Pets At Home has announced a significant change to its opening hours ahead of the Christmas period. 

The major pet retailer will be closed on Boxing Day for the third year in a row.

The pet supplies chain confirmed that it will be closing its doors of its retail stores and grooming salons on December 26 in recognition of colleagues’ hard work throughout the year.  

Here's when the major retailer will be open over the Christmas period and when your last chance to pick up your pet essentials or special treats ahead of the big day.

Messenger Newspapers: Pets At Home (PA)Pets At Home (PA) (Image: PA)

Lyssa McGowan, Pets at Home chief executive officer, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and the decision to close our stores once again on Boxing Day is just one small way of saying thank you. 

“We hope that when the festive season comes our colleagues can enjoy a well-earned rest and take time to relax with their family, friends, and of course, their beloved pets.” 

In the interest of pet welfare, Pets At Home has said that some vet practices within stores will remain open. 

Stores and salons will then reopen with reduced Bank Holiday hours on Tuesday, December 27. 

Customers should be advised that grooming salon opening times may vary on Bank Holidays and they should check directly with their local team.

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Pets at Home Christmas Opening Hours 2022

Here are Pets at Home's opening hours over the Christmas period

  • Christmas Eve (Saturday, December 24 ): 8 am – 5 pm 
  • Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25): Closed 
  • Boxing Day (Monday, December 26): Closed  
  • Tuesday, December, 27: Bank Holiday hours 9 am – 6 pm 
  • Wednesday, December 28: 9 am – 8 pm 
  • Thursday, December 29: 9 am – 8 pm 
  • Friday, December 30: 9 am – 8 pm 
  • New Year’s Eve (Saturday, December 31): Bank Holiday hours 9 am – 6 pm 
  • New Year’s Day (Sunday, January 1): 10 am – 5 pm (selected stores only)   
  • Monday, January 2: Bank Holiday hours 9 am – 6 pm 

What shops are closed on Boxing Day this year?

Pets At Home's announcement comes as other major retailers confirm they will also be giving staff some time off over the busy period.

The pet store chain joins Home Bargains, Iceland and Aldi among others.

Last year several major stores including M&S, Morrisons and Wilko closed all of their stores on Boxing Day.

They were joined by Sainsbury's, Poundland, The Entertainer and Aldi in 2021 and it is expected that the High Street chains will be following suit again this year.