Isle of Wight pet store marks 30 years with free dog wash and fun

Jollyes Pets, based on the Riverway Industrial Estate in Newport, first opened its doors in 1996 and will celebrate its anniversary with a special event on Saturday, March 28.

The award-winning store is inviting customers to join a day of music, entertainment, games and prizes.

Visitors will also have the chance to try their luck on Jollyes’ iconic Wheel of Fur‑tune, meet Jolly the mascot and enjoy a free dog wash throughout the weekend as part of the celebrations.

The store’s anniversary coincides with a personal milestone for manager Mark White, who is also marking 30 years with the company.

Mark joined shortly after Newport’s branch opened and became its manager in 2018, following the death of long-serving manager Tony Bunce, who originally opened the store.

During his time at Jollyes, Mark met his wife Helen, and now leads a team of eight at the store.

Over the years, the store has expanded its offering — now featuring a larger cat range, an extended frozen raw food section, and its popular Wash and Go dog-cleaning station, designed to take the hassle out of washing pets at home.

Jollyes Pets has long supported local animal charities, including Ability Dogs 4 Young People, Friends of the Animals and the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.

More recently it has backed Jollyes’ national charity partner, the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals.

The event starts at 10am.