand out from the crowd.