Not-for-profit provider Anchor has received the RSPCA’s Gold PawPrints award in recognition of its ongoing support for pet-owning residents.
The RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards celebrate the work of housing providers and other institutions in safeguarding animal welfare. Anchor received the award for their compassionate Pet Policy, which was created in partnership with Anchor residents, and follows good practice guidance from the RSPCA and Dogs Trust.
Anchor encourages residents who want a pet or already own pets to bring them to its homes, actively working with them to ensure their accommodation is suitable and the pets’ needs met. Over half of Anchor properties now have pets living with residents.
Sarah Jones, Anchor’s chief executive, said: “I’m delighted that Anchor has won a gold PawPrints award from the RSPCA. The wellbeing of our residents is our highest priority at Anchor and that goes for our animal residents as much as our human ones! Pets can provide fantastic companionship for older people and many other benefits for owning a pet or living at a location with them.
“We pride ourselves on providing homes where people can love living in later life and that includes those who love animals. It’s an honour to be the Gold Standard for housing providers who support pets and pet owners.”
The RSPCA’s Lee Gingell added: "The RSPCA is delighted to recognise the work of Anchor with animals in their properties and community.
"From building links with animal welfare organisations, to providing for pets in emergency housing and promoting microchipping and neutering, Anchor’s work is doing so much to improve welfare and promote responsible ownership.
"Anchor also does excellent work to ensure accommodation is suitable and appropriate for pets when tenants want to add an animal to the family.
"PawPrints is the only scheme across England and Wales recognising public bodies for their work helping animals – and we are delighted to work with Anchor's as part the scheme."
