THIS Christmas – with increased demand for support – Dogs Trust has sent out gift parcels to homelessness services across Yorkshire.
Each year – through Together Through Homelessness – our charity aims to bring festive cheer to the dogs of people experiencing homelessness by delivering parcels filled with collars, leads, coats and treats to services UK-wide – to share with owners and their four-legged companions. This year, more than 2,400 parcels have been delivered to 305 homelessness services across the UK.
For over 30 years, Together Through Homelessness has been helping people experiencing homelessness access support for their dogs, keeping more owners and their canine companions together. Alongside sending out Christmas parcels, the charity offers free veterinary treatments for dogs whose owners are experiencing homelessness and supports homelessness services to become dog-friendly.
For many dog owners experiencing homelessness, their four-legged companion is far more than a pet – they are family. Every year, our Together Through Homelessness team delivers Christmas parcels to people without a home and their loyal dogs, and owners consistently tell us how important it is to be able to share this small moment of joy with their animals.
As homelessness continues to rise in the UK, and as dog owners still face significant barriers to accessing pet-friendly accommodation, our work has never been more vital. No one should ever be forced to choose between their dog and somewhere safe to sleep. We’re proud to support people and their pets, especially at this time of year.
Since Together Through Homelessness began, it has helped 93 homelessness services to become pet-friendly, enabling more owners and their dogs to access essential services, and has funded over 33,000 treatments for over 11,500 dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Dogs Trust is calling on the public to support Together Through Homelessness this Christmas. Donations will help ensure that even more dogs and their owners can receive essential items and veterinary care, not only during this festive season, but throughout the year.
To help, visit dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/ways-to-give/hope-donate. Thank you.
James Hickman, head of outreach projects, Dogs Trust
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