Our Story
Our Story: The Pet Shop Boyz
Made by dog people, for dog people
Founded in 2005 by James and Daniel Carrington, The Pet Shop Boyz began with a clear vision: to create a specialist pet store focused on premium dog products, specialised nutrition, and accessories for breeders and show enthusiasts.
From day one, the mission has been simple: support responsible dog ownership and improve the health and well-being of dogs across Australia. Our store was built on real-world experience, not trends or corporate influence.
At The Pet Shop Boyz, we help dog owners make informed choices that support healthier, happier dogs. Explore our range of raw pet food online for fast delivery. or visit us in-store today:
Unit 1/5 Channel Rd, Mayfield West NSW 2304.
A legacy of dog breeding excellence
James Carrington’s passion for dogs began in 1973 when he became one of the first breeders in Newcastle and the Hunter Region to introduce Weimaraners, a rare German breed.
Originally brought out of Germany after World War II by American and British servicemen, Weimaraners were highly prized for their athleticism, intelligence, and temperament. James and Daniel went on to breed numerous Australian Champions, Grand Champions, and Supreme Champions, earning deep respect within the dog show community.
This commitment to ethical breeding and healthy dog ownership became the foundation of The Pet Shop Boyz.
From mobile store to trusted local brand
In the early years, The Pet Shop Boyz operated both from a brick-and-mortar store and a mobile caravan. James and Daniel travelled across country NSW, attending dog shows and supplying specialised products to breeders and exhibitors.
Weekends were spent on the road, visiting rural towns and building strong, lasting relationships within the dog show circuit. These early connections helped shape the store into a trusted name among serious dog owners and breeders.
Community, education, and media involvement
In 2008, Daniel Carrington joined Newcastle radio station 2NUR FM as a weekly anchor on the Pet Chat program alongside leading veterinarians. For 15 years, until 2023, Daniel volunteered his time answering listener questions, sharing practical advice, and interviewing industry professionals and breeders.
This long-running segment helped establish The Pet Shop Boyz as a trusted and respected voice in the local and regional pet community.
Celebrating dogs and giving back
One of the most popular initiatives was the annual Dog Idol Competition. Newcastle locals turned out in droves, dressing up their dogs for the chance to win the coveted Pet Shop Boyz Newcastle Dog Idol Champion title. These events celebrated the joy dogs bring to our lives and the vibrant pet community we proudly support.
James and Daniel were also proud co-founders of the Doggy Day Out festivals held at Empire Park, Bar Beach, in support of the Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club. Tens of thousands of Novocastrians attended these annual events, enjoying dog product stalls, stage events, and a full day celebrating all things dogs.
It was at Doggy Day Out that Daniel Carrington achieved a Guinness World Record for the most dogs walked on a single lead. With 41 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, he walked one kilometre in front of thousands of spectators, media crews, and the Mayor of Newcastle.
Growth, innovation, and the birth of Somerford Raw & Natural
As the business grew, The Pet Shop Boyz relocated in 2006 to a larger warehouse in the Steel River Industrial Estate in Mayfield West, Newcastle, allowing the team to better serve a growing customer base.
The most significant transformation came in 2016 with the launch of Somerford Raw & Natural. Named after the historic Somerford Weimaraners kennel established in 1973, this brand became the home of our raw pet food, treats, and wellbeing products.
While The Pet Shop Boyz remains the physical store, Somerford Raw & Natural is the raw food brand and online destination. Today, raw food is produced locally and supplied through the Newcastle factory outlet, with Australia-wide refrigerated delivery available.
Our single-protein BARF diets have improved the lives of thousands of dogs and cats, earning Somerford Raw & Natural a reputation as a leader in human-grade, super-premium raw pet nutrition.
As seen in
See Somerford Changing Pets Lives
Why choose The Pet Shop Boyz
Everything we do comes back to one belief: better food changes lives.
That’s why we stand behind Somerford Raw & Natural and why, at The Pet Shop Boyz, we are proud to say we are changing pets’ lives.
- One of the largest ranges of single-protein raw food for dogs and cats
- Decades of hands-on experience in breeding, nutrition, and pet care
- Access to Somerford Raw & Natural raw food through our Newcastle store
- A genuine commitment to fresh, healthy nutrition so pets can live longer, happier lives
Whether you prefer to visit us in-store or shop online, we are here to help you choose the right nutrition and products for your pet. Drop into The Pet Shop Boyz in Newcastle for personalised advice, or order Somerford Raw & Natural online and have fresh raw pet food delivered straight to your door.
Proudly Australian Made
All Raw & Natural meal packs are 100% Australian made and owned from Australian Ingredients
100% Raw & Natural
No Grains, Fillers, Chemicals, Colouring, Preservatives, Heat Processing
Human Grade Single Protein
All varieties are human graded single protein varieties made with all Australian sourced ingredients, formulating a naturally complete and balanced diet
Product of Australia
All Raw & Natural meal packs are made from 100% Australian produce
