A CARMARTHENSHIRE pet food company has launched a new pet store at Cardigan.

This will be the fourth pet store for Welsh pet food brand, Burns Pet Nutrition, which also has plans to support 10 local rescue centres and shelters in Wales with its Forgotten Paws Christmas appeal.

The new store at Pwllhai sells a variety of pet goodies, such as food, toys, and accessories, and features a bespoke health and wellness service offering advice, guidance, and microchipping to local pet owners.

The store has opened just in time for the Christmas rush, and was officially opened by Cardigan mayor Cllr Clive Davies.

"We’re pleased to see once again another business taking the opportunity to open its doors in Cardigan and adding to the mix of outlets we have to offer as a market town,” said Cllr Davies.

“It’s good to see shops opening and showing confidence in the town, despite the pandemic. Good luck to Burns Pet Nutrition and welcome to Cardigan.”

Vet John Burns, founder of Burns Pet Nutrition based at Kidwelly, launched his range of pet foods in 1993 using simple, healthy and wholesome ingredients, without any nasty chemicals.

He said: “Launching a fourth pet store in the stunning location of Cardigan is an exciting feat, especially after such as strange and tumultuous year for the area and the country itself.

“We’re hoping that the new Burns Cardigan Pet Store will help support the local high street and provide pet owners with everything they need to help their pets thrive.

“The independent local pet trade is shrinking and we are looking to fill that gap. We are a local business, founded on supporting local suppliers to a local market.”

Alongside the launch of the new shop, Burns is also launching a new campaign to support local rescue centres and shelters in Wales. The Forgotten Paws appeal will help centres deal with a recent rise in abandoned dogs due to the double whammy of Covid-19 and the festive season.

To make sure no dog goes hungry this Christmas, Burns will be accepting donations of old dog beds, bowls, blankets and toys for distribution to shelters around Wales in a bid to relieve some of the pressure the centres have been under over the past few weeks.

Burns will also be donating 2kg of dog food for every purchase of a 12kg bag both online and in stores until December 13, in a bid to make sure no dog goes hungry this Christmas.

To donate to the appeal, simply purchase a 12kg bag of Burns healthy dog food online or in store, or drop off a blanket, toy or bed to the various drop off points in Parc-y-Bocs, Kidwelly, or at the Carmarthen, Narberth and Cardigan stores.