The Dogs Trust Spreads Xmas Joy

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For the past twenty years every holiday season the charity Dogs Trust brings some festive cheer for homeless dogs through its Hope Project, and this Xmas will be no exception. They will be distributing hampers of coats, blankets, collars, leads, treats and toys, to dogs and their owners.

The Dogs Trust set up the Hope Project in 1995 to provide support for rough sleepers who were also dog owners. They also offer free and subsidised veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are homeless or living in temporary accommodation.

Clare Kivlehan, Dogs Trust Hope Project manager, said: “Everyone knows that the bond between a dog and its owner is a strong one but for homeless people their dog can often be their only friend.”

“Christmas can be an especially difficult and lonely time for people in housing crisis so we’re delighted to be able to distribute these hampers to help make Christmas happier for them and their dogs and it is amazing that this year we will be able to reach over 1200 dogs.”

“With 82% of homeless people saying that their dog is their best friend, we are proud to have provided our Christmas parcel service, as well as essential and life-saving veterinary care, to thousands of dogs over the years.”

Over the past 20 years, the Hope Project has grown from one solitary veterinary clinic in London to a nationwide scheme offering help and support to homeless people and their dogs in 107 towns and cities across the UK.

Here are some of the things they have achieved over the past 20 years:

  • They support almost 600 dogs a year, which has changed the lives of thousands of dogs over the past 20 years
  • They work with 257 homelessness organisations and 136 veterinary practices to deliver this essential service
  • With the help of participating veterinary practices, they now fund more than 1700 treatments each year
  • The Hope Project has grown from one veterinary clinic in London to 107 schemes running in towns and cities across the UK
  • Our Christmas parcel service delivers essential supplies as well as festive cheer to more than 1200 dogs each December

As well as distributing Christmas hampers and offering free and subsidised veterinary treatments, the Hope Project encourages homelessness hostels and day centres to accept clients with dogs and helps them put in place practical guidelines.