Christmas is a time when many of us look for meaningful ways to give something back. While we’re busy preparing festive meals, searching for the perfect gifts, and gathering with loved ones, it’s worth remembering that the Christmas season can be a challenging time for animals. Winter brings cold weather, fewer daylight hours, and heightened pressures on animal charities across the UK, from shelters and rescue centres to wildlife organisations. 

As a vet working within the animal charity sector, I’m fortunate to see firsthand the incredible compassion people show animals year-round. But Christmas truly brings out the best in us, and even small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. Whether you share your home with pets, care about wildlife, or simply want to support a cause close to your heart, here are some thoughtful and festive ways to give something back to animals this Christmas. 

Support local animal charities with a gift that really counts 

Rescue and rehoming charities like Cats Protection, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross and many other dog, cat, small animal, horse, and wildlife charities, see an increase in demand every winter. Rising costs of living, unexpected veterinary bills, and changes in personal circumstances often lead to more animals needing help at this time of year. 

How you can make a difference: 

Donate funds:  

Even a few pounds helps pay for essentials such as food, veterinary care, warm bedding and toys. Many charities offer monthly giving options that create ongoing support long after Christmas is over. 

Here are a few examples: 

Sponsor a cat cabin | Battersea Dogs & Cats Home 

Animal Donations: Donate To Pet Charity | Woodgreen Pets Charity 

Monthly Donations – PDSA 

Buy charity Christmas cards:  

Purchasing Christmas cards from an animal charity will help to support their vital work. 

Give in memory or as a gift:  

Some organisations allow you to donate in someone else’s name, which can be a lovely alternative to traditional Christmas presents for animal lovers. 

Monetary donations may not seem as tangible as dropping off a bag of food, but they often have the greatest impact because charities can direct them where they’re needed most. 

Purchase something from a charity’s Christmas wish list 

Many animal charities publish “wish lists” during the festive period, featuring items they need to care for the animals in their care. This is a simple, joyful way to know that your contribution will be used immediately and directly. 

Wish lists often include: 

  • High-quality wet and dry food 
  • Blankets, fleeces, or bedding 
  • Toys that encourage play and reduce stress 
  • Scratching posts 
  • Pet carriers 
  • Treats for training and enrichment 

Rain Rescue, for example, relies heavily on donated toys, bedding, and food. Wildlife Aid Foundation has an Amazon wish list to help support the care of wildlife in the UK. And you can choose a rescued horse or pony to buy a gift for at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. 

Donating a gift from a wish list can feel a bit like being Santa for animals who deserve comfort and joy just as much as we do. 

Volunteer your time 

Time is one of the most precious gifts you can give at Christmas. Volunteers are the backbone of animal charities, helping with: 

  • Animal care and socialisation 
  • Transporting animals to the vets or foster homes 
  • Fundraising and events 
  • Administrative support 
  • Fostering cats, dogs, rabbits, or other animals temporarily 

Even a few hours a month of volunteering can ease the pressure on busy teams.  

If you love animals but can’t commit to adoption, fostering can be especially rewarding. By fostering, you’ll be offering a safe, warm environment to an animal who may be struggling in a busy shelter environment over the winter months. 

The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes has a directory of charities who would love to hear from potential volunteers. Why not check the directory to find a charity near you? 

Spread kindness in your community 

Giving back doesn’t need to be formal. Small local actions can have a meaningful impact. 

Here are some festive, community-minded ideas: 

Help a neighbour with their pet:  

Offer to take a dog for a walk, pop in to check on a cat while someone is away, or help an elderly neighbour get to the vet. 

Create a wildlife-friendly garden:  

Leave fresh water out for birds, set up a hedgehog-friendly feeding station, or create shelter using wood piles or leaf heaps. 

Be mindful with firework celebrations:  

New Year’s fireworks can be distressing for pets and wildlife. Let neighbours know your plans and choose quieter, animal-friendly alternatives where possible. 

Adopt, if it’s the right time 

There’s a common myth that animal charities don’t allow adoptions at Christmas. In reality, most continue adopting throughout December, but emphasise careful planning and responsible ownership. What charities want to avoid are surprise Christmas pets that may later be surrendered when the novelty wears off. 

If you’re genuinely ready for a new companion: 

  • Spend time talking with charity staff about your lifestyle and what you can offer. 
  • Make sure the whole household is prepared and committed. 
  • Consider adopting an older animal, a long-term resident, or one with special needs; the animals who are so often overlooked. 

Choose ethical, animal-friendly gifts 

A thoughtful Christmas can also be a compassionate one. Consider: 

Sustainable, cruelty-free gifts 

Eco-friendly toys, plant-based treats, or cruelty-free beauty products reduce harm to animals and the environment. 

Experiences or nature gifts 

Gifts that encourage connection with nature, wildlife, or sustainable living, for example, donating towards wildlife sanctuaries, buying a bird / bee / bee-hotel for a garden, or gifting memberships to nature organisations.  

Consider a legacy gift for the future 

For many people, Christmas prompts reflection about the things that truly matter. Some choose to give a legacy gift to an animal charity in their will. While it’s a sensitive subject, these gifts provide long-term stability for charities and ensure that your compassion continues to help animals for years to come. 

Even a modest legacy can fund vital veterinary treatment, behavioural support, or the care of animals who need help. 

Educate, advocate, and share the message 

One of the easiest ways to support animals at Christmas is simply by raising awareness. 

You can: 

  • Share social media posts from local shelters or rescues 
  • Talk to friends and family about responsible pet care 
  • Encourage others to adopt, volunteer, or donate 
  • Celebrate positive stories from animal charities 

Social media can amplify compassion. A single share might help a rescue animal find a loving home. 

Show your own pets some extra festive care 

Christmas can be overwhelming for animals living in our homes too. While giving back to charity animals is wonderful, looking after our own pets is equally important. 

A few seasonal reminders: 

  • Keep toxic foods like chocolate, raisins, onions, and alcohol well away from pets. 
  • Provide safe, quiet spaces where they can retreat from guests or celebrations. 
  • Offer enrichment toys to reduce boredom during busy days. 
  • Stick to routines when possible. Familiar patterns help pets feel secure. 

You can find more tips in our previous article: How to Have a Pet-Friendly Christmas Day – Vet Help Direct 

And finally… 

Giving something back to animals at Christmas doesn’t have to be a grand gesture.  Whether you donate a blanket, buy a charity Christmas card, volunteer your time, share an adoption post, or simply make space in your heart for animals in need, your actions matter deeply. 

Working in the animal charity sector, I see every day how much these contributions mean. From the cat curled up in a warm foster home, to the stray who finally receives medical treatment, these small victories are powered by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. 

This Christmas we can all join in and make the festive season a little brighter for the animals who bring so much joy to our lives. 

Wishing you and all the animals you care about a warm, peaceful, and compassionate Christmas.