Milton Keynes pet wellbeing brand named finalist in two UK small business awards categories

Milton Keynes pet wellbeing brand Foxy & Ruby has been named a finalist in two categories at The UK Small Business Awards 2026.

Founded by Rachael Byrne, Foxy & Ruby has been shortlisted for Best Pet Business and Best Pet Product, with its Aroma Stone™ recognised alongside the brand’s wider range of dog-conscious aromatherapy, grooming and care products.

For Rachael, the story behind the business is a very personal one. Foxy & Ruby was inspired by her rescue dog, Foxy, who was anxious, frightened and experiencing unexplained fits.

While looking for natural products she felt comfortable using around Foxy, Rachael began questioning what terms such as “pet-safe”, “natural” and “calming” actually meant, and how much thought was really being given to the way dogs experience the products used in our homes.

Those concerns grew after a reed diffuser accidentally spilled at home and stripped paint from a surface within seconds.

Rachael said: “That moment really stayed with me. If something could damage a painted surface that quickly, it made me think about what my dogs could be breathing in, walking through or simply living around every day. Dogs don’t get to choose what we bring into our homes. We make those choices for them.”

That thinking became the foundation for Foxy & Ruby and its guiding message, “Designed for life at dog level”.

The brand encourages owners to look at everyday life from their dog’s perspective, from the products used around the home to car journeys, holidays, grooming and changes in routine.

The current range includes dog-conscious aromatherapy melts, shampoo bars, Restore Balm, Soft Step Paw Wash, gift bags and Aroma Stone™ - Settled Edition.

Aroma Stone™ is a portable environmental scent product created for times when dogs are away from home or outside their usual routine. It can be used during car journeys, holidays, stays with pet sitters or in other unfamiliar environments.

Restore Balm has also become an important part of the range, with customers sharing before-and-after photographs and feedback about using it on dry and sore-looking paws and skin.

Rachael has studied pet aromatherapy through the Essential Oils for Children and Animals Diploma with the Centre of Excellence. Her studies have helped shape Foxy & Ruby’s approach to essential oils, responsible-use guidance, ventilation, allowing dogs choice and educating customers about how products should be used around their pets.

She said: “Foxy & Ruby has never just been about selling products. For me, it’s about love and trust, and helping people think a little more carefully about the choices they make for the dogs who share their lives. Our pets give us so much joy, and I want that relationship to be at the heart of the brand.”

Foxy & Ruby is also preparing to introduce a memorial range for people who have lost much-loved pets. The collection will focus on remembering and celebrating the animals who have been part of family life, while reflecting the same caring approach as the rest of the brand.

Rachael added: “Anyone who has loved and lost a pet knows that they’re never ‘just a dog’ or ‘just a cat’. They’re part of your family. I want the memorial range to honour that bond, but also to celebrate the happiness, memories and love they brought into our lives.”

Since beginning to trade in October 2025, Foxy & Ruby has grown through online sales, pop-ups, conversations with dog owners and pet-focused events. Rachael has also appeared on BBC Three Counties Radio, discussing pet-safe homes and ways owners can create more considered environments for their dogs.

For a young independent business, being shortlisted for two categories at The UK Small Business Awards is an important milestone.

Rachael said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. Being a finalist for both Best Pet Business and Best Pet Product feels huge, particularly because the business is still so young.

“Foxy & Ruby started with my own dog and a question I couldn’t ignore. Seeing that idea grow into a real business, and now having it recognised in this way, means an enormous amount to me.”