Dog lovers urged to ‘Donate a Dinner’ to help feed rescue animals

Animal lovers across the UK are being urged to donate just one meal to help rescue centres feed the animals in their care.

Naturewatch Foundation has launched its annual Donate a Dinner campaign ahead of World Animal Day on Sunday 4 October.

Individuals, families, schools, workplaces and community groups can support the appeal by donating a tin or packet of pet food, purchasing an item from a rescue centre’s wishlist or giving the cost of a meal.

Supporters can also organise collections among friends, relatives, colleagues or members of their local community.

Rescue centres across the UK provide food, shelter and care every day for animals waiting to find loving new homes.

But rising costs and increasing numbers of animals needing help are placing many organisations under growing pressure.

Teckels Animal Sanctuaries in Gloucestershire has been chosen as Naturewatch Foundation’s official charity partner for the 2026 campaign.

To launch the appeal, Naturewatch Foundation donated a dinner for all 42 animals currently in Teckels’ care and waiting for their forever homes.

They include Paula, Pearl and Podge, three Pomeranians rescued from a property where around 120 dogs were being kept.

The trio, believed to be between eight and eleven years old, had never experienced something as simple as going for a walk before arriving at the sanctuary.

Chelsea Rogers, Social Media Manager at Teckels Animal Sanctuaries, said: “We are honoured to be the chosen charity partner for Naturewatch Foundation's 2026 Donate a Dinner campaign. The rising cost of living has had a significant impact on Teckels, making support initiatives like this more important than ever.

“…This campaign provides invaluable support for animal rescues, and we encourage everyone to get involved and show their support! A huge thank you to Naturewatch Foundation for their extremely generous donation of £100 to feed our rescues!”

Teckels is one of more than 20 rescue organisations across the UK taking part in Donate a Dinner this year.

Other participating rescues include Animal Concern Cumbria, Bath Dogs and Cats Home, Greenacres Rescue in Pembrokeshire, Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary in Bristol, Leicester Animal Aid, Margaret Green Animal Rescue in Dorset and Devon, Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, RSPCA branches in London, Coventry and Manchester & Salford, and Saints Sled Dog Rescue in County Durham.

People are being encouraged to check what their chosen rescue needs most before making a donation.

Many organisations have online wishlists or donation pages, while others welcome physical donations of food and essential supplies.

Sarah Carr, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation, said: “Donate a Dinner is such a simple but meaningful way for people to show kindness to animals. Rescue centres provide a lifeline for thousands of animals every year. This World Animal Day, we’re encouraging people across the UK to find their local rescue, and show how much we care for animals who need a meal as well as a home.”

Donations can be made in the lead-up to or on World Animal Day on 4 October.

Supporters are also invited to share photographs and details of their Donate a Dinner activities on social media using the hashtags #DonateADinner and #WorldAnimalDay to inspire others to take part.

For more information about Donate a Dinner and how to get involved, visit naturewatch.org