PetStreet.co.uk is a social networking website, but unlike MySpace or FaceBook, PetStreet has a specific purpose – its members have a passion for the animals that share our lives. It’s free to use, every owner has a page and then can open pages, and upload photos, for all their pets. Once signed up, people can talk to people and pets can talk to pets and so ideas, information and experiences can be shared.

PetStreet was set up in January 2007 by Maurice Melzak. He has wanted it to evolve slowly, developing its own tone and ethos, whilst building its user base. With no advertising or promotion there over 2000 members, (90% female), over 4000 pets and over 60K unique visitors a month, so it is picking up. And there is a clear ethos of responsible pet ownership, anti any exploitation of animals and a real concern about the abandoned pets in re-homing centres. Gradually he does want the site to become more commercialised but only by associating with products that are ethical, organic, environmentally friendly etc.