Company's major expansion will feature dog day care and soft play

INDEPENDENT pet retailer Empawrium has announced a major expansion which will include dog day care, soft play and veterinary services.

The development will more than quadruple the size of the firm's footprint at its existing site in Alva, Scotland.

After recently entering its second year of trading, Empawrium has secured the neighbouring, adjoining unit at its premises.

Emma Clark and Mike Mulraney.

While the first phase of the expansion will see the introduction of an innovative dog day care facility, inspired by the natural world and expected to open in late summer 2026, the wider plans extend far beyond additional services for dogs.

The additional space will allow Empawrium to significantly expand its retail offering,

increase its growing UK-wide online operation and introduce an exciting new equine

range, broadening its appeal to horse owners and supporting its ambition to become

one of Scotland's most distinctive destinations for animal lovers.

Beyond the initial day care launch, future phases of the development include plans

for a dedicated indoor training facility, a purpose-built dog soft play experience,

expanded canine wellbeing services, independent veterinary facilities and a range of

complementary attractions.

Once complete, the development will bring together shopping, training, wellbeing,

veterinary care, enrichment and hospitality in one innovative, animal-focused destination.

The development marks a significant milestone for the business and represents the

realisation of a vision that founder Emma Clark has held since launching Empawrium.

It is hoped the development will attract people regardless of whether they own a dog or not.

Due to significant early interest, a waiting list has already been established for the

new service, with prospective customers encouraged to register their interest as

soon as possible.

Emma Clark said: "This has always been the dream. From the very beginning, I could see the potential for Empawrium to become something much bigger than a pet business.

"We're not simply creating a larger shop or adding another service. We're creating a

destination where people can spend time, learn, socialise and access everything they need for their pets in one place.

"The expanded retail space, growing online store and new equine range are all part of

that vision, but so are the future plans for dog training, soft play, veterinary facilities

and a range of experiences that simply don't exist elsewhere locally.

"We want people from across Scotland to think of Alva as somewhere worth visiting

because of what we're building here. The dog day care is just the first step.

"What we're creating is a long-term destination for animal lovers and we're incredibly

excited to finally start bringing that vision to life."

The expansion is expected to bring significant benefits to the local economy,

increasing visitor numbers to the town, creating employment opportunities and

supporting wider investment in the area.

As more people travel to Alva to visit Empawrium, the business hopes the

development will also increase footfall for neighbouring businesses, encourage visitors to spend more time in the town and contribute positively to the wider local economy.

Landlords Mulraney Group have welcomed the expansion plans and the positive

impact they are expected to have on both the business and the community.

Mike Mulraney, the group's chairman, said: "On behalf of everyone at Mulraney Group I would like to congratulate Emma and the team at Empawrium on the remarkable success they have had establishing the business since moving to our Alva premises.

"It has been a great pleasure working with Emma and seeing the transformation of the business and the premises into what they have achieved today. 

"We are grateful that Empawrium have chosen to stay with Mulraney Group for this new and exciting expansion bringing much needed service, business and

employment to the local community.

"I am sure the new venture will continue to grow and we look forward to being a small part of their journey."

Having supported Empawrium since its launch, business advisory firm Ceteris has

also welcomed the company's plans.

Mandy Campbell, business adviser at Ceteris, said: "We have supported Emma since the launch of Empawrium, working alongside her as the business has evolved and grown. "We are delighted to continue supporting her on this exciting next chapter as she expands the business and builds on her success."

Further announcements regarding future phases of the project are expected over the

coming months.