Just 7% of landlords are currently advertising their properties as pet-friendly and so Retail giant Pets at Home’s charitable arm Pets Foundation is funding a campaign by AdvoCATS to encourage them to accept tenants with pets.

AdvoCATS’ founder Jen Berezai (main picture) says the grant: “Will enable us to recruit and equip six new caseworkers 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.”

“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.

For four years the organisation, based in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, has been campaigning for the Government to change the law to encourage more landlords to be pet-friendly.

Heads for Tails

And 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.

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.”