A photo from the conference
Pet Remedy Hosts Landmark Emotional Wellbeing In Animals Conference, Signalling Shift In Pet Care Priorities
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Pet Remedy has brought together some of the world’s leading animal behaviourists, vets and welfare experts for its first ever Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference, marking what many delegates described as a pivotal moment for the pet care sector.
Held at the Imperial Hotel in Torquay, the two-day event welcomed professionals and delegates from across the UK, Europe and beyond, united by a shared belief that emotional health must sit alongside physical welfare in modern animal care.
Set against the backdrop of the English Riviera, the conference opened with a welcome from Pet Remedy’s Chief Happiness Officer Gill Edwards and the brand's emotional wellbeing expert Andrew Hale, who framed the event around a central message: understanding how animals feel is fundamental to improving their lives.
One of the most powerful moments of day one came from Sarah Whiffen, speaking publicly for the first time since the death of ACE founder Sarah Fisher. Delivering an emotional tribute to her mentor, Whiffen reflected on Fisher’s transformative influence on the sector before presenting a technically rich session on ACE Free Work, which earned a standing ovation.
The scientific focus continued with Dr Amber Batson, who explored the critical distinction between animal welfare and emotional wellbeing. Drawing on emerging research, she highlighted the growing evidence linking emotional state with physical health outcomes, reinforcing the need for a more holistic approach to care.
Further innovation was showcased by Dr Hannah Capon, who introduced her platform, The Pain Vet. Designed to move beyond the limitations of traditional consultations, the approach uses detailed assessments and video analysis to better understand chronic conditions such as canine arthritis, offering new possibilities for improved treatment outcomes.
Day two maintained the momentum, opening with a keynote from veterinary behaviourist Dr Robert Falconer-Taylor, whose session on sleep science struck a chord with delegates. He emphasised that restorative rest is essential for both animals and their owners, warning that modern lifestyles are increasingly at odds with biological needs.
Renowned trainer Victoria Stilwell, best known for It’s Me or the Dog, brought an interactive element to proceedings, encouraging attendees to look beyond surface behaviours and consider the emotional drivers behind them. Her focus on empathy for both dogs and their guardians resonated strongly with a professional audience.
A holistic perspective was provided by Julia Robertson, who urged practitioners to adopt a “whole dog” approach, while Chloe Scoones offered insight into how large welfare organisations are embedding emotional wellbeing into everyday care practices.
Throughout the conference, a consistent theme emerged: that the future of animal care lies in recognising emotional wellbeing as a core component of health, not an optional extra.
For the pet trade, the implications are significant. As consumer awareness grows and expectations shift, there is increasing demand for products, services and professional advice that support not just physical health, but emotional balance too.
Speaking at the close of the event, organisers at Pet Remedy described the conference as “just the beginning”, signalling ongoing investment in education and collaboration across the sector.
For more information visit www.petremedy.co.uk
