PAWTUCKET, RI – Pet Food Experts (PFX), a leader in the pet distribution industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul McCarron as new Chief Operating Officer.

In a remarkable journey of following one's heart, James Swanson swapped the bustling boardrooms of corporate America in San Francisco for the idyllic charm of Firecrest, Washington.

PFEXPO East continues its trend of explosive growth with another resoundingly successful show. This year's event, held at the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Uncasville, CT, welcomed more attendees and exhibitors than ever, directly reflecting the booming pet industry. 

The 2023 signature event attracted 4% more retail attendees and a 13% increase in exhibitors' attendance over the prior year.  "The remarkable increase in PFEXPO attendance mirrors consumers' burgeoning demand for quality pet products," says Stacey Picher, Pet Food Experts' Marketing & Event Manager. "Equally gratifying is the elevated level of retailer and vendor satisfaction, a testament to our commitment to delivering the PFX white glove experience we're widely known for," she continued. 

SEPTEMBER 2023 -- Pet Food Experts today announced an impactful partnership with Pets in the Classroom, a national nonprofit committed to enhancing children's academic and emotional well-being by facilitating the presence of pets in educational environments. Their joint mission is to expand the pilot program of 'Dogs in the Classroom,' which aims to introduce certified therapy dogs to over 350 elementary schools, delivering brain-boosting benefits to young learners.

“Pets have a significant impact on the development of young minds,” said Michael Baker, President and CEO at Pet Food Experts. “We are excited to play a pivotal role in expanding the life-changing benefits of the Dogs in the Classroom program. Together, we can make a measurable difference in students' lives by bringing therapy dogs into even more classrooms, nurturing their education and overall emotional well-being,” continued Baker.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pet Food Experts for their exceptionally generous donation, which has enabled us to expand our Dogs in the Classroom reach and equip teachers with an innovative teaching tool — one that not only fosters academic growth but also instills compassion, responsibility, and emotional resilience in our children,” affirmed Melinda Thomas, Executive Director of Pets in the Classroom. “Together, we are shaping the future by nurturing young hearts and minds.”

The impressive advantages of therapy dogs in educational settings go beyond mere academic improvements. A multitude of studies has substantiated the profound influence that the presence of these affectionate companions can exert on the growth of children, demonstrating tangible results such as diminished anxiety, heightened concentration, and overall enhancement of classroom dynamics. Educators have observed that these reassuring canine allies nurture empathy among students and contribute to a more harmonious learning environment.

Since 2010, Pet Care Trust has made an indelible mark on the educational landscape of the United States through its Pets in the Classroom grant program, extending financial support and the companionships of pets to an astounding 230,000 classrooms, impacting an estimated 9.1 million students across the nation — an experience that can help shape their lives for years to come.

In 2021, Pets in the Classroom solidified a nationwide collaboration with Pet Partners, a leading nonprofit in the animal therapy sector. Together, they initiated the Dogs in the Classroom pilot program, aimed at introducing certified therapy dogs to 100 elementary schools. This preliminary study proved immensely successful, leading to a sudden surge in grant requests from teachers.

To learn more about their transformative program and the benefits of becoming a retail partner or to apply for a grant, visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.

Pet Insight highlighted the women in the pet industry who are pioneers in change, innovation, compassion, and professionalism. 

The leading provider of human-grade gently cooked dog food announces its expansion in the Mountain region of the United States.

With just about a month left on the countdown clock to PFEXPO East, Pet Food Experts' exclusive hallmark tradeshow event on September 14 and 15, 2023 at the Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort in Uncasville, CT, we're sharing a few "extras" to look forward to - plus, take a look back at PFEXPO West in California.

We've got something incredibly special in the works for the spring of 2024! In partnership with HuggleHounds, we're launching two new HuggleCause™️ toys and it's up to YOU to vote on which two we create. 

Every year, Global Pet Expo in Orlando is the gateway to another tradeshow season for the people in the pet industry. Each show is bigger, brighter, bolder, and better than the last, and draws vendors, retailers, distributors, and now even influencers to the massive show floor where over 1,000 exhibitors showcase new products, refreshed packaging, and show-stopping booths that tell the story of their brand.

Pet Food Experts announced today three key appointments to its senior leadership team. Among the new executives, James Martin has joined as Chief Financial Officer and Seth Mayers as Chief Technical Officer. In addition, industry veteran Jim Alden, Executive Vice President, will now oversee the customer experience team. The growth of the leadership team further positions Pet Food Experts as a community leader and service innovator.