Dogs Trust delivers festive cheer to homelessness services across the South West
This Christmas, with increased demand for support, Dogs Trust is sending out gift parcels to homelessness services across the South West, bringing festive cheer to dog owners affected by homelessness.
Each year, through Together Through Homelessness, Dogs Trust aims to bring festive cheer to the dogs of people experiencing homelessness by delivering parcels filled with collars, leads, coats and treats to homelessness services across the UK, to share with owners and their four-legged companions.
This year, more than 2,400 parcels will be delivered to 305 homelessness services across the UK, all working to support people and their pets in staying together and accessing the help they need. One of these services is Michael House, who support people experiencing homelessness across Bournemouth and the South West.
Mark Horsford, Chief Executive at Michael House, said: "Thanks so much to Dogs Trust for providing these wonderful gifts for the people accessing our services and their pets this Christmas.
"Dogs play such an important role in the lives of so many, bringing them much joy and helping improve their overall well-being. To be able to acknowledge how much support they give to people with a little gift is a wonderful thing to do."
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.
James Hickman, Head of Outreach Projects at Dogs Trust, said: "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 as services prepare to support people and their pets next Christmas too.
To support Dogs Trust's Together Through Homelessness and help dogs and their owners who are experiencing homelessness, visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/ways-to-give/hope-donate.
