Norman
A huge tumour meant 11-year-old Norman could barely lift his head. We knew he must have been in a lot of pain.
Read Norman's story
Our Christmas appeal: help pets in need with a gift or donation
While most of us are getting ready to celebrate, December is one of our busiest months. More stray and abandoned pets arrive, and many will spend Christmas Day with us. Your gift means every one of them is warm, safe and loved this festive season.
Christmas gifts that help pets
Give someone special a Christmas gift that helps animals in our care: a dog sponsorship, a Christmas card or a virtual gift for a pet waiting for their new home.
Sponsor a dog, cat or small pet as a Christmas gift
Give a friend or family member a dog, cat or small pet sponsorship this Christmas. An animal sponsorship gift starts at £6.50 a month. They’ll receive a welcome pack in the post with a sponsorship certificate, a folder for photos and updates, magnets and a car window sticker, plus regular updates about their sponsored pet. Want to surprise them on the day? Send an instant e-card so they know their gift is on its way.
Virtual Christmas gifts for pets in our care
Choose a gift for a pet waiting for their new home, from a new toy and treat (£10) or kitten replacer milk (£15) to a welcome kit for a cat (£25) or dog (£35), a veterinary health check (£60) or a life-saving operation (£180). To ensure we’re using your support in the best possible way for our pets, we’ll use your virtual gift to cover the cost wherever the need is greatest at the time.
This year's Christmas appeal
This Christmas, we’re raising money for older pets. No matter the cost, their age and the scars they carry, older pets deserve to feel loved and cared for. Your donation helps us give them the vet care, food and comfort they need while they wait for a new home.
Meet the pets you’re helping this Christmas
Miller
Poor Miller was in a lot of pain. This sweet boy had waited so long for someone to help him.
Read Miller's story
Rusty
9-year-old lurcher Rusty was brought to Woodgreen by a worried farmer after being found alone in a field.
Read Rusty's story
Terry
When eight-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Terry arrived at Woodgreen after being relinquished by his owner, it was immediately obvious something was wrong.
Read Terry's story
Why support Woodgreen?
Our team works tirelessly to provide safe shelter, specialist care, and a brighter future for thousands of dogs, cats and small pets. Whatever the reason for a pet coming to us, we don’t turn them away.
At Woodgreen, our priority is to help every animal, no matter what their background or how challenging their care.
You might have seen our team on Channel 4’s The Dog House, matching dogs with new owners at our centre in Godmanchester.
In the past year, thanks to our supporters:
1,884
pets taken directly into our care
1,588
pets rehomed
5,744
pets helped in their homes
220,000
people reached with our advice and support
We receive no government funding, so everything we do is possible because of people like you.
More ways to support Woodgreen this Christmas
Christmas Carol Concert
Join us at St Mary the Virgin Church in Godmanchester for an evening of carols with the Continuum Choir and special guests from Woodgreen.
Book tickets
Christmas raffle
Tickets are £1 each in books of 10, with 100 cash prizes and the draw in December.
Request raffle tickets
Charity Christmas cards
Send festive wishes and support pets at the same time. Two packs for £5.50 (early bird discount!).
Shop Christmas cards
Shop online
Find unique gifts in our eBay shop, where all profit supports our work.
Visit our eBay shop
Christmas gift and donation FAQs
Can I sponsor a dog as a Christmas gift?
Can I sponsor a dog as a Christmas gift?
Yes. You can gift a dog, cat or small pet sponsorship to anyone aged 18 or over. They’ll receive a sponsorship pack with a certificate in the post, and you can send an e-card so they know their gift is on its way.
How much does it cost to sponsor a dog?
How much does it cost to sponsor a dog?
A dog, cat or small pet sponsorship starts at £6.50 a month, or £78 as a single gift. Every sponsorship comes with a welcome pack and regular updates about the sponsored pet.
What's in a gift sponsorship pack?
What's in a gift sponsorship pack?
The pack includes a sponsorship certificate, a folder for photos and updates, magnets and a car window sticker. The recipient also gets regular postal updates, and optional email updates, with photos and videos of their sponsored pet.
How can I support an animal charity at Christmas?
How can I support an animal charity at Christmas?
You can donate to our Christmas appeal, gift a pet sponsorship or virtual gift, buy our charity Christmas cards, enter our Christmas raffle or join our Christmas Carol Concert.
Can I donate by phone or post?
Can I donate by phone or post?
Yes. Call our donation hotline on 0300 303 9876 and select option 2 (open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week). To donate by post, call 0300 303 9876 and select option 3 for a donation form, then send it to FREEPOST WOOD GREEN, with no stamp needed.
Can I gift a sponsorship to a child?
Can I gift a sponsorship to a child?
Gift sponsorships can only be given to people aged 18 and over.
Can I gift more than one sponsorship?
Can I gift more than one sponsorship?
Online, you can gift one sponsorship type to one person. To gift several, contact our Supporter Relations team on 0300 303 9876 (option 3).
Can I arrange for the sponsorship pack to arrive on a specific date?
Can I arrange for the sponsorship pack to arrive on a specific date?
You can send an e-card with a personal message to your gift recipient straight away. We’re unable to arrange delivery of the sponsorship pack on a specific day.
More questions? See our donation FAQs