Gone Home for Christmas

We are very pleased to report that two of our wonderful dogs, Babe and Roxy, found new families over the Christmas period. Both of them went to their new homes in time to share the festive fun and are settling in fantastically. What a way to start 2016!

Do you think you can give one of our animals a forever home this year? Call 01162336677 to find out more about them, or come down to the centre to meet them face to face. 

Christmas Kongs for Leicestershire's dogs in need

In anticipation of Christmas and that potential stay in kennels over the festive period we are asking for your help. 

In the words of the experts- Stress and Boredom play a huge part in negative behaviour where dogs are concerned. Keeping your dog mentally stimulated is such an important part of owning one. One of the ways that this can be achieved is by offering a variety of stimulating toys to keep their day exciting and interesting. 

The kennel dogs’ day needs to be made more involved than those lucky dogs who have a loving home to call their own as they will have far less interaction and enjoyment and have much higher levels of stress than an average dog in a home.  

Black Kongs have become an essential toy for us, they are durable, easy to maintain and are an extremely exciting treat for our dogs at Woodside Animal centre. They provide that break up to the day at any time, and are always welcomed by our canine residents. 

Can you help us to help them by donating a black kong to Woodside and break that monotony of kennel life? 

Please bring your kong donation to Woodside Animal Centre 190 Scudamore Rd Leicester LE3 1UQ or you can buy one from our onsite shop (all proceeds go back to the centre). 

Thank you!  

Advent #24 - Keeping your pets safe at Christmas

As winter draws in, we give you some tips to keep your pets safe and warm.

Please remember that Christmas plants such as yew, ivy berries and poinsettia are poisonous and prickly Christmas trees can be dangerous too. Keep these out of the way of your pet.

Although you may not feel like going out for a walk in the chilly conditions, your pet still needs fresh air and regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Walkies is a dog’s favourite thing, so don’t miss it.

BUT when stepping out for a stroll early morning or in the evening, remember that visibility is key. Make sure you wear high-vis clothing and fit your furry friend with a reflective collar too. We sell high-vis clothing in our Woodside Animal Centre shop, we can make sure you are kitted out correctly for the winter nights.

Keep your dogs away from lakes and ponds where thin ice could break under a dog’s weight. Also watch out for dogs’ paws becoming impacted with snow, which can cause discomfort.

As the weather gets colder, keep your eyes on your outdoor pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits, provide them with extra bedding and if necessary, move them into a shed or unused garage.

If you’re lucky enough to escape the frosty climate this holiday season, don’t forget that your pet needs looking after.

A lot of animals find a change in their routine stressful, so you may decide to leave them with someone responsible or at a boarding facility. If you choose to take your pet abroad with you, you must ensure all of their treatments and vaccinations are up to date, and that your holiday facility caters to your pet’s needs.

Give a gift this Christmas to animals with no home. Christmas can be a lonely time of year for people with no family and the animals at our centre can feel the same way, but with your help they can enjoy unwrapping presents on Christmas morning. We are looking for donations to help the animals at our centre celebrate the festive season, which could be pet food, blankets or toys. We will accept both new and second hand gifts.

If you have something you’d like to donate, please drop it into the centre on Scudamore Road. Alternatively the Leicester branch of TSB are holding a food and gift bank for us, so you can easily drop your donations into this city centre location. Each and every donation helps to put a wag or a purr into a Woodside animal this Christmas.

Thank you for your help. Have a great Christmas!

Advent #14 - Thank you!

We'd like to say a very big thank you to our volunteers Ann and Helen who helped to decorate a tree on behalf of Woodside at the St Mary's Church annual Christmas tree festival St, Melton Mowbray on 4 December.

The tree was decorated with baubles featuring animals that are looking for forever homes and our contact details were given out to those that were interested.

This is a great way to raise awareness of our centre and what we do, thank you. The tree also look's great - don't you agree?

Advent #9 - Thanks for a cracking #ChristmasAtWoodside

There was frost on the ground and a chill in the air on Sunday… but that did not deter the hundreds of Woodside supporters who came along for our Christmas At Woodside spectacular!

It was an absolute cracker of a day, with fundraising stalls, games, mulled wine, a toasty tearoom, and Christmassy crafts.

We even had a special visit from Santa himself, who met the children for a photograph.

Christmas is a time for giving and we certainly saw your commitment at this special time of year.

Woodside Animal Centre is open all year round – as the animals we care for need us each and every day. When you’re tucking into your Christmas dinner this year, spare a thought for the staff, volunteers, and animals here at the centre.

A big thank you to everyone who came along to play the games, meet the staff and support our Care4Paws appeal – it was a fab afternoon and we were glad to have you with us.

You can view some of the photographs on our Facebook page here and please share yours with us too.

Advent #3 - Christmas Gift ideas

Stuck for what to buy a tricky relative for Christmas? We've got you covered. Here are just a couple of gifts we're selling at #ChristmasAtWoodside on Sunday - just £3 each!

Join us between 12-5pm on Sunday at Woodside Animal Centre on Scudamore Road for festive fun for all of the family.

Get in the Christmas spirit

It might not be time to open your Advent Calendars just yet... but Woodside is looking forward to Christmas already!

Pencil our Christmas Fair in your diaries folks, for Craft Stalls, Pet Tombola, Christmas gift ideas, Homemade produce and more.

There will be a cosy tea room and refreshments plus a special visit from Santa! Come along and support Woodside Animal Centre.

Admission £1, and accompanied children go free