• [Dailystar Icon]
• Showbiz
• Pete Wicks

Pete Wicks TV show boosts dog adoptions as Christmas special announced

Reality star Pete Wicks' heartwarming series 'For Dogs' Sake' has driven a remarkable increase in dog adoptions and donations

Pete Wicks has triggered a boom in dog adoptions with his latest telly series, Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake. Airing on U since 2024, the programme offers viewers an inside look at the UK's biggest dog rehoming charity. For the 37 year old reality TV celeb, the series is a genuine labour of love - and it appears his commitment is truly making an impact.

Dog's Trust reports that the launch of the second series has resulted in a 20% surge in dog adoptions and a 25% increase in donations, with staff also observing more footfall at their centres. Fans can also anticipate a Christmas special, set to air on U and U&W on Monday, 8th December at 9pm.

[Pete Wicks and Charlotte Hawkins at Underbelly in Soho for the exclusive launch of his new show]

Pete Wicks and Charlotte Hawkins are both ambassadors for Dog's Trust(Image: WILL_IRELAND)

As an ambassador for Dog's Trust, Pete says he prefers dogs to people, praising their "resilience and unconditional love." While his passion for dogs began when his family adopted their first rescue dog when he was around 10 years old.

Speaking at the Christmas Special premiere, Pete said: "Rescue dogs often have an ability to love despite being treated terribly that is such an emotional, yet wonderful thing.

"If more people could be like dogs, I think we'd live in a better world."

[Strictly contestant Vicky Pattison joined Pete for the exclusive launch of his Christmas special]

Strictly contestant Vicky Pattison joined Pete for the exclusive launch of his Christmas special(Image: WILL_IRELAND)

Last week, Pete unveiled a special episode of his podcast, Man Made, for Men's Mental Health Month featuring guest Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

They delved into the heartbreaking loss of the Prime Minister's brother, Nick, as Pete confessed his dogs have been instrumental in managing his own mental health struggles.

He said: "The only time I feel truly safe is around my dogs, they are a calming influence. It's scientifically proven that the dopamine hit from being around animals, specifically dogs, is calming."

While the series continues to significantly benefit Dog's Trust, the charity's need is more pressing than ever. This year, over 40,000 handover enquiries from owners unable to cater to their dogs' needs have been received.

The charity's kennels are predicted to be at full capacity over Christmas, with numerous dogs placed in foster care.

Pete pleaded: "If you are prepared to give love, safety and everything a dog needs then get one but if you think you're not able to do it, then don't."

[Pete Wicks at Underbelly in Soho for the exclusive launch of his new show, Pete Wicks: For Dogs Sake, launching on U and U&W on Friday 8th December]

The show has driven an increase in a adoptions and donations(Image: WILL_IRELAND)

Fellow Dog's Trust ambassador Charlotte Hawkins also attended the premiere of the Christmas special, with the presenter pictured on the red carpet with Pete.

The Good Morning Britain host, who also hosts a podcast for the charity called Leaps and Hounds, said: "Like Pete I feel so passionate about finding a home for dogs without one, so this show is very much my cup of tea.

"And having seen the Christmas special, fans are very much in for a treat as there is so much to warm your heart you can expect laughter and a few tears along the way."

Lisa Cooper, centre manager at Dogs Trust Basildon, who features in the series, said: "Since the show launched, we've seen an increase in adoption applications and visitors at our centres.

"In fact, last month saw the highest number of adoption applications we have ever received in a single month, coinciding with the broadcast of series two."

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.