Battersea dogs and cats to have a Merry Christmas

Ambassadors Danyl Johnson and Judie McCourt visited Battersea to celebrate the season and meet some of the animals looking for a home to call their own in time for Christmas.

Every day is made special for the animals at Battersea, but at Christmas time, Battersea’s dedicated staff and volunteers go above and beyond to make sure the dogs and cats in its care have a magical day.

To help spread the festive cheer, Danyl and Judie delivered gleeful gifts to the animals, including seven-month-old Cocker Spaniel Cinnamon who came to Battersea as a stray but loves playing games with the kennel team, especially fetch and hide and seek with toys. . They also met twelve-year-old Kato, a charming three-legged Domestic Short Hair cat who loves nothing more than some fuss from the Battersea cattery staff.

Later in the day, Danyl and Judie met with Canine Behaviour and Training Advisor, Ella Addison, who taught them some basic dog training. With the assistance of one-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, Poe, Danyl and Judie got to work teaching him important skills like ‘wait’ and ‘sit’, which Battersea finds helps canine companions to lead happy and healthy lives, build their confidence and provides mental stimulation.

Talking about the visit, Danyl Johnson said;

“It was an absolute treat to visit all the gorgeous cats and dogs at Battersea. The team take such amazing care of all the animals, and I’ve definitely picked up some tip tops for playing with and training my own dog Lois.”

Ella Addison, Canine Behaviour and Training Advisor at Battersea, said:

“We are so grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have played a vital role in supporting Battersea’s work and helping us be here for every dog and cat. With their help, we can give the dogs and cats in our care a special Christmas and a well-deserved fuss, whether that’s with a tasty treat, a new toy or a warm lap for them to curl up on after a day of fun.”

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £5 million in funding for the much-loved charity since 2014.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:

“Players are providing vitally important support to Battersea, allowing them to continue rescuing, reuniting and rehoming dogs and cats in need.

“For over 160 years Battersea have helped more than 3.1 million dogs and cats and I’m delighted that players are a part of Battersea’s history and will continue to be a part of their future.”

Over the past eight years, the incredible funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery has helped Battersea to deliver many different areas of its work, including supporting the charity’s Volunteering, Fostering and Communities teams which are vital in helping Battersea be there for every dog and cat. From making sure that Battersea could pull out all the stops to make this Christmas memorable to encouraging responsible pet ownership, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have ensured that Battersea can make a real lasting difference for dogs and cats everywhere.