The interim financial figures showed group underlying profit-before-tax growth of 77.2% to £70.2m.

There has been sustained momentum across Pets at Home’s omnichannel pet care ecosystem with a 13% increase in active VIPs and a 107% increase in Puppy and Kitten Club members.

The group is also on track to report a record year of sales and profit growth and its biggest ever Christmas as owners treat their new pets.

Peter Pritchard, group chief executive at Pets at Home, said: “Our business has never been more robust. Our pet care strategy continues to deliver, we continue to take market share and improve spend per customer and the benefits of our investment in capacity and capability are really starting to deliver.

“Notwithstanding some near-term, industry-wide challenges, we continue to grow ahead of our plans and, based on trading year to date, we are on track to report a record year of sales and profit growth.

“I am very proud of the progress we are making and was particularly pleased to note external recognition of our collective efforts through our recent Retail Week awards as Best Retailer and Best Place to Work 2021. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our colleagues and Partners across the Group for their tireless work and dedication.”