Happy Howlidays! PETA Kicks Off Christmutts Toy Drive for Chained Dogs

For Immediate Release:
November 26, 2025

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. –

Here comes Santa Paws—and his helpers at PETA, who will be working to make the holidays a little brighter for local canines by collecting and distributing toys to neglected dogs who are kept chained or penned outdoors around the clock. Kind people can help by donating online or dropping toys off at participating businesses throughout Hampton Roads this December.

A dog in a dog houseAI-generated content may be incorrect.

A dog holding a toy in its mouthAI-generated content may be incorrect.

Lucius and Legend with toys distributed by PETA.

Credit: PETA

“Dogs forced to live outside in the cold are deprived of comfort and joy every day of the year, but even just one toy to play with can help make a sad dog’s spirits a little brighter,” says PETA Vice President Emily Allen. “PETA encourages everyone to join us in bringing some Christmas spirit to these desperate dogs by donating to our toy drive, and to always keep their companion animals indoors, where they belong.”

Every day, PETA’s fieldworkers visit dogs across southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina who are chained or penned outside in all weather extremes, confined to the same few feet of space day in and day out. PETA provides fresh food, clean water, sturdy doghouses lined with straw, flea treatment, affection, and playtime—often the only interaction these dogs receive.

Dog toys and treats can be donated using this Amazon link. Hampton Roads residents can also drop off toys through the holidays at any of these locations:

· EarthWise Pet (118 W. 21st Street, Norfolk)

· Georgie’s Pet Supply (9631 Granby Street, Norfolk)

· Granby Veterinary Hospital (3415 Granby Street, Norfolk)

· Muddy Paws (3700 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk)

· My Vegan Sweet Tooth (3916 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach)

· Nail 911 (1827 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk)

· PETA (501 Front Street, Norfolk)

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.