New animal welfare rating scheme for local business in Horsham
It will apply to local businesses associated with the care and sale of animals
Horsham District Council has introduced a new star rating system to ensure better animal welfare and help pet owners make informed choices.
The Paws on the Doors scheme allows people to check the ratings and legitimacy of animal-related businesses.
Businesses and individuals affected by the new regulations will be those involved in dog and cat boarding, dog breeding, the selling of animals as pets, and the hiring out of horses for riding or for riding lessons. Anyone involved in the keeping or training of animals for exhibition also needs to register with Horsham District Council under the new scheme.
The Council hosted a launch event for the new scheme at its offices in Horsham , introducing a new animal licence tool called Paws on the Doors. This online tool enables animal licence holders, and people looking for animal services, to easily list themselves or search for top-rated service providers in the Horsham District.
The scheme helps pet lovers to make informed decisions when selecting a whole host of pet services. Rather than rely on word of mouth, the scheme’s website helps consumers to search across council boundaries, check that operators are legitimately licensed and find out what star rating they have.
Horsham District Council Director of Communities Paul Anderson commented:
“We are delighted to be one of the first councils to adopt of this innovative Paws on the Doors scheme which will go a long way to reassuring pet owners in our District.
“I am sure the scheme will help improve animal welfare locally and I am really pleased that we are partnering with the extensive expertise of the Paws on the Doors team to deliver this service. “
Paul Hiscoe, Managing Director of Animal Insight who operate Paws on the Doors said:
“We are in active dialogue with many councils who are very enthusiastic about this new initiative and we expect to see a rapid adoption over the coming weeks and months.
“The site currently has data from four local authorities including Horsham. As was the case with Scores on the Doors for food hygiene, the benefits to the consumer grow exponentially as the coverage area expands.”
Lizzie Keogh owner of Horsham-based Nutwood Cattery added:
“I think it is extremely reassuring for pet owners to know where to go to check out the standards of animal care establishments in our local area.
“I am really pleased that Horsham District Council is so involved in this new scheme which will go far to ensure that the best possible standards are adhered to.”
Many more councils will be adding their data to the site over the coming weeks and months as the scheme rolls out across England.