Support Adoption For Pets has launched its annual Santa Paws appeal to raise funds for pets spending Christmas in a rescue centre.

The appeal, which runs until Christmas Eve, is raising money to help pay for essential vet bills and care costs over the festive period. Support Adoption For Pets is the UK’s largest grant giving pet charity.

The Santa Paws appeal marks the final fundraising event of 2019 for Support Adoption For Pets, which launched its Charity of the Year programme earlier this year.

Over the course of the year, rescue centres across the UK have been building close relationships with their local Pets at Home stores, working together to raise vital funds for the rescues, kicking off with a Summer Fundraiser, which raised more than £683,000 in May and June.

Amy Wilson, fundraising manager at Support Adoption For Pets, said: “Every year we are amazed by the generosity of Pets at Home customers and pet owners, and we are delighted to be able to launch the Santa Paws appeal once again.

“We hope that people will spare a moment’s thought for those pets who sadly find themselves without a home for Christmas this year. Every donation helps, and giving as little as just 50p can make a huge difference to a rescue pet.”

She added: “It is our mission to ensure that no pet in a rescue centre gets forgotten about, not just at Christmas but all year round, and we’re pleased that our Charity of the Year program has allowed rehoming centres across the UK to raise awareness of their work and the pets in their care who are looking for a loving forever home.”