How Dog Lovers Can Support Rehoming Charities This Christmas

During the festive season, while many are enjoying time off and celebrations, the hardworking staff and volunteers at dog rehoming charities continue their vital work. These centres care for dogs daily, with no holidays from feeding, walking, or medical needs — especially over Christmas when the pressure often intensifies.

Importantly, most shelters choose not to rehome dogs during December to avoid encouraging pets as seasonal gifts and to prevent potential remorse in the New Year, making this a particularly challenging time as more dogs continue to arrive without others leaving.

If you love dogs or simply care about animal welfare, there are many meaningful ways you can support rehoming charities this Christmas, whether you have a bit of time or money to spare. In this article, we explore practical ideas to help you make a positive difference.

Why Do Rehoming Charities Need Extra Support at Christmas?

Rehoming centres face increased demands in the festive period. With no rehoming during December and often some staff on holiday, fewer hands are available while needs grow. This results in stretched resources for space, care, and funding.

Dogs coming into shelters remain in need of daily essential care such as feeding, cleaning, socialisation, exercise, and medical attention, which requires continuous volunteer and staff commitment despite the holiday season.

8 Ways Dog Lovers Can Support Rehoming Charities This Christmas

1. Donate Supplies and Gifts

Many shelters maintain wish lists with online retailers or local donation points for essential items like blankets, towels, toys, and quality food. Donating these items — especially warm bedding in winter — helps improve the dogs’ comfort and wellbeing during the colder months.

2. Give a Cash Donation

Financial contributions are invaluable. Whether one-off donations or regular standing orders, funds provide charities with flexibility to cover urgent expenses such as veterinary care, facility upkeep, and additional dog food during busy periods.

3. Volunteer Your Time

Giving your time is one of the most impactful ways to help. Shelters often struggle for volunteers during Christmas, especially on public holidays. Even a few hours walking dogs, socialising them, or assisting with chores can lighten the load significantly.

4. Support Through Charity Shopping

Choose to buy charity Christmas cards and gifts, or use shopping portals linked to shelters that donate a percentage from your purchases. These small actions create ongoing support and often cost no extra to you.

5. Spread Awareness

Use your social media and community networks to highlight local dog charities’ efforts and needs. Raising awareness can increase donations, attract volunteers, and encourage dog adoption inquiries, helping more dogs find forever homes.

6. Offer Practical Help Beyond Holidays

If you cannot volunteer during peak days, consider helping at charity shops, manning stalls, or offering transport for dogs to vet appointments or foster homes. Such assistance supports the charity’s overall operations during the busy season.

7. Provide Foster Care

Some organisations seek temporary foster carers for dogs needing a calm home environment before adoption. If you have the space and ability, fostering frees up shelter resources and gives dogs vital socialisation and comfort.

8. Consider Adoption Responsibly After Christmas

If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, look into adoption after the busy holiday season. This thoughtful timing helps ensure the dog and family can settle without the added stress and distractions of festive upheaval.

For those looking to find a puppy or adopt a dog, always choose reputable breeders or recognised rehoming charities committed to ethical and responsible pet care.

Supporting Local Dog Charities is a Gift That Lasts

Your kindness this Christmas — whether through money, time, or raising awareness — profoundly supports dog rehoming charities when they need it most. Their ongoing work helps vulnerable dogs find safe, loving homes and enjoy the care they deserve all year round.

Partnering with these charities not only benefits dogs but also enriches communities with compassion and responsibility. This Christmas, consider these practical ways to help and make a lasting positive impact for our four-legged friends.