I’m back from an unforgettable trip to Global Pet Expo 2025 in Orlando, and wow — what an incredible experience! As someone who lives and breathes recruitment for the pet and animal health industry, this trip wasn’t just inspiring — it was energising, full of meaningful connections, exciting products, and a few surprises along the way.

Let’s rewind a little…

A Great Start at Heathrow

Before I even set foot in Orlando, I stayed at the Renaissance Hotel at Heathrow the night before my flight — and honestly, I was so impressed. Simple parking, super comfortable rooms, and a lovely pre-trip vibe. Highly recommend if you’re flying out soon.

On the flight over, I sat next to the loveliest lady — we chatted the entire way and made the long-haul journey so much more enjoyable. It was one of those serendipitous moments that just sets the tone for a great trip.

Welcome to Orlando!

I stayed at the Rosen Inn on International Drive, and for anyone attending the show on a budget — it’s great value for money. Clean, comfortable, and perfectly located for getting to the convention centre (and clocking up those step counts… more on that later!).

Inside Global Pet Expo 2025

Held at the Orange County Convention Centre, Global Pet Expo brought together over 1,100 companies, more than 3,100 booths, and thousands of pet industry professionals from around the world. As a recruiter in the pet and animal health space, it was the perfect opportunity to soak up the energy and innovation shaping our sector.

And a personal highlight? Being recognised by so many attendees from the US market! It was humbling and exciting to see how far our work at The Animal People Recruitment Company is reaching across the global pet industry.

Key Themes and Takeaways from the Expo

This year’s show felt more future-focused than ever — and here are a few of the big takeaways that really stood out...

1. Expansion of Specialty Areas
There was a clear effort to cater to niche and emerging segments in the market:

• The Aquatics & Exotics section featured everything from freshwater and saltwater décor to innovative reptile enclosures — beautifully presented and buzzing with interest.
• The Pet Sustainability section, hosted in partnership with the Pet Sustainability Coalition, showcased brands leading the way in eco-conscious innovation. With sustainability a hot topic, it was great to see this area expanding.
• The Start-Up Pavilion gave newer companies the spotlight — and there was a real buzz of creativity coming from this zone. It’s always exciting to see where fresh thinking might lead the industry next.
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2. A New Keynote Series With Serious Impact
This year introduced a new keynote stage — and it delivered. I sat in on Bert Jacobs, CEO of Life is Good®, who shared his journey with optimism at the heart of business — such a refreshing talk.

There was also a brilliant panel hosted by CNBC’s Tyler Mathisen, focusing on the 2025 economic outlook for pet retailers. It featured leaders from PetSmart, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Nestlé Purina, Meijer, and Central Garden & Pet — the kind of data-driven conversation that gets you thinking about where the industry is headed and how we support it from a talent perspective.

3. Recognition of Top New Pet Products
While I’ll admit the New Product Showcase didn’t blow me away across the board, the winners did highlight where innovation is thriving:

• Booster Berries Chicken Supplement won in the Farm & Feed category.
• Mazuri Koi Pond Nuggets took the Aquatic category.
• And Always Full Pet Water Bowl received top honours in the Cat category — clever design meets function.

4. Continued Emphasis on Sustainability
Sustainability wasn’t just a buzzword — it had a full-on presence. The Sustainability Theatre, led by the Pet Sustainability Coalition, hosted ongoing sessions on how the pet industry can make meaningful changes. From packaging to sourcing and waste reduction, the message was clear: conscious consumers are driving real change.

5. A Shift Toward Cat-Specific Innovation
I was really excited to see so much focus on feline-specific products this year. From nutrition and hydration to enrichment and behaviour — cats were finally getting their moment! Considering the growth in cat ownership, this is absolutely the direction the market should be heading.

Personal Highlights & Brand Love

A major joy of attending was catching up with clients and seeing people I’ve placed thriving in their roles. That’s the kind of full-circle moment that never gets old.

I discovered a brand I completely fell in love with — Vetreska. Their designs are stunning, from sculptural cat trees to chic leads, bowls, and even scented poo bags (coffee-scented, no less!). It was design-meets-function at its finest, and their stand just sparkled with creativity.

It was also lovely to see the friendly and passionate team at Woof again — they’ve clearly been busy, with loads of brilliant new products added to their range since I last saw them.

A huge thank you to West Paw, who gifted me a very cool enrichment game that I’ll be talking about more on LinkedIn soon. Enrichment is still such an underrated area of the market, and I’m thrilled to see brands doing it well.

20,000+ Steps a Day… and a Dodgy Ankle

I clocked over 20,000 steps every single day — which I’m sure is why I’ve come home with a very sore ankle! But every step was worth it. Whether it was a spontaneous conversation, a seminar, or a surprise discovery — this show got me moving!

Meet the Animal People Podcast – Coming Soon! 🎙️

One of the most exciting parts of the trip? Lining up some amazing guests for my upcoming “Meet the Animal People” podcast. I’ll be sitting down with some of the most inspiring people in the pet industry — from product pioneers to marketing pros and veterinary professionals — to hear their stories and talk pets, passion, and purpose.

So, What’s Next?

Now it’s time to follow up, debrief, and get cracking. I’ve got a jam-packed diary of meetings, interviews, and calls lined up — all thanks to the energy and connections made in Orlando. It’s full steam ahead as we continue to support businesses and talent across the pet and animal health space.

Looking for a New Job in the Pet Industry?

Or perhaps you're hiring and need support from a recruiter who actually understands your sector? Whether you're a pet start-up, pet food brand, a veterinary pharmaceutical company, or an established animal health brand, I'm here to help. With a strong network, industry insights, and a genuine passion for helping people and pets thrive — The Animal People Recruitment Company is your trusted recruitment partner in the pet and animal health world.

Want to feature on the Meet the Animal People podcast?
Have a new product we should be shouting about?
Need help finding your next great hire or career move in the pet space?

Drop me an email chris@animalpeoplerecruitment.com — I'd love to hear from you.