With our nation now officially in recession, and financial troubles quickly growing in our weak economy, pet owners are finding it harder and harder to put kibble in the dog bowl. As the costs of housing and groceries rise, many fear they will no longer be able to pay for pet food and will have to give up their furry family member.
Shelters are seeing an increase in the number of pets surrendered due to lack of money to pay for pet food and care. These numbers are likely to rise even more in the new year. Many come from the disabled or the elderly but others come from families who have lost their job or home.
Food Banks Help Pet Owners Feed Pets
Scattered across the nation, pet food banks such as Kritter Kupboard in San Antonio Texas seek to help these needy families who would otherwise be unable to keep their pet.
Run by non-profit, volunteer-based organizations, these pet food pantries receive donations and sometimes make deliveries to eligible recipients, as supplies last. Some also help provide other supplies such as pet beds, kitty litter, collars, and leashes.
A pet food bank in Albuquerque, New Mexico was announced in October, by Mayor Martin Chavez. The combined efforts of the Petco Foundation, The Storehouse of Albuquerque, and the city’s Animal Welfare Department bring this aid to low income pet owners.
CAFe is a pet food assistance program operated by the Red Door Animal Shelter for the Chicago area. Low income owners must be willing to accept spay or neuter services for their pets in order to receive help with pet food.
In a November article in the MetroWest Daily News, Abby Jordan reports of a police officer in Massachusetts, formerly with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who began collecting pet food this fall after reading an article about people not being able to buy food for their furry family members. She stores the dog and cat food bags at the police station and is attempting to identify needy pet owners through the Southborough Food Pantry.
According to msnbc.com, pet food banks are seeing a 50% increase in need for dog and cat food. In these tough economic times, citizens who are able are called on to donate supplies and money. Those who can’t afford monetary gifts are asked to give of their time. Volunteers are always needed to pick up donations and help process them.
How to Get Help Buying Pet Food
Many people regard their pets as family members and giving them up due to financial problems is sad for both humans and animals. Some pet owners find it tough to accept help but in a time when many are experiencing financial troubles, most are able to swallow their pride for the sake of keeping their pet from the emotional upheaval of losing his home.
Those having trouble paying for pet food should contact the nearest humane society or pet shelter for information on finding assistance. Other sources are listed on the Love Your Pet Expo Pet Food Assistance Programs page.
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Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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