PCFA officially recognised as Primary Authority

Pet Care Franchise Association (PCFA), a new trade organisation with the primary aim of enhancing animal welfare standards for companion animals, has received official recognition with the City of London Corporation acting as Primary Authority for its members.

PCFA is a group of well-respected pet-care franchises that have joined forces to put the wellbeing of pets at the forefront of the £3.1bn pet-care industry.

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.

The 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.

David Grey, the brand development manager of Petpals, is leading the campaign in conjunction with other PCFA members We Love Pets, Barking Mad, and PetStay.

In PCFA’s mission to ensure that pets receive the quality care they deserve throughout the UK, its initial focus is set on animal welfare standards specifically for home boarding services.

Defra leaves it to local authorities to licence 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 operated to ensure welfare standards are consistent and that the business is competent.

Grey said: “The PCFA’s recognition with the City of London in establishing a Primary Authority partnership will significantly bolster our efforts to influence consistency and higher standards working with local authorities,”

“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.”

He added: “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. 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.”