A Moment of Paw-se: Should You Get a Puppy for Christmas?

We absolutely adore puppies (and dogs of all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes) here at Brentwood Bubbles ’n’ Barks. But because we are also part of Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, we see first-hand the wave of dogs being surrendered or abandoned across the UK. That’s why we want to put a gentle but firm plea out this festive season: please think carefully before buying a puppy for Christmas.

The hidden cost: abandonment, shelter pressure and heartbreak

• There are around 1000 animal shelters in the UK, and last year alone, over 47,000 people contacted one of those UK dog charities about giving up their dog. At Hopefield we are asked to take at least 2-5 dogs per week despite not being a dog rescue. Sadly, like many other shelters, we are over capacity already.

• Data for 2023–2024 shows that local authorities across the UK handled an estimated 36,965 dogs — a worrying increase compared with previous years.

• Sadly, many of those dogs were never reunited with their original owners. In that same period, just 39% of dogs taken in by local authority dog wardens were returned to their families.

These numbers paint a stark picture. Impulse purchases, festive gifts, or well-meaning Christmas surprises can quickly turn into heartbreak — for the dog, and for everyone involved.

What we’ve learnt at Hopefield — and what we hope you’ll remember

At Hopefield, our capacity is under huge strain. We — like so many other rescues across the UK — are already overwhelmed. Dogs are arriving faster than ever before, often needing intensive care, training, socialisation, and sometimes long-term help. We offer a forever home for our animals at Hopefield, so we won't rehome the dogs that we do have here. We are unable to take any more due to space and resource issues.

The stark truth is that there is no happy ending for many dogs who end up in a shelter around the UK. When a puppy is bought on a whim — whether as a Christmas present or not— there’s a risk it becomes yet another dog added to those heartbreaking statistics.

What a thoughtful alternative could look like

• Wait, research, and prepare — now may not be the right time for a new puppy; consider whether your lifestyle, finances, and long-term commitment are ready for it.

• Adopt responsibly (when you’re ready) — every dog deserves a loving home, but adopting a dog requires time, patience and commitment. It's awful for a dog to end up in a shelter, but even more heartbreaking for the ones returned. Many rescues are crying out for foster families, which is a great way to discover if your family really are ready for the responsibility, but without the committment.

• Support rescues instead — you can donate, volunteer or foster. Sometimes that’s far more valuable than buying a puppy. Most smaller animal charities (including Hopefield) are entirely dependent on public support and donations.

  
  

Please don’t buy a puppy for Christmas

We get it: a wriggly, sleepy puppy on Christmas morning seems magical. But all too often that magic fades fast — and is replaced by loneliness, fear, abandonment or the heartbreak of being given up. Instead of backing a trend or impulse, let’s try to be thoughtful.

If you’re serious about giving a dog a home, do your homework — and if you’re not sure, consider waiting, adopting an older dog, or helping in other ways. Every mindful decision helps protect the dogs that truly need stability, care, and love.

From everyone at Brentwood Bubbles ’n’ Barks and Hopefield Animal Sanctuary — thank you for caring, and for standing with us for every wagging tail that needs it.