The owner of Frome's local independent pet shop says that, 33 days into lockdown, pet owners have moved from stockpiling essentials to offering their pets more in the way of entertainment.

Janine Tozier, along with her husband Mike, runs Not Just Pets in Frome which is about to celebrate its 13th anniversary.

Since coronavirus struck they have remained open, priding themselves on providing a true family-business service, even offering to waive delivery charges if pet owners are a bit stuck.

Janine told Nub News that just before closures were announced: " We noticed a big spike in sales and a bit of panic buying just before the lockdown and had one week which was like Christmas, but things have settled down now.

"The main products we are selling now are pet foods and treats and also some bedding (cat litter, hay, straw etc) and flea and worming medications. And people have just started to buy toys and puzzles again, to keep pets occupied whilst confined at home. "

This month it is National Pet Month and in normal times the shop would have organised an Open Day something they often used to win awards for.

Janine said: " We look forward to holding one in the future when things return to a more normal situation, maybe to celebrate our 13th anniversary in Frome in July? With nearly 16 years in the business, we really hope to survive to serve the people of Frome for many years to come. "

The pair have an interesting retail history.

They started their first pet shop in Bath, taking over Bath Pet Centre in the city in 2004. This was owned by Janine's boss at the time, who owned seven pet shops, mostly nearer London. She was business manager and so he offered her that shop as he wanted to concentrate his efforts at the other end of the M4. (Incidentally, before that, Bath Pet Centre was owned by Jayne and Angus Hart of Frome).

At the time husband Mike was a deputy head teacher, so she worked in the business on her own.

A year later they were approached by the owner of Darlings Pets in Larkhall, so the couple took that on in 2005 and in 2007 we were offered the Frome Pet & Aquatic Store (owned by Jayne and Angus Hart).

It was then that Mike left teaching and the couple worked all the shops together.

But in 2018, after 14 years, they were forced to close the Bath shop due to high rent and rates, but today they still have the smaller village shop in Larkhall.

Having once employed 21 staff, the team is now just six, (with four on furlough) with one working in the Frome shop with Mike, and one working in Larkhall, Elisa, who has been with them from the start of their business in Bath.

They are open 10-4 Mon-Thurs, 10-3 Fridays and 10-2 Saturdays, closed Sundays. While their door is open for one customer at a time, you can order over the 'phone on 07813 352103 for free delivery (£20 spend preferred but let us know if you are completely stuck), and pay by card, online bank transfer or by PayPal - or order online via social media or email at [email protected].