Family values

When Dr Roger Mugford trained the Queen of England’s corgis, he was already Britain’s leading animal psychologist. But his ambition went beyond consulting. In 1979, he founded the Company of Animals, a centre for research and innovation in animal behaviour, on a 100-hectare farm in Surrey, which would change animal care worldwide.

With a PhD in animal aggression and research experience at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Roger founded his veterinary referral service for ‘problem animals’ at the Pet Centre. He wasn’t satisfied with just consulting, but wanted to develop products that could help dogs and their owners worldwide.

The Halti product line revolutionised leash training, with the No Pull Harness and Baskerville muzzles being the first results. These humane designs allow dogs to pant, drink and accept treats while providing complete safety. The Coachi training range implements positive reinforcement through expertly designed training aids and natural treats.

In 2016, the company acquired Pet Head, a grooming brand. Company of Animals’ commitment to innovation took a significant leap forward with the acquisition of Techtron, a Welsh manufacturer of pet care products. With 16 years of experience and expertise in the pet care market, Techtron brought knowledge and manufacturing capabilities to the Company of Animals family.

In March 2024, after 44 years at the helm of the company, Dr Roger Mugford handed over the reins to his daughter, Dr Emily Mugford. A qualified veterinarian with many years of experience as a practice owner, she had already served as a director and board member for three years before being unanimously appointed CEO.

Her journey with the company began in her childhood, when she packaged Haltis in the early days. This hands-on introduction gave her a deep insight into all aspects of the business. As a veterinarian, she brings valuable clinical perspectives to product development and ensures that animal welfare is at the heart of all the company’s activities.

Today, Company of Animals employs over 60 people with offices in the UK, Europe, the US and Australia, as well as strategically located warehouses to serve customers worldwide. The company works closely with suppliers, distributors and partners in more than 50 countries. Despite this growth, it remains proudly family-owned, a structure that allows the company to prioritise long-term animal welfare over short-term profits.

In 2019, Company of Animals’ commitment to international trade was recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – a testament to the company’s success in bringing British innovation to pet owners around the world.

The company’s sustainability initiative, Embark, reflects this ethical approach and focuses on people, the planet, pets and policy. From reducing its environmental footprint to ensuring transparent, responsible operations, Company of Animals demonstrates that commercial success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

As Company of Animals enters a new era under the leadership of Dr Emily Mugford, innovation remains paramount. Recent product launches include the extremely durable Halti BRIG safety lead with its revolutionary clip design, the scientifically researched Halti Anatomy range, and Coachi Natural Treats training snacks, expertly formulated with functional health benefits. Mugford explains: ‘Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Every item in our range is developed in collaboration with vets, behaviourists and physiotherapists, with animal welfare as our top priority.’

From training the Queen’s corgis to caring for pet families in 50 countries, Company of Animals has remained true to its founding principle: to develop products that solve behavioural problems, improve animal wellbeing and strengthen the bond between pets and their families.

This is the long version of the article from the print edition of PET worldwide 2/2026.