The world of animal behaviour and welfare will be brought to life at PATS 2026, with the launch of Animal Encounters, an exciting new feature taking place during the three-day trade show at the NEC Birmingham on September 27-29.
Staged in partnership with Animal Teach, Animal Encounters will give visitors the opportunity to gain expert knowledge, ask questions and see animals up close, with every session designed to provide practical, trade-relevant information that can be taken straight back into the workplace.
With four expert-led sessions every day, the programme covers everything from snake behaviour and animal adaptations to small animal welfare and the importance of staff education.
Every session will be led by Animal Teach founder and zoologist Naomi Ennis and supported by her team. There will also be plenty of opportunities for visitors to put their own questions and real-life scenarios to the experts during dedicated Q&A time.
And the learning doesn’t stop when the sessions finish. Throughout the show, the Animal Teach team will be available on stand U10 to answer questions, discuss specific animals and situations, and provide one-to-one guidance.
The Animal Encounters programme each day includes:
11am – Snake behaviour and care: Separating fact from myth
Customer misconceptions about snakes are one of the most common barriers to confident selling and advice-giving. This session equips staff with the science to correct common myths, answer customer questions with authority, and build trust with reptile-keeping customers.
12pm – Animal adaptations: What they mean for responsible care
Understanding why an animal behaves and lives the way it does is the foundation of good product recommendations and husbandry advice. This session helps staff translate adaptation science into practical guidance customers can act on, supporting better outcomes and fewer returns.
2pm – Small animal welfare: Shifting perceptions in the trade
The session will explore welfare considerations across a range of smaller species, including guinea pigs and hamsters. An invertebrate ambassador will challenge perceptions and demonstrate that even animals which are often viewed as ‘simple’ or ‘low maintenance’ have specific and important welfare needs.
3pm – Education and welfare: Building better practice through knowledge
A practical look at how ongoing staff education directly improves welfare outcomes and customer confidence, with take-home approaches businesses can build into their own training and customer advice.
“Our mission is simple: to provide exciting educational opportunities that inspire all generations to truly connect with animals,” said Ms Ennis. “We want these experiences to be affordable, adaptable and accessible, while raising awareness of animal care and the natural world.”
Visitor registration is now open, with free admission available to qualifying trade professionals.
