- Play Hard
- 21st May 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
Direct Pets Team Valley is the family-run pet shop every animal lover needs to know about
- Advertisement Feature
If you keep searching “pet shop near me” and end up disappointed by the results, allow us to introduce you to Direct Pets, Team Valley, Gateshead.
This is not your average pet shop, and once you’ve been, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Family-owned, community-led and packed with everything your pets could ever need, Direct Pets is one of those places that earns a loyal following not just because of what’s on the shelves, but because of the people behind the counter.
This is a business built on relationships, expertise and a real love for animals – and you feel every bit of that the moment you walk through the door.
It’s a pet shop that your pets deserve and will thank you for visiting.
THE PET SHOP GATESHEAD HAS BEEN KEEPING A SECRET – UNTIL NOW
Direct Pets has been doing things differently since day one. Based in Team Valley, the shop is easy to get to with free parking right outside, which is so useful when you’re loading up on a month’s worth of dog food. No circling the car park, no lugging heavy bags across a multi-storey. Just pull up, shop and go. And if your bags are heavy, the team will even carry them to your car for you.
The pet shop in Gateshead stocks an incredible range of products for dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, small animals, reptiles, poultry, caged birds, aquatics and even wildlife. So whether you’ve got a border terrier, a bearded dragon or a particularly demanding flock of backyard chickens, Direct Pets has got all your pets covered. New ranges are being added regularly, too, so there’s always something new to discover.
MORE THAN JUST A PET SHOP IN GATESHEAD
Here’s where Direct Pets really sets itself apart from the big chain pet shops. Walk in, and you’ll find a natural treat snack bar – it’s such a good idea, letting you pick up high-quality treats without committing to a full bag. It’s the kind of thoughtful detail that tells you this team really does think about what owners and their pets actually want.
The in-shop experience goes way beyond browsing shelves, too. Bring your pet along and get a free harness, coat or collar fitting from a member of staff who actually knows what they’re doing. There’s nothing worse than guessing your dog’s harness size online and ending up with something that doesn’t fit — so this service alone is worth the trip.
The free services on offer at Direct Pets, Team Valley, are so impressive. We’re talking nutrition consultations, raw food consultations, flea and worming consultations, weight checks, ID tag engraving while you wait and a loyalty card scheme that racks up savings quickly. The best part? All of them are completely free of charge.
If you’re navigating the world of raw feeding, the in-shop raw food advisers are on hand to help you get started. It’s a minefield out there and having someone knowledgeable to talk it through with for free, in person, is invaluable.
THE FREE WEEKLY EVENT YOUR PUPPY WILL LOVE
Now for the part that is almost too cute to handle. If you’ve been searching for puppy socials near you, look no further. Every Saturday and Sunday morning, Direct Pets Team Valley hosts a free Puppy Social. If you have a puppy under 26 weeks, this needs to go straight in the diary.
Sessions run from 10am to 11am and are split by size and temperament, so every pup gets the most out of it. Small to medium breeds and more nervous puppies take the 10am to 10:30am slot, with medium to large and more boisterous breeds bounding in from 10:30am to 11am. All sessions are fully supervised and designed to support positive, safe social interactions in a controlled environment.
No booking required, no registration, just show up on the day with your vaccinated pup and let them loose. It is completely free, completely adorable and one of the best things happening in Team Valley every weekend.
A few things worth knowing before you go: puppies may be rotated in or out depending on numbers and temperament, overly enthusiastic play gets a short time-out to calm things down, and treats are used during the session so just let the team know on arrival if you’d prefer your pup not to receive any.
HIGH LIFE NORTH TOP TIP: Make sure to follow the Direct Pets Facebook page for the most adorable content you’ll see on your timeline – their canine customers are the stars of the show.
SHOP IN STORE OR ONLINE
Can’t make it to Team Valley? Direct Pets also has a full online shop with secure ordering and delivery straight to your door via Royal Mail or DPD. There’s a click and collect option too if you’d rather pop in and pick up. You can also pre-order your food, toys and treats and the team will hold them until you’re ready – another one of those genuinely useful details that makes life that bit easier.
The Team Valley shop can be reached on 0191 487 6735, and the team are always on hand to help with advice, recommendations and anything else you need.
If you’re further north, you’re in luck. Direct Pets also has another sister branch. Make sure to visit their Berwick-upon-Tweed store.
HIGH LIFE NORTH X DIRECT PETS – SPRING/SUMMER LUST LIST
Direct Pets Team Valley, Trade Park, Unit 3 Tenth Ave W, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0HL
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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