Pets at Home is proud to announce that through its long-standing partnership with the Royal British Legion, they have supported in raising over £1.5 million to help the Armed Forces community, marking a significant milestone in its annual Poppy Appeal campaign.
Since launching the initiative in 2018, the retailer has raised £1,557,646.76 through the sale of exclusive poppy-themed pet accessories, with 100% of profits donated to the Royal British Legion. These funds have helped provide vital support to those in the Armed Forces community, including veterans, serving personnel, and their loved ones.
This year’s campaign features a refreshed range of poppy pet accessories, including bow ties, bandanas, collars, and charms, which have been available in-store and online since late August. The products are designed not only to honour Remembrance but also to allow proud pet owners to show their support in a meaningful way.
Pets at Home director of marketing, Madeline Shaw said: “We’re incredibly proud to have reached this £1.5 million milestone, it’s a testament to the generosity of our customers and the dedication of our colleagues. Many members of the Armed Forces community are also pet lovers, and this campaign allows us to support them in a way which we know best.”
Ben France, head of corporate partnerships at the Royal British Legion, commented: “We’re incredibly grateful to Pets at Home and their customers for their continued support. From mental and physical recovery programmes, to help with finances, housing, and adapting from military to civilian life, every contribution helps us to be there for serving personnel, veterans, and families, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed.”
The campaign is supported across multiple channels, including customer emails, social media, Pets Magazine, and in Pets at Home Petcare Centres around the UK, with storytelling at its core. Real life stories, such as those of Leon and Misty, and Steve and Poppy, highlight the life-changing impact of the Royal British Legion’s work and the deep bond between veterans and their pets:
Steve and Poppy
Steve has been a dedicated collector for the Poppy Appeal since 2008 in Warrington. He owns a Yorkshire Terrier named Poppy. Steve served with the 12th Light Air Defence Regiment in Northern Ireland and su^ers from severe tinnitus caused by a bomb blast. This condition forces him to avoid noisy environments, including family events.
He recalls: “I was in an armoured car, and a booby trap had been set for us. A bomb went o^ and lifted our vehicle o^ the ground, and that was the start of the tinnitus.”
Steve’s story highlights the long-term impact of service, and the comfort pets can bring to veterans.
Leon and Misty
Leon Parker, an Army veteran from Birkenhead, faced homelessness after being diagnosed with PTSD and leaving the Army. He lived on the streets for three years, including months in a tent in the woods, with only his dog Misty for company. Misty, a therapy dog with her own Army number, was Leon’s lifeline during this time.
“Misty is so important to me… she goes everywhere with me.”
The Royal British Legion helped Leon secure housing, furnish his new home, and begin a new career as a chef. He now has a fresh start and hopes to reconnect with his daughter.
Pets at Home is encouraging customers to share their support whilst wearing the accessories, using the hashtag #PetsWithPoppies, to help raise awareness and celebrate the connection between their pets and Remembrance.
Customers can find the whole range available in store and online now by following this link.
