What would your dog ask Santa for if they could write their own Christmas list? A lifetime supply of treats? A new bed? An official ban on baths?
Well, Chewy Claus is back for 2026, and once again, our pets get to tell Santa (or at least Chewy’s version of him) exactly what they want for Christmas.
But this year, there’s an even better reason to help your pet write that letter. Every letter sent to Chewy Claus helps support free adoptions for shelter pets, giving thousands of dogs and cats a better chance of spending the holidays with a family of their own.
Naturally, I had to help my Pharaoh Hound, Freya, write her letter. She had quite a few things to say, although surprisingly, none of them involved the chipmunks who have been tormenting her for years.
What Is Chewy Claus?
Chewy Claus is Chewy’s annual holiday letter-writing tradition, now celebrating its fifth year.
The idea is pretty simple. You visit Chewy’s website, write a letter to Chewy Claus on behalf of your pet, and share their biggest holiday wishes.
Maybe your dog wants a new chew toy or cozy blanket. Maybe your cat wants a heated bed. Or maybe your cat wants the giant cardboard box that the heated bed comes in (because, well, cats).
Some lucky pets will even receive surprise gifts from Chewy throughout December!
But the real magic this year isn’t about what’s under the Christmas tree. It’s about helping shelter animals find homes.
This Year, Chewy Claus Is Helping 4,000 Shelter Pets Find Families
For 2026, Chewy has partnered with Greater Good Charities to help cover adoption fees for 4,000 pets at participating shelters across the country.
From December 11 through December 17, participating shelters will offer free adoptions as part of the Chewy Claus campaign.
And here’s where your pet’s letter comes in: Every letter submitted helps Chewy work toward that adoption goal.
You don’t have to donate money, buy anything, or even have a Chewy account. Just write a letter.
Considering that nearly 7.5 million dogs and cats are projected to enter shelters during 2026, according to figures cited by Chewy, it’s a pretty meaningful way to spread some holiday cheer.
Chewy is also supporting shelter animals with food and supplies through Greater Good Charities, with a holiday giving commitment of up to $10 million.
And if you’re considering adopting a pet yourself, you can check out the participating shelters to see whether one near you is taking part.
Of course, adoption fees are only a small part of the lifelong cost of caring for a pet. But removing that initial expense can make a difference for families who are already prepared to welcome a new companion.
Freya Already Sent Her Letter to Chewy Claus!
I couldn’t very well write about Chewy Claus without letting Freya participate.
She’s 10 now, and she has heart disease, so our Christmas wishes look a little different than they did a few years ago.
She still enjoys her walks, spending time with her family, and watching the wildlife in our backyard. She just can’t chase everything that moves anymore (much to her disappointment, I’m sure).
So, when I sat down to write her letter, I tried to imagine what she’d actually ask for.
Here’s part of what she told Chewy Claus:
“What I most want is to keep having those good days. Keep spending time with my family (even the cats, although if you tell anyone I said that I’ll deny it), keep enjoying walks even if I can’t go as far as I used to, and just keep experiencing all the wonders of life because I’m far from done.”
She also requested some nice, soft chews because her teeth aren’t what they used to be.
And, naturally, she mentioned her love of cuddly blankets and pillows, with the very important clarification that they must fit on her sofa. Yes, Freya has her own sofa. No, she doesn’t see anything unusual about that arrangement.
But my favorite part was the end of her letter:
“I have enough toys already, so please send all of those to doggies in shelters who don’t have any. I’d give them mine, but, well, they looked at me funny and now they all have big gaping holes where the squeaker was.”
That’s my girl. Generous, but apparently unwilling to take responsibility for what happened to the squeakers.
All kidding aside, I love that something as simple as writing a sweet little letter from your pet’s perspective can contribute to something genuinely worthwhile.
How to Send Your Pet’s Letter to Chewy Claus
Want to help your pet get their Christmas wishes to the big guy? It’s easy, and it only takes a few minutes.
- Visit the official Chewy Claus website.
- Click the button to start your pet’s letter.
- Follow the prompts and tell Chewy Claus what your pet dreams of receiving this holiday season.
- Enter your contact and mailing information.
- Submit your letter!
That’s it!
Letters are being accepted from November 2 through December 24, 2026.
Chewy will be sending surprise gifts to tens of thousands of lucky pets, although submitting a letter doesn’t guarantee that yours will receive one.
You must be at least 18 and live in the contiguous United States or Washington, D.C., to enter. There’s a limit of one entry per person, and no purchase is necessary.
And remember, even if your pet doesn’t receive a gift, their letter still helps support the adoption campaign.
A Little Holiday Fun That Actually Does Some Good
I’m a sucker for holiday traditions that involve our pets, especially when they give us an excuse to imagine what’s going on inside those furry little heads.
But I particularly like this one because it goes beyond the usual Christmas giveaways.
Over the years, Chewy Claus has helped provide food, supplies, and other support to shelter animals. In 2025 alone, the campaign helped donate 16 million meals to pets and communities in need.
This year, the focus on adoption feels especially meaningful.
Not every dog is going to find a home by Christmas. Not every cat will get to spend the holidays curled up on someone’s sofa. But helping 4,000 shelter pets get adopted is a pretty good start.
And if all it takes for us to contribute is a few minutes spent writing a letter from our pets?
Well, I think we can manage that.
Write your pet’s letter to Chewy Claus here!
Just don’t be surprised if your dog asks for something ridiculous. Or if your cat demands that Chewy Claus deliver the presents in a really big box.
