Within the UK it is estimated that 100,000 dogs and cats are without a loving home, either in shelters or strays on the street. With Christmas around the corner, it is the perfect time to donate to charity and help the community in the spirit of togetherness. 

Many families decide a pet would be a perfect Christmas present, but a lot of cats and dogs are returned later in the year when they become “too much responsibility” as people may not understand the amount of time animals need. 

To help with the increase in animals within shelters that are already at their limit, there are charity events called Santa Paws around the country to encourage people to support a variety of causes. 

In 2019 nearly £2,000,000 was raised at the Pets at Home Santa Paws appeal, allowing for new equipment and a continuation of their work with animals. Other organisations have more specific causes, such as training hearing dogs for deaf people which support them with their disabilities. 

Hearing dogs are used to alert their owners about sounds they would usually miss, this can be from the doorbell, alarms and phone but can also help with devices that help us identify hazards, such as a fire alarm, potentially saving lives.

They encourage people to hold Santa Paws events such as a coffee morning or a bake sale, you can make the event as big or as small as you want and every little helps for this organisation. 

Christmas is a time about coming together as a community so it’s the perfect opportunity to get involved and have fun doing so. 

Get involved in helping charities and raise money for this wonderful cause, you can help change an animal’s life.