Our Christmas Wish List
How You Can Help Support the Animals in Our Care This Festive Season
As Christmas approaches, life at the shelter becomes especially busy. While the festive period is filled with excitement for many, the dogs and cats spending the holidays with us rely completely on the kindness of our community to make this time of year feel warm, comforting, and safe. Every December, our supporters come together in the most remarkable way, helping us provide not only the essentials that keep the shelter running, but also those extra touches that make Christmas special for our animals.
We care for lost, stray and unwanted cats and dogs from across Bolton, offering them warmth, safety and a second chance. Our non-destruction policy and commitment to neutering every animal we rehome ensures that each dog or cat who comes through our doors is given the very best opportunity for a brighter future. But we can only do this with the generosity of those who support us.
Once again, we are launching our annual Christmas Appeal, an essential campaign that allows us to continue our work throughout the year. The donations we receive at Christmas genuinely make a difference well beyond December, helping us provide enrichment, comfort, food, medical care and daily essentials for the animals who need us most.
What We Need for the Animals This Christmas
Each year we share a list of the items that help us give our dogs and cats the best possible care. These donations support their wellbeing, aid their rehabilitation, and bring them simple comforts while they wait for their forever homes.
For Our Dogs
Adaptil collars (all sizes)
Butchers tripe loaf
Natural, grain-free dog treats
Grain-free adult kibble
Halti harnesses and leads
Pet Remedy spray
Interactive feeders
Benebones
Zylkene supplement
Pro-Fibre
Fabric buster collars
Gastrointestinal dog food
Slip leads
For Our Cats
Hide-away beds
Scratch pads or poles
Non-slip metal bowls (all sizes)
Easy-access litter trays
Cat toys
FortiFlora or probiotic paste
Fabric buster collars
Feliway plug-ins
Gastrointestinal food
MDC carriers
Pill Assist
Flea combs
Wet and dry food (all brands, all ages)
Wooden pellet cat litter
For the Shelter
The smooth running of the shelter requires a large number of everyday essentials, all of which contribute directly to the standard of care we provide.
Safe4
Heavy-duty bin bags
Dustpans and brushes (including long-handled)
Gloves
Heavy-duty brushes
Anigene
Blue roll
Squeegee brushes
A4 paper
Plastic aprons
Plastic bottles
Milton sterilising fluid
Larger Items Needed This Year
This Christmas, we are also seeking two larger items that will help significantly with the daily running of our centre:
A working tumble dryer
A freezer
If you are able to help with either, or know someone who may be replacing or upgrading theirs, we would be extremely grateful.
- Bedding
We are always in need of blankets, towels, bedding covers and throws.
Please note we cannot accept duvets or pillows.
Every donation, large or small, helps us make Christmas brighter for the animals in our care. We are always overwhelmed by the support from our community, and we encourage anyone planning a collection to let us know. Your kindness truly keeps us going.
Our 2026 Destitute Animal Shelter Calendar
Alongside our Christmas Appeal, we are delighted to announce the arrival of our 2026 calendars. Each month features one of twelve animals adopted from our shelter, photographed alongside twelve local businesses who generously support our work.
Purchasing a calendar helps raise vital funds and directly supports the dogs and cats who rely on us.
£7 per calendar
UK delivery available for £5
(To arrange delivery, please email office@destituteanimalshelter.org.uk or message us with your address and quantity. We will send payment details.)
Calendars are available at:
The Destitute Animal Shelter
Our Charity Shop
Vanity Fur in Horwich
They can also be ordered online via Rainbow Bridge at:
https://www.rainbowbridgepetfunerals.co.uk/urns-and-caskets
These calendars make wonderful gifts while supporting a cause rooted in compassion.
Thank You
This Christmas, your donations help us provide warmth, nourishment and comfort to the animals who need it most. Thank you for helping us continue this work and for making the festive season a little brighter for every dog and cat in our care.
