You can have a fabulous Christmas with your family and your pets, without splashing the cash – and we’ve got top tips for you.

Results from the RSPCA’s Kindness Index found that 78% of people are finding it more expensive to look after their pet and 49% are worried about being able to afford vet bills.

So, with five weeks to go until Christmas, the RSPCA has come up with some top tips to help pet owners and animal-lovers have fun this Christmas, while also saving money.

DIY pet gifts

Pet owners love to include their animals in the Christmas festivities and buy them a special present. Why not make your pet a special present without spending anything!

Make a DIY pet advent calendar and puzzle feeder;
Make DIY horse cookies;
Make a DIY hay ring toy for your rabbit or guinea pig;
Make a cat castle;
Make a vegetable garland for your chickens;
Make a DIY tuggy toy for your dog;
Make a pet treat jar.

Reindeer food

For a fun craft activity with the kids, make your own wildlife-friendly reindeer food for Santa’s helpers. Lots of the reindeer food you buy contains ingredients that can be dangerous for animals and aren’t good for the environment, like glitter.

We’ve developed a special recipe which is safe for reindeer and wildlife!

Recipe:
A handful of wild bird seed (which may include sunflower hearts, naked rolled oats, dried mealworms, yellow millet, kibbled peanuts and black sunflower seeds);
A few rolled oats;
Some dried fruit, like cranberries (don’t use grapes, raisins, sultanas or currants if you have dogs as they can be poisonous);
Some dried insects (try mealworms and waxworms);
Some grated cheese
A hint of chilli powder to keep Rudolph’s nose glowing red (don’t worry, birds can’t taste it but it will stop squirrels and rodents from stealing the food before Rudolph arrives!)

Mix it all together; sprinkle it on your lawn, on a bird table or leave it in a bowl by your front door just before you go to bed.

Follow our video tutorial on Youtube to learn more.

Second-hand gifts

Charity shops have been an iconic part of our high streets for many years and, today, they offer a fabulous way to shop. You could pick up a bargain, ensure an item is recycled and used again, all while supporting your favourite charitable causes!

Did you know that it’s estimated each charity shop saves 29 tonnes of textiles from ending up in landfill each year? With RSPCA charity shops spread across England and Wales, that’s a lot of waste saved.

Our charity shops are full of hidden treasures and wonderful gifts from toys and games to high street fashion and designer goods, household items, and much, much more. You could pick up all of your Christmas shopping in just one of our charity shops; and all while helping us to continue fighting animal cruelty!

Find your local shop here – and don’t forget to donate any unwanted Christmas gifts to us after the holidays too!

Charity gifts

Kind on the pocket and kind for animals, by shopping with the RSPCA you can treat your family, friends and pets to fabulous gifts while also supporting the charity’s work to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome or release animals in need at the same time.

The gift of time!

Give the gift of time by volunteering to help rescue animals. We have a diverse volunteer programme meaning there is something for everyone from our animal care roles helping in centres and hospitals, to field based roles within the inspectorate and education, to home based roles in support and administration.

We’ve also developed digital roles for volunteers who are time poor, and professional roles for those who like to donate their talent and skills to help animals.

Find out more about our volunteer roles and apply to give your time by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/volunteer.