The RSPCA works in close partnership with public bodies across England and Wales to recognise and improve animal welfare standards, with the charity celebrating community heroes with the one-of-a-kind scheme since 2008.
The awards acknowledge those who surpass legal standards and raise the bar for animal welfare, and recognises councils, emergency services, housing associations, and other public-sector service deliverers.
This year’s awards will focus on prevention – spotlighting how early intervention and responsible pet ownership can improve animal welfare outcomes while reducing long-term demand and cost pressures on public sector services.
There are three overall categories of awards. The core awards categories recognise public bodies for their delivery of stray dog services, licensing, housing services, contingency planning and kennelling – with gold, silver and bronze awards available in each category. A platinum award is also presented to organisations that have achieved gold for five consecutive years or more, recognising public sector organisations demonstrating consistent excellence and local leadership in animal welfare.
Alongside the core awards, there is a suite of “special” awards – to honour exceptional dedication, commitment, innovation and contributions to animal welfare – including the Withnall Partnerships Award, launched last year in memory of former RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Withnall, who sadly passed away in 2024.
There are also three “hero” categories, this year aligned to the theme of prevention and early intervention – the Responsible Pet Ownership Hero, the Public Awareness and Behaviour Change Campaign Hero, and the Prevention Hero.
Lee Gingell, RSPCA Public Affairs Manager, said: “It’s really important to highlight the incredible efforts so many go to for animals. We can’t wait to see this year’s entries and celebrate local animal welfare champions.
“This year, we’re placing a particular focus on prevention – recognising the vital role that early intervention, responsible pet ownership, and proactive approaches play in improving animal welfare outcomes. By acting earlier, public bodies can not only protect animals from harm but also reduce long-term demand and cost pressures on already stretched local services.
“The public sector plays a crucial role in raising animal welfare standards, and year on year we’re proud of the part the PawPrints Awards plays in driving that progress. This commitment has transformed the lives of countless pets, wildlife, livestock and other animals – yet too often, this vital work goes unheard.
“We want to shine a spotlight on these inspiring efforts and encourage all public bodies to take part – to show they are there for every kind, and to join us in creating a kinder world for every animal.”
Last year’s winners included Emma Brass and Georgina Austin Fell at Westmorland & Furness Council, who were honoured for their outstanding leadership of the Multi-Agency Strategic Coordinating Group (MASCG) at Appleby Horse Fair with the inaugural Withnall Partnerships Award. In bringing together a wide range of partners, they helped safeguard animal welfare at the event, which is Europe’s largest Traveller gathering.
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, RSPCA’s Director of Advocacy and Prevention, who presented awards to some of last year’s winners, added: “It’s inspiring to see so many public sector bodies come together each year and showcase the work they do for animal welfare – and we’d really encourage all local authorities to enter this year’s awards.
“PawPrints are unique and we’re so proud to champion the pioneering work of so many public sector organisations – their efforts in tackling animal welfare issues are too often undercelebrated, but deserve to be recognised.
“We hope to see some familiar faces entering this year’s awards – but we’d also love those who haven’t entered before to share their amazing animal welfare work too, so we can champion the incredible efforts of so many public bodies and local authorities. By coming together, we can all help to create a better world for every kind of animal.”
PawPrints is endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Environment Health, the Local Government Animal Welfare Group, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Institute of Licensing and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare.
Entries are open until 31 July this year – and public bodies can apply via the RSPCA’s dedicated PoliticalAnimal website. A thought leadership and awards ceremony event will take place on 11 November.
