Is Pets at Home Legit? What It Is and How to Use It
Pets at Home is the official online platform for Pets at Home, a prominent UK pet care retailer. It provides a vast array of pet products, veterinary services, and grooming. Based on available public information, it is a legitimate, publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange. It offers a secure platform for pet owners.
This article provides an independent overview of Pets at Home, covering what they offer, how you can use their services, and how to contact them. Please note, the editorial team is not affiliated with Pets at Home, and we base this information solely on publicly available facts.
What is Pets at Home and What Do They Offer?
Pets at Home is a comprehensive pet care retailer in the UK. The company operates both physical stores and an extensive online presence through petsathome.com. Anthony Preston founded the company, Pets at Home Group PLC, in 1991. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange, according to sources like leadiq.com and wikipedia.org.
Their offering spans a wide variety of products and services designed to meet almost every pet care need. This includes everything from essential pet food and treats to accessories, toys, bedding, and even certain medications. They cater to various types of pets, ensuring a broad selection for different animal companions.

Beyond products, Pets at Home integrates several key services. They provide veterinary care through their Vets for Pets and Companion Care brands. These brands offer everything from routine check-ups to more specialised treatments. Pet grooming is available via The Groom Room salons. They also offer pet insurance options. For pet owners seeking advice, their online portal provides 24-hour pet advice and veterinary integration. This can be particularly useful for urgent queries.
A significant part of their service is the “Very Important Pets” (VIP) Club loyalty program. This club offers members benefits such as welcome vouchers, tailored offers, and a pet-finding service. According to their published information, joining the VIP pet-finding service costs £10, and VIP club members can also access a £10 nose-to-tail health check at their vet practices.
How to Contact Pets at Home
If you need to get in touch with Pets at Home, they provide several clear channels for communication. Knowing how to reach them is a good sign of a legitimate and transparent business.
The official websites are petsathome.com for general inquiries and online shopping, and petsathomeplc.com for corporate information. For direct contact, the head office phone number is 0161 486 6688. This number is a standard landline, indicating a physical presence and established operations.

For general inquiries and online orders, the customer service email address is customer.service@petsathome.co.uk. This is a professional, branded email address. Additionally, they offer a contact form on their website for specific queries and a live chat function for immediate assistance, which is particularly helpful for quick questions during business hours.
Their head office is located at Chester House, Epsom Avenue, Handforth, SK9 3RN. This physical address confirms their registered base of operations within the UK.
Understanding Pets at Home Grooming Services and Costs
Many pet owners are interested in professional grooming, and Pets at Home offers this through their ‘The Groom Room’ salons. You will typically find these salons within or adjacent to their larger retail stores across the UK.
While we cannot provide exact, up-to-the-minute pricing for every service (as these can vary by location and the specific needs of a pet), we know that The Groom Room offers a range of services from basic washes and tidy-ups to full grooms. They generally set prices based on the breed, size, and coat condition of a pet. They also consider the specific services requested. For example, a full groom for a larger, long-haired dog would naturally cost more than a quick bath for a smaller, short-haired breed.

To get an accurate quote for grooming, we always advise contacting your local Groom Room directly. You can usually find their contact details and a general price list on the Pets at Home website. Search for your nearest store. We often recommend booking in advance, especially for popular times like weekends.
What Pets at Home Stores Sell Reptiles?
Pets at Home does sell live animals, and many of their larger stores stock a variety of pets, including reptiles. However, not every Pets at Home store will have a dedicated reptile section, or the same selection of reptiles.
The availability of reptiles, as with other live animals, is typically dependent on the size and facilities of the individual store. Larger Pets at Home ‘superstores’ are more likely to have a broader range of live animals, including various species of snakes, lizards, and tortoises, along with all the necessary vivariums, heating equipment, and specialised food. Smaller or urban stores might focus more on products and services rather than live animal sales.

If you are looking for a specific reptile or want to confirm if your local store stocks them, we recommend using the ‘Store Finder’ tool on the petsathome.com website. You can usually filter by services or contact the store directly via phone to inquire about their current stock of live animals and reptile-specific equipment. This approach helps avoid a wasted journey and ensures you get the most accurate information.
Pets at Home Opening and Closing Times
The opening and closing times for Pets at Home stores can vary significantly depending on the specific location. There isn’t a single, universal schedule that applies to all their branches across the UK.
Generally, most Pets at Home stores operate during standard retail hours, typically opening in the morning (e.g., 9:00 AM or 9:30 AM) and closing in the early evening (e.g., 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM) on weekdays. Weekend hours might differ, with shorter hours on Sundays compared to Saturdays.

To get the precise opening and closing times for your nearest Pets at Home store, we strongly advise using the ‘Store Finder’ tool on their official website, petsathome.com. Simply enter your postcode or town, and the tool will display the specific hours for your chosen location, including any variations for bank holidays or special events. This is the most reliable way to ensure you arrive when the store is open.
Why Keep Pets at Home? (Benefits of Pet Ownership)
The phrase “why keep pets at home” can refer to the benefits of pet ownership in general. Having pets at home offers numerous advantages for individuals and families, extending beyond companionship to mental and physical well-being.
From a psychological perspective, pets can provide unconditional love and reduce feelings of loneliness and stress. Interacting with pets, such as stroking a cat or playing with a dog, lowers blood pressure and releases endorphins, leading to a sense of calm and happiness. They can also offer a sense of purpose and routine, which is beneficial for mental health.

Physically, owning certain pets, particularly dogs, encourages more outdoor activity and exercise. Daily walks contribute to improved cardiovascular health for both the owner and the pet. Even smaller pets can inspire activity through cleaning enclosures or engaging in indoor play. Pets can also foster social connections. Pet owners often meet and interact with others during walks or at pet-related events. For children, growing up with pets can teach responsibility, empathy, and respect for living creatures.
Sources: Pets at Home, About-us
Frequently asked questions
Is Pets at Home a UK company?
Yes, Pets at Home is a UK-based company. It was founded in 1991 in the UK and operates across the United Kingdom, with its head office located in Handforth, Cheshire.
Does Pets at Home have a loyalty programme?
Yes, Pets at Home operates a loyalty programme called the “Very Important Pets” (VIP) Club. This club offers members benefits such as welcome vouchers, tailored offers, and a pet-finding service.
Can I get veterinary advice from Pets at Home?
Yes, Pets at Home provides veterinary care through its Vets for Pets and Companion Care brands. They also offer an online portal for 24-hour pet advice and veterinary integration for members.