Pet retailers, distributors and garden centres are being urged to secure their place at PATS 2026, with free registration for qualifying trade visitors now officially open.
Returning to the NEC Birmingham from 27-29 September 2026, the UK’s premier pet and aquatics trade exhibition is preparing to deliver its most ambitious event yet following a record-breaking performance in 2025.
Building on unprecedented visitor growth and international expansion, this year’s exhibition promises an exciting mix of returning favourites, innovative features and new attractions designed to inspire retailers and buyers alike.
PATS achieved its highest-ever attendance figures at the NEC Birmingham in 2025, cementing its status as the industry’s must-attend event. Across the three-day exhibition, 6,021 visitors attended, representing an impressive 70% increase on the previous year.
Under the new ownership of Raccoon Media Group, the largest PATS show to date also welcomed a significant rise in global participation. International attendance surged, with 317 overseas visitors – a remarkable 169% increase year-on-year – while a record 445 exhibitors from 15 countries showcased the latest products, innovations and trends shaping the pet and aquatics sector.
“The demand for stand space at PATS 2026 has been phenomenal following the huge success of last year’s exhibition,” said Ian Reynolds, Event Director. “We’ve introduced some fantastic additions to our already successful show features, meaning there will be even more for visitors to experience. Registration is now open on our website, and I’d strongly encourage all retailers and buyers to secure their free entry as soon as possible.”
For more than 17 years, PATS has built a reputation as the go-to platform for discovering the newest product launches, networking with industry leaders, and sourcing innovative solutions – all under one roof. Since launching in 2009, the exhibition has evolved into an essential business event for both UK and international pet retailers and buyers.
If retailers and buyers need more encouragement to register now for free entry to the three-day exhibition, here’s just a quick summary of the popular visitor attractions:
With strong exhibitor demand, a growing global presence and an expanded programme of attractions, PATS 2026 is set to raise the bar once again, offering visitors an unrivalled opportunity to explore the future of the pet and aquatics industry.
PATS 2026 is also being staged alongside BETA International, the leading equestrian trade show taking place from 27-28 September 2026. It means that retailers and buyers will be able to visit both shows, and to make things simple visitors will only have to register once, with BETA International visitors being given access to PATS and vice versa.
You can register now online at https://bit.ly/42L7tca. For more details of the visitor attractions as well as a full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk.
