Meet the team at Freddie’s Pet Store 

Round & About

A community-focused Abingdon pet store inspired by one very special dog

When Meg Phillips opened Freddie’s Pet Store in April 2024, the name wasn’t just clever branding – it was a heartfelt tribute to her best friend and four-legged sidekick, Freddie, a cheerful Cocker Spaniel-Jack Russell cross. Always ready to greet customers with a wag and a woof, Freddie is the real star of the shop, inspiring the friendly, community-first spirit that’s become the store’s hallmark. 

Since opening, Freddie’s Pet Store has made quite an impression on the local community of pet-lovers. The store is run by long-time Abingdon resident Meg, who brings nearly 20 years of experience in the pet industry to this venture, and is her own pet project. 

Meg, 38, was born and raised in Abingdon and has worked in the local pet trade for most of her adult life. Before launching her own store, she spent years building trusted relationships with customers at another independent pet shop. Now, with the help of Freddie, she’s created a warm, knowledgeable and community-focused space for pets and people. 

Freddie is the inspiration behind the name and serves as the store’s enthusiastic “meet and greet” manager when he’s in. Meg also shares her home with a cat, Ember, and two playful gerbils, Chip and Dale, meaning all creatures great and small are represented in her family. 

Freddie’s stocks a wide range of high-quality products for domestic pets, from horses to hamsters, and prides itself on customer service. Between Meg and assistant manager Paul, the team have more than 30 years’ experience in the pet industry. The shop is open six days a week and offers local delivery for a small fee, making it a convenient option for pet owners throughout the area. 

As a lifelong local, Meg is passionate about the community she serves. Some of her favourite Abingdon spots include Abbey Meadows and Tilsley Park for dog walks, and Paws n Plays at Willows – a fantastic town-centre dog-friendly café. She also enjoys visiting the new Oak River Bakery, and recommends The Flowing Well in Sunningwell and The Bowyer Arms in Radley for their warm welcome and dog-friendly vibes. 

What Meg loves most about Abingdon is its kind, animal-loving community, which she sees as central to Freddie’s success so far. She’s especially looking forward to this year’s Christmas Extravaganza, when local businesses come together to create a festive buzz around town. “If I could wish one thing for the world,” says Meg, “it would be for it to be a kinder place – to people and animals alike.”