Award-winning approach to responsible pet ownership launches for Council tenants
Dull perchnogaeth gyfrifol anifeiliaid anwes yn lansio ar gyfer tenantiaid y Cyngor
Pembrokeshire County Council is pleased to be launching a new Responsible Dog Ownership & Pet Policy designed to support social housing tenants, promote animal welfare and encourage responsible pet ownership across Council homes.
Pets play an important role in many households, providing companionship, comfort and wellbeing. The new policy has been developed to help tenants enjoy the benefits of pet ownership while ensuring pets are cared for responsibly and communities remain safe, clean and enjoyable places to live.
The Council's approach has recently received national recognition after winning the RSPCA PawPrints Responsible Pet Ownership Hero Award 2026.
The award recognises Pembrokeshire County Council's commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership through education, support, prevention and early intervention. The new policy brings together clear expectations for pet owners, home checks where appropriate, welfare assessments, pet contingency planning and partnership working across wider council services to help prevent issues from escalating.
Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We are delighted that our approach has been recognised through the RSPCA PawPrints Responsible Pet Ownership Hero Award.
“This award recognises the innovative and collaborative work that has gone into developing a preventative approach to responsible pet ownership. By focusing on education, support and early intervention, we can help address issues before they escalate and promote positive outcomes for both tenants and their pets.”
The policy is based on the principle of 'Right Pet, Right Property', helping to ensure pets' welfare needs can be met while supporting successful tenancies and thriving communities.
As the policy is introduced, new tenants will be provided with information and guidance on responsible pet ownership, while support and advice will also be available to existing tenants where pet related concerns are identified.
For more information about the Responsible Dog Ownership & Pet Policy, please contact the Housing Tenancy Management Team on 01437 764551 or tenman@pembrokeshire.gov.uk.