A HOUSING association has retained its coveted award from a national animal welfare organisation.

The RSPCA’s Community Animal Welfare Footprint (CAWF)has been won by Hanover Housing Association, who manage properties and estates for older people in Chandler’s Ford as well as across the country.

It’s the seventh time in a row that the housing organisation has picked up the award.

The association says it looks to preserve the bond between people and pets as much as possible, recognising the benefits pets can bring to the health and wellbeing of owners and residents.

The award, which began in 2008, is designed to celebrate, promote and reward the work of housing providers and other bodies that have an impact on improving animal welfare.

Rachel Williams, senior parliamentary advisor at the RSPCA, said the benefits of pets being owned responsibly by older people are well known.

She said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Hanover to have retained their aware for a seventh year in a row.

“The benefits of responsible pet ownership to older people are well known and recognised, so Hanover’s commitment to allowing their residents to keep pets is really important and something we’re thrilled to be able to recognise with a CAWF award yet again.”

It’s estimated that 12 million households across the UK have pets, and Hanover is the only national housing association to be awarded the RSPCA CAWF for its contribution to improving animal welfare.

Nick Sedgwick, director of service development at Hanover, said: “Hanover is proud of the fact that around half of our estates have pets and more than 1,200 of our residents are pet owners.

“We are committed to ensuring that wherever possible, pets are welcome across each estate.

“Nobody wants to break up a relationship with someone’s beloved pet, which is why we aim to take positive steps to encourage and ensure responsible pet ownership in all our properties.”

According to Hanover, studies have found that companion animals can also help to lower blood pressure and regulate heart rate during stressful situations.