A group of well-respected pet-care franchises have joined forces to put the wellbeing of pets at the forefront of the £3.1 billion pet-care industry1.
Their collective efforts have resulted in the formation of the Pet Care Franchise Association (PCFA), a new trade organisation with the primary aim of enhancing animal welfare standards for companion animals. Now, the PCFA has received official recognition with City of London Corporation acting as Primary Authority for their members.
With the new Primary Authority partnership, the PCFA has gained significant influence in establishing national standards for the franchised pet-care industry with local authorities. This recognition strengthens the PCFA’s position as a leading power in promoting and maintaining animal welfare standards, making it a trusted resource for franchisees, pet owners and industry stakeholders alike.
Alongside other PCFA members We Love Pets, Barking Mad and PetStay, spearheading the campaign at Petpals is Brand Development Manager David Gray.
“The PCFA’s recognition with City of London in establishing a Primary Authority partnership will significantly bolster our efforts to influence consistency and higher standards working with local authorities,” said David. “It provides us with a stronger platform to advocate for and shape regulatory change that prioritise animal welfare in the pet-care industry, solidifying our position as a respected body and enabling us to work closely with local authorities to implement the highest possible standards of care.”
In their mission to ensure that pets receive the quality care they deserve throughout the UK, their initial focus is set on animal welfare standards specifically for home boarding services.
“There have been many inconsistencies and issues with how local authorities interpret the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) regulations on boarding and animal care,” explained David. “Many people are boarding without licences, boarding pets without training or support or operating as self-employed for countries outside the UK. We aim to reduce these inconsistencies, cut the red tape and put the focus back on animal welfare.”
Defra leaves it to local authorities to license home boarding in their local areas. A licence means the home boarder is trained in pet welfare and holds the correct insurance. Crucially, for pet owners it is the ‘safe standard’, meaning the business has been inspected and operates to ensure welfare standards are consistent and that the business is competent.
“Using a booking agent middleman like many pet-sitting websites leaves the responsibility on the pet owner to check if the boarder is licensed, insured or trained – which is not often made clear,” said David. “Many just assume that it is part of the process a home boarder would need to cover before listing on the website. It can often be stressful when arranging someone to care for your dog when you’re also trying to organise a family holiday, but the PCFA are offering the steps to check before placing your dog with a home boarder.”
By following the PCFA’s recommended steps, pet owners can ensure the wellbeing of their beloved companions while they are away by making informed decisions and selecting a home boarder who meets the necessary standards.
- Begin your search early – Looking for a home boarder as soon as you book the first part of your holiday gives you ample time to conduct thorough research and find a home boarder that meets your pet’s specific needs. This allows you to carefully evaluate different options and make an informed decision regarding the best possible choice for your pet’s care.
- Ask to see the licence during your initial enquiries – Legally, a boarder must have a copy of their licence on display when you visit the premises. Requesting to see this licence is crucial, as it ensures that the home boarder has received proper training and possesses the necessary insurance to provide a safe and secure environment for your pet. If in doubt, check with your local authority licensing department.
- Do not assume they are experts – Do your homework, ask questions and check reviews. By law, you must meet the boarder looking after your dog before your trip. The boarder must keep written records, be qualified and possess a canine first aid certificate dated within the last three years, so request to see them. Additionally, asking for references from other pet owners who have used the home boarder’s services provides valuable insights into the quality of care provided.
- It is your responsibility – As part of the booking and assessment process, you will be asked to sign a number of ‘consents’ allowing the boarder to walk, exercise and feed your dog, as well as a vet authorisation if required. If you use a booking agent or intermediary to find a boarder, remember it is still your responsibility to check the person recommended is licensed.
“Ultimately, as a responsible dog owner, the onus is very much on you to check, but the PCFA believe it shouldn’t be that way,” said David. “Unfortunately, by inadvertently supporting unlicensed and unregulated operators, poor welfare standards will continue putting our much-loved family pets at risk. One of the first tasks the PCFA and City of London will be jointly working on is a public awareness campaign to highlight these issues and work together with local authorities to make it far easier for owners to find licensed home boarders.”
Following this focus on home boarding, the PCFA will turn its attention to dog walking and public safety. “While home boarding has been our initial focus, we recognise the importance of ensuring the wellbeing of pets extends to all aspects of their care,” explained David. “By addressing dog walking and public safety, we aim to continue to raise standards, enhance training and promote responsible practices within the industry. Our goal is to create a safer environment for both dogs and the public while reinforcing the reputation of pet-care services as reliable and trustworthy.”
“Much more needs to be done as it’s too easy for unethical pet-care providers to slip through the net and deliver care that does not meet minimum standards,” said Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals. “At Petpals, we firmly believe that pet ownership is a privilege, not a right. That is why we wholeheartedly champion the commitments of the PCFA and will continue to represent the various initiatives as we work with other trusted brands for the rights of pets around the country.”
For more information about the PCFA, visit www.pcfa.uk
1 Statista, 2021, Pet care market value
