The CPD points will go towards the ongoing development of Suitably Qualified People (SQP) working in the pet industry. An SQP is registered with the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA), and is allowed to prescribe and/or supply certain medicines.

The Merial seminar at PATS Sandown on ‘Why understanding fleas and flea control is important for your business’ is AMTRA-accredited, and CPD points will be earned by visitors who register beforehand and then attend the talk.

The seminar is being given by Tanya Leslie, technical manager for Merial’s Frontline Spot On product, and those wishing to attend and earn CPD points need to pre-book their place. There are a limited number of places available on a first-come-first-served basis so it’s advisable to register online immediately at www.patshow.co.uk/merial/

Tanya will be giving a seminar on both days of PATS Sandown (Tuesday and Wednesday, March 19-20). Each talk will start at 2.20pm and is scheduled to last 40 minutes.

As well as the Merial seminar there’s an impressive list of other talks planned for Sandown, designed to give visitors valuable advice on how they can improve their business.

Justin Heaton from Burgess Petcare will be discussing ways to drive sales in the small animal category while Chris Collier from Mars Petcare will give an insight into understanding your shoppers.

With internet shopping becoming more popular, Guy Blaskey, of Pooch & Mutt, will suggest how pet stores can thrive in the internet age. And Intelligent Retail’s David Mackley will be offering advice on getting more online visitors by using the latest Google changes to their advantage.

For those pet shop owners thinking of selling reptiles for the first time, Repta’s Chris Newman will be giving an introduction into responsible reptile retailing.

Apart from the Merial seminar, visitors can simply turn up for the talks as they don’t have to be pre-booked.

As well as this free programme of seminars there will be so much more to see and talk about at PATS Sandown with over 160 exhibitors packing the Surrey and Esher Halls.

Visitors are now being urged to register for free show entry by going online at www.patshow.co.uk.  Other benefits include free parking, free catalogue, dog grooming demonstrations and many special offers. The PATS hotline is +44 (0)1892 862848.