Faithful canine companions who stand on pitches alongside Big Issue vendors are receiving their own version of the iconic red Big Issue tabard ahead of the Christmas period.

The social enterprise has partnered with Animal Friends Insurance to kit out their vendors’ canine companions with specially designed dog tabards, created to turn heads and kickstart conversation between vendors and customers over the festive season and beyond.

The tabards also recognise the valuable contribution of those dogs who endure long spells in wet and cold weather to provide companionship to their vendor owners. They’ve already been distributed to a trial group of vendors across the UK, including Ian Duff, who sells the Big Issue in Bath with his dogs Trigger and Marlene.

Duff said: “It's really important that those tabards stand out, they're in the Christmas colour as well. My customers already love them and I've got new people are coming up every day, saying they're fantastic.”

Another recipient of a dog tabard is Bella, a Yorkshire Terrier belonging to Martin McKenzie, who sells the Big Issue in Victoria. Big Issue ambassador Chris Packham visited his pitch and heard how the tabard talking point conversation was already translating to sales.

McKenzie said: “A five-minute walk can take an hour with Bella, we have to stop and say hello to so many people. These tabards mean she’s getting even more attention and bringing customers my way.”

Big Issue ambassador Chris Packham said: “Many Big Issue vendors are social people who enjoy interaction. And with Martin, he’s got the greatest asset in Bella. She’s just absolutely delightful, and she's got her own fan club, as we saw. 

“We were with him for around half-an-hour, and there must have been at least six people that came up and petted Bella that she knew. These adorable dog tabards will create another talking point and help Martin build that loyal customer base that he’s reliant on to make a living.”

Since 1998, Animal Friends has donated over £9 million to more than 830 animal welfare and conservation charities across the world – including more than £110,000 to the charity StreetVet, which provides free essential veterinary care and services to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.

StreetVet is one of a number of charities whose work is spotlighted in this week’s pet special of the Big Issue, on sale now from street vendors across the UK.

Richard Mills, CEO at Animal Friends Insurance said: “Animal Friends was created with a simple wish: to bring more kindness and compassion into the lives of all animals, no matter their size, species, or home. Supporting positive change in animal welfare and conservation is at the very heart of what we do, so it feels incredibly meaningful to be working alongside The Big Issue. 

“These tabards not only show recognition to the valuable contribution of those who endure long spells in harsh weather to provide companionship to their vendor owners, they also highlight the pivotal role these furry friends play in their owner’s lives.”

Russell Blackman, Managing Director of Big Issue, said: “We’re grateful to Animal Friends for enabling us to create such an adorable talking point for our vendors as we arrive in December, their most important sales month of the year.

“Please support your local Big Issue vendor as they sell round the clock on cold and wet winter days. And remember to always take the magazine you buy – much like their canine companions, our vendors are working, not begging. Selling the Big Issue gives people in extreme poverty a way to earn an income through trade, with all the respect and dignity that comes with that.”

This week’s Big Issue pet special is on sale from vendors now. If you can’t reach your local vendor, visit bigissue.com to buy a Vendor Support Kit which equips them with tools and support to sell through the tough winter months.