Petmania Partners with Experts to Tackle Ireland’s Pet Health Gaps

Petmania, Ireland’s leading pet retailer with 17 stores, has launched the tenth year of its flagship pet health and education programme, Operation TransPAWmation.

Running through February and March 2026, the campaign provides expert-led guidance to help pet owners make small, achievable changes for their pets’ long-term health and wellbeing. Since first launching in 2017, Operation TransPAWmation has supported over 12,000 pet owners across Ireland in improving their pets’ overall health and quality of life.

As Petmania celebrates its tenth year of Operation TransPAWmation, new research reveals persistent gaps in pet owners’ knowledge of everyday care and preventative routines. A nationwide survey of more than 230 pet owners conducted in December 2025 found that while concern for pets’ long-term health is high, particularly as they age, confidence in how best to support them varies.

Six in ten (60%) owners worry about ageing-related health or mobility issues, with arthritis and joint pain (88%) and mobility challenges (60%) cited most frequently. Digestive issues (41%), urinary problems (39%) and weight changes (37%) also featured prominently. Allergies and sensitivities are another area of uncertainty: 41% of owners see them as a concern, yet almost a third (31%) are unsure of the difference between an allergy and a sensitivity, highlighting the need for clear, accessible guidance.

Mental wellbeing also emerged as a key concern, with 42% of owners worried about anxiety or stress in their pets, yet 40% unsure how to manage it. Nutritional awareness remains a further gap, with only 28% of owners monitoring their pet’s daily calorie intake, despite 60% expressing concern about their pet’s health or mobility as they age.

These findings set the context for the launch of Operation TransPAWmation 2026, which took place on 4th February at Dublin’s Drury Buildings. The event brought together leaders in animal health, behaviour and welfare, and introduced new expert ambassadors Alice Chau, Clinical Animal Behaviourist, and Elise O’Byrne White, Veterinary Surgeon and Veterinary Director of the DSPCA/NSPCA. Hannah Gibbs, Play and Enrichment Expert at KONG, also joined the event to highlight how play and enrichment support pets’ physical health, mental stimulation and overall wellbeing.

Operation TransPAWmation 2026 has been developed to address these knowledge gaps through expert-led, evidence-based education, reinforcing Petmania’s position as a trusted authority in pet care. The campaign focuses on five core wellness pillars: Nutrition, Dental Care, Preventative Healthcare, Exercise & Play (Behavioural Health), and Grooming.

Speaking as Operation TransPAWmation enters its 10th year, Emily Miller, Sales and Marketing Manager at Petmania, said: "As we mark the tenth year of Operation TransPAWmation, it’s clear that pet owners genuinely want to do the right thing, but many feel unsure about the everyday decisions that can make the biggest difference, particularly as pets get older. This campaign is about meeting pet owners where they are, offering trusted, expert-led advice that’s practical, accessible and genuinely impactful. From nutrition and preventative care to behaviour and mental wellbeing, Operation TransPAWmation helps pet owners build healthier routines that last.”

Alice Chau, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and specialist in feline behaviour, commented on her involvement: “Behavioural changes can often be one of the first signs that something isn’t quite right in a pet’s life. Excessive hiding, lack of interest in play, or withdrawal from interaction may all signal discomfort or stress. I’m excited to be working with Petmania on Operation TransPAWmation, helping pet owners recognise these early signals and make simple adjustments at home that can significantly improve both quality of life and long-term wellbeing.”

Elise O’Byrne White, Veterinary Surgeon and Veterinary Director of the DSPCA/NSPCA, added:"Pets can face challenges such as joint health issues, weight changes, or allergies at any stage of life, which can affect their comfort and wellbeing if not addressed early. Many of these challenges can be managed or even prevented with the right knowledge and routine care. I’m excited to be teaming up with Petmania on Operation TransPAWmation to share my expertise and provide pet owners with clear, practical guidance to make informed decisions and support their pet’s health throughout life."

Throughout February and March, Petmania’s qualified pet care teams will support the campaign in stores nationwide, offering personalised advice, weight and Body Condition Score checks, and guidance across all five wellness pillars.

Pet owners can participate by subscribing via www.petmania.ie/ot for expert content, personalised guidance, and exclusive offers, or by visiting their local Petmania store.

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