Pets at Home

Say hello to Matt Davies, chief executive of Pets at Home, and his chief product tester Archie. Together they run a chain of stores selling everything from dog food to specially designed clothes for your special chum. Profits are on the up, but the chain has just cancelled plans for any sale or flotation given the current financial crisis. Read the story Photograph: PR

As a 'fully expensed company dog', black labrador Archie gets to try out the latest pets clothing and nibbles. Davies describes him as one of the choosiest dogs around If Archie likes something, it will soon be on sale at Pets at Home’s 200 stores, as modelled by one of his canine chums here. Read the story. Photograph: PR

Private equity and cuddly animals may appear strange bedfellows, but Pets at Home has flourished since being bought by private equity firm Bridgepoint in 2004 - creating nearly 1,000 new jobs, opening 52 new stores and doubling profits Photograph: PR

Novelty Christmas items proved popular with people keen to get their pets to share in the Christmas spirit. And when Yuletide garments are passé, this satisfied customer can visit Doggie Boutique where everything from colour co-ordinated doggie beds to canine bling is on offer Photograph: PR

With so many items to choose from, it’s no wonder the overall pet care market is now worth £2bn a year. Since being established in 2001, Pets at Home now operates 213 stores, with over 3,500 employees Photograph: PR

As well pet food and pet accessories, the company also sells fish. Animal-loving children can even model some aquatic art Photograph: PR

The company is not just about clothing and feeding pets – it also runs 39 veterinary surgeries. At Companion Care, you can have your rabbit castrated for £57 or pay £220 for a bitch spay Photograph: Linda Nylind/freelance

Would you believe there are 500 different kinds of dog leads to choose from? Essential for pet lovers who don’t want their dog to clash with their own outfit Photograph: Felix Clay/freelance

Pets at Home stores look rather similar to a DIY chain, and with good reason. It was founded by a former petfood wholesaler, Antony Preston, in 1991. It bought its larger rival PetSmart in 1999 and set itself the goal of becoming 'the B&Q of pet care' Photograph: Felix Clay/freelance

Fish get their own special treatment. Davies is installing specialist areas for cold water and tropical fish in between 30 and 40 stores Photograph: Felix Clay/freelance

If you’ve not got a pet to dress up and feed, you could pick up a cute bunny Photograph: Felix Clay/freelance

The company's latest plans include 'bunny boutiques' and a 'deli for dogs' Photograph: PR

The success of Pets at Home has made Davies a paper millionaire. Last year, the company’s sales totalled £306.5m, producing a pre-tax profit of £46.7m as customers flocked to the stores Photograph: Felix Clay/freelance

Deluxe rabbit hutch, anyone? Photograph: Felix Clay/freelance