We’re proud to have been awarded the Gold Housing Footprint in the 2020 RSPCA PawPrint awards for the eighth year running.
The award is the only award scheme across England and Wales to recognise good practice from local authorities and housing providers in relation to animal welfare. They celebrate organisations that exceed basic and statutory service requirements with to achieve higher animal welfare standards. Each Footprint has three levels – bronze, silver and gold.
This year, we have been awarded our eighth gold award for our continued work in our homes and communities. Through the monthly Love Your Dog Roadshows, pet policies, and partnership working with our tenancy services officers and local organisations, we can ensure the health and well-being of dogs in our properties are of a good standard.
The popular Love Your Dog Roadshows began 2016 - and though we haven't been able to run any this year - we found as a result, the number of complaints about animal nuisance reduced. As well as plenty of advice on health, well-being and behaviour, there are freebies available and while the focus will be on dog health and well-being, we are happy to talk to tenants about other more general issues.
We also reviewed our pets policy in 2019, cats and dogs are now allowed in most West Kent homes - so more residents than ever can enjoy the benefits of pet ownership.
Rachel Williams, Senior Parliamentary Advisor at the RSPCA said: "Congratulations once again to West Kent for retaining your award in what has been, and continues to be a very difficult year for all of us. And thank you for your - and your team's - ongoing hard work and commitment to your animal residents."