Business growth in Pets at Home’s third quarter has risen, as the chain announced the acquisition of a veterinary hospital.

The UK pet shop chain said like-for-like its sales over the three months to December 31st 2015 increased by 2.2%.

A high demand for vet and grooming services has helped boost total like-for-like sales of services up 8.5%. Sales of products such as food and other pet nutrition grew 1.7% in the period.

Pets at home have also announced the purchase of Anderson Moores, a specialist veterinary referral hospital based in Winchester.

Currently Pets at Home runs a number of grooming salon stores. In a statement released on Wednesday, the retailer said it was on track to open 20-25 stores, 50-55 vet practices and 55-60 grooming salons in 2016.

Chief executive, Nick Wood said: “We are pleased with the improved trading momentum in our Merchandise business, alongside continued strength in our vet and grooming services.

“We are also delighted with our acquisition of one of the UK’s leading specialist hospitals, Anderson Moores, which further develops our presence in this important strategic segment of the veterinary market.”