Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life, has received platinum status in the RSPCA’s annual PawPrints Awards for the second year in a row, in recognition of an outstanding commitment to animal welfare.
In 2023, Anchor became the first national housing provider to receive platinum status, having secured a gold award, in housing, for five years prior. The RSPCA PawPrints Awards, the only scheme of its kind, celebrates local authorities and public bodies for their pioneering work in animal welfare across England and Wales.
Research conducted by Anchor in 2020 by Censuswide, of 1,001 people aged 65 and over, highlights the important role pets play in the lives of older people, with a quarter (24%) saying they rely on their pets for companionship. The wellbeing benefits are clear too, with 64% saying having a pet reduces feelings of loneliness, and 39% saying pets help ease anxiety. Furthermore, nearly half (48%) of people in later life say that owning a pet gets them up and about the house more often, contributing to their overall wellbeing and physical activity.
Furthermore, in a survey of people who self-identified as having a mental health problem, 58% of respondents stated that love and loyalty was the most beneficial aspect for their mental health of owning a pet – the most popular reason cited. Fifty percent said company was the most important aspect, while 55% agreed that “they are my best friend.” *
Anchor encourages residents who want a pet, or already own pets, to bring them to their properties. A compassionate pet policy was created in partnership with Anchor residents to ensure their accommodation is suitable and the needs of domestic pets living at Anchor properties are being met.
Animals are a celebrated part of life at Anchor. Over half of Anchor properties have pets living there and Anchor organises many pet-based activities, including Pet of the Month competitions, to celebrate all creatures great and small living at Anchor properties.
This pet friendly approach is why Anchor remains the only national housing provider to hold platinum status in the RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards.
Anchor’s Chief Executive Sarah Jones said: “I’m delighted that Anchor has achieved platinum status in the RSPCA PawPrints Awards for a second year. This is a great honour and recognises our ongoing commitment and dedication to supporting pet ownership at our locations.
“Domestic pets can provide fantastic companionship, comfort and love and we pride ourselves on creating homes where people can continue to love living in later life and supporting pet ownership is a big part of that.”
Lee Gingell, Public Affairs Manager at the RSPCA, said: “We are thrilled to recognise Anchor with the RSPCA’s Housing (Platinum) PawPrints Award. Their commitment to animal welfare is truly commendable and reflects the high standards that the PawPrints awards aim to celebrate.
“By winning this award, Anchor has demonstrated outstanding dedication to protecting, promoting and enhancing animal welfare, and we hope their achievements inspire others to strive for excellence in this vital area.”
