Dogs Trust supports West Berkshire homeless and their pets this Christmas
The UK's largest dog welfare charity is asking people to consider the dogs of people experiencing homelessness when writing to Santa this year.
This year, the Hope Project expects to deliver more than 2,000 Christmas parcels to dogs and their owners across the UK; a 24% increase in the number of parcels distributed in 2021.
Over the next few weeks, Christmas parcels will be delivered to homelessness services at Newbury Soup Kitchen.
Every Christmas, through its Hope Project, Dogs Trust brings festive cheer to the dogs of people experiencing homelessness by distributing canine hampers of collars, leads, coats, treats and toys to dogs and their owners.
Dogs Trust has been running the unique Hope Project for over 25 years and along with Christmas gifts, it provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis.
Dogs Trust pets and housing manager, Harriet Page said: "Everyone knows the bond between a dog and its owner is a strong one, but for people experiencing homelessness, the bond is often unbreakable.
"Christmas can be an especially difficult and lonely time for people in housing crisis. However, thanks to the generosity of Dogs Trust supporters, this year we will be able to help over 2,000 celebrate Christmas and support them into the New Year and beyond, so that more dogs can stay with their owners, regardless of their housing situation."
Homelessness organisations or veterinary surgeries interested in finding out more information about the scheme should call Dogs Trust on 020 7837 0006 or email hopeproject@dogstrust.org.uk.
This scheme and other vital services provided by Dogs Trust are only made possible thanks to the generosity of the charity's supporters. Please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/hopeforchristmas if you want to help even more dogs benefit from services like the Hope Project.
Along with distributing Christmas hampers and offering free veterinary treatments, the Hope Project supports homelessness services to accept and implement practical guidelines for clients with dogs.
