Our Extra Care Housing schemes have been recognised for their pioneering animal welfare work in supporting residents to have a pet in their home.

Running since 2008, the RSPCA’s flagship PawPrints awards remains the only scheme of its kind, recognising local authorities and public bodies for going above and beyond to deliver world-class animal welfare services.

Town & Country Housing (TCH) has four Extra Care schemes in Kent, offering homes and support to more than 280 residents aged 55 and over. Recognising the huge benefits that pets can bring to residents, staff have developed a series of support for those who wish to own a pet.

The team has now received a prestigious Gold Award in the PawPrints award’s housing category.

Isabella O’shea, Housing Officer at TCH, said the award was purr-fect recognition for all the work that’s been taking place.

“We’ve more than 24 pets in our Extra Care schemes now, ranging from small cats to medium sized dogs. It’s great to see the positive benefits that they bring to their owners as well as their neighbours. It’s a real honour to have our work recognised by the RSPCA through its PawPrints award, but more importantly I’m delighted that our policy and approach is creating a happy, safe and caring space for residents and their pets.

“Taking on the responsibility of a cat, dog, rabbit or snake is no small undertaking, so we’ve put together a range of information to help residents. We’ve also teamed up with local charity, Cinnamon Trust, who can support residents with their pets, as well as offering dog-walking opportunities to those who do not want, or can’t, commit to homing a dog full-time.”

Lee Gingell, Public Affairs Manager for local government at the RSPCA, said that housing providers play a huge role in the delivery of animal welfare.

“Often this pioneering work is done quietly behind the scenes and remains unsung, but they really deserve to be applauded for changing the lives of not only animals, but local people too. PawPrints is all about recognising and celebrating these efforts,” he added.