Funding boost for local pets charity

Long Eaton-based pets charity AdvoCATSeastmids has been awarded a grant of £2,607 by the Pets Foundation, the charitable arm of retail firm Pets at Home.

AdvoCATS, a non-profit, voluntary organisation set up in 2018, provides a free practical support and advice service to tenants and landlords where there are issues with keeping pets in rented accommodation.

With only 7% of landlords advertising their properties as pet friendly, too many tenants struggle to find a home they can share with a pet. This, coupled with the fact that more people than ever before are renting property, has generated a real crisis in animal shelters, not to mention the emotional trauma it creates for both pet owner and the pet when having to part.

AdvoCATS founder Jen Berezai said: “The Pets Foundation grant will enable us to recruit and equip six new case workers where previously the lack of technology would be a barrier to potential volunteers. We're anticipating a significant increase in our workload when the Renters Rights Bill becomes law, which is expected to be this Spring, so the timing couldn't be better. In addition, we'll also be able to produce more information packs for lettings agencies, vets and rescues here in the East Midlands, to promote what we do to a wider audience. We're very, very grateful!!".

For four years the organisation has been tirelessly campaigning for the Government to change the law to encourage more landlords to be pet friendly. Its Heads for Tails! campaign gained support from more than 40 organisations involved in the property sector and animal welfare world - including the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) – plus a similar number of cross-party MPs and Peers.

Suzanne Smith who writes a blog at theindependentlandlord.com encourages more landlords to be pet friendly: She said: "I believe that it's a good thing for landlords to accept pets...it's part of being a good, socially responsible landlord. There are lots of steps that can be taken to minimise any risks and I've never had any pet damage. I'm pleased I changed my own policy and now accept pets."

Amy Angus, Head of Charity and Community at the Pets Foundation, said “We are delighted to have been able to support AdvoCATS with a grant to continue their work. The work they carry out is so important in keeping loving owners together with their pets, preventing many from being surrendered to already overcrowded rescues, whilst also supporting responsible landlords like Suzanne.”