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Platinum award from RSPCA recognises our commitment to animal welfare

Happy dogs in a field

We have achieved a Platinum Award in Animal Activities Licensing at the RSPCA PawPrints Awards 2026.  

The Platinum Award is the highest possible achievement, recognising sustained excellence. It reflects our continued commitment to protecting animal welfare across the borough through premises inspections, support for responsible animal businesses, and enforcement against illegal activities such as unlicensed dog boarding and puppy sales. 

Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services, Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith, said: 

"Receiving the award for the eighth-year running is a fantastic achievement. It's a real testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, showing how they go above and beyond in their role to protect animals and legitimate businesses.  

"For many people, pets are beloved members of the family, so it's important to know they are being cared for and come from a safe and responsible environment. Animal welfare is at the heart of our environmental protection work, and our team is committed to ensuring businesses across the borough maintain the highest standards of care. 

"We encourage residents to contact us if they have concerns about an animal-related business that may be operating without the necessary licence. By working together, we can continue to protect animal welfare and keep animals across our borough safe." 

It's important that residents, as animal owners, are aware of the animal activities that must be licensed. These include:  

  • boarding dogs in your home  
  • providing day care for dogs  
  • boarding dogs in kennels  
  • boarding cats  
  • selling animals as pets  
  • breeding dogs  
  • hiring out horses  
  • keeping a zoo  
  • keeping a dangerous wild animal (defined by a Schedule in the Act)  
  • keeping, or training animals for exhibition 
  • keeping primates. 

Lee Gingell, RSPCA Public Affairs Manager for Local Government, said: 

 "Local public services have an important role in protecting animals and supporting the people who care for them. Congratulations to Guildford Borough Council on achieving a Platinum Award in Animal Activities Licensing. PawPrints celebrates this work and shares effective practice to help protect, promote and improve animal welfare, and create a better world for every kind." 

More information about animal licensing.

Published on: 16 September 2026