Dogs and their owners experiencing homelessness across the Northwest are set to receive some festive joy this Christmas, thanks to Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness scheme.
With demand for support continuing to rise, the charity is delivering gift parcels to homelessness services throughout the region, helping to bring comfort to dog owners facing the uncertainty of life without stable accommodation.
Every year, Dogs Trust sends out thousands of Christmas parcels filled with collars, leads, coats, and treats to homelessness organisations across the UK. This year, more than 2,400 parcels will reach 305 services, including The Brick, which supports people experiencing homelessness across Wigan and the wider Northwest. Nationally, parcels also include more than 1,200 balls and 1,250 toys, adding an extra touch of joy for the dogs spending Christmas without secure housing.
Michelle Smith, Independent Living Mentor at The Brick, expressed her gratitude for the support: “We are really grateful to Dogs Trust for providing our four-legged residents with presents this Christmas. All the dogs we have with us have experienced homelessness at some point with their owner, so for them to get a little treat is very heartwarming.”
For over 30 years, Together Through Homelessness has helped people experiencing homelessness access vital support for their dogs. The initiative provides free veterinary treatments, supplies essential pet items, and works with homelessness services to help them become dog friendly. So far, the programme has helped 93 homelessness services adapt to welcome pets and funded more than 33,000 treatments for over 11,500 dogs.
James Hickman, Head of Outreach Projects at Dogs Trust, said the scheme plays a crucial role in keeping owners and their pets together: “For many dog owners experiencing homelessness, their four-legged companion is far more than a pet – they are family. Owners consistently tell us how important it is to share this small moment of joy with their animals. As homelessness continues to rise, our work has never been more vital. No one should ever be forced to choose between their dog and somewhere safe to sleep.”
Dogs Trust is calling on the public to support the scheme this Christmas to ensure more dogs and their owners can receive essential items and veterinary care throughout the year.
To donate to Together Through Homelessness and help people and their pets this Christmas and beyond, visit dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/ways-to-give/hope-donate.
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