Germany, Austria, the UK and Ukraine in new wave of pet retail expansion

The European pet retail sector continues to expand, with major chains accelerating store openings across key markets.

Kölle Zoo

German pet retailer Kölle Zoo is set to expand its footprint across Germany and Austria, with 5 new stores scheduled to open this year.

In Germany, new locations are planned in the Rhine-Main region and the Stuttgart area, in the central and southwestern parts of the country. In Austria, stores are set to open in Wien-Auhof (in Vienna), Gralla (in the Southeast) and St. Valentin (in the North). All locations will be situated in easily accessible areas with ample parking, offering retail spaces ranging from 700 to 2,000 sq m.

“Our expansion is carefully planned and based on detailed location analyses,” says Clifton Dowling, Commercial Managing Director at Kölle Zoo.

Dowling adds that, with new stores, they are strengthening and expanding their network, making it easier for customers to visit, while also strengthening their market presence and continuously reviewing new site opportunities.

Pets at Home

British pet retailer Pets at Home unveiled 4 new stores in March, adding more than 20,000 sq ft of veterinary and pet care retail space across the UK following a £3 million ($3.9M/€3.4M) investment.

The new stores are located in Nottingham, Sheffield, London and Derbyshire. In London, the 9,911 sq ft store focuses on dedicated retail services, including a pet village, aquatics center and specialist support. In Derbyshire, the company has launched a relocated and expanded 7,663 sq ft pet care center offering veterinary care, 24-hour emergency support, an aquatics center and an adoption center.

In Sheffield, a new 1,410 sq ft Vets for Pets practice has opened, alongside a new 1,913 sq ft practice in Nottingham. The new openings bring Pets at Home’s portfolio to 460 operating stores and more than 450 partner Vets for Pets practices.

“By modernizing our stores and expanding into new locations, we are enhancing the in- person experience that so many of our customers value, from tailored advice to convenient, integrated services,” says Anja Madsen, Chief Operating Officer at Pets at Home.

MasterZoo

Ukraine’s largest pet retailer, MasterZoo, is planning to open 60 new stores nationwide this year, starting with 6 new locations launched in the first quarter across central and western cities, including Lutsk, Poltava, Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Bila Tserkva.

In 2025, the pet retailer expanded its footprint with 16 new store openings in Kyiv, Irpin, Vyshneve, Odesa, Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk.

Currently, MasterZoo operates more than 200 pet stores and 17 grooming salons across 38 cities. Its product portfolio includes over 12,600 SKUs, with 1,650 new items introduced in 2025.

Dehner Group

Dehner Group has opened a new garden center in Neusiedl am See, located around 55 km east of Vienna, marking the company’s 19th store in Austria. The German garden and pet retailer now has at least 1 store in all 9 Austrian federal states.

The newly opened center is a purpose-built facility spanning approximately 4,335 sq m. Completed in February, the site is equipped with a 110-kilowatt-peak photovoltaic system and a battery storage system with approximately 60-kilowatt-hour capacity, enabling the direct use of on-site-generated electricity.

“The Neusiedl am See location is of great strategic importance to us. It ideally complements our Austria-wide branch network and allows us to be even closer to our customers in the east of the country,” says Frank Böing, Chief Sales Officer of Dehner.

“With the new store, we are combining a modern, sustainable building concept with a comprehensive product range that appeals to garden, home and pet enthusiasts alike,” he adds.

Arken Zoo

The Swedish pet specialty retail chain has announced the opening of its newest store in Kållered, 475 km from Stockholm. The location offers a wide range of products, including food and treats, toys, beds, harnesses and cat litter.

“We look forward to meeting both new and existing customers, sharing our knowledge and creating long-term relationships with both 2- and 4-legged friends. In the store, we offer personal service, a carefully selected range, grooming services, claw trimming and local activities,” says Michaela Aspelin, Area Sales Manager at Arken Zoo.

The company is the largest pet store chain in Sweden, operating physical stores and an e- commerce platform, and offering grooming and veterinary services. Founded in 1987, it was acquired by the Musti Group in 2015.

Pet Lovers Centre

Pet Lovers Centre has announced plans to open 5 more branches in the Philippines. This will bring its total to 12 locations in the country.

According to Stanley Co, President and Chief Executive Officer of Robinsons Retail, which owns Pet Lovers Centre in the Philippines, the company also plans to reach customers directly through mobile grooming services in areas where store presence is limited later this year. He adds that the company will work with partners to support this expansion.

Established in Singapore in 1973, it entered the Philippine market in 2018 through a franchise agreement with Robinsons Retail.