Pet Food Bank - Help for Animals

A pet food bank is a valuable resource for all animal lovers as many consider their pets to be family members. Unfortunately, the sad reality today is an economy where many people are forced to choose whether they or their pets will eat. This page contains information about pet food banks and valuable links to help .

Donate to pet food banks out of love for your own beloved animals, if for no other reason. Because no animal should ever go hungry.

(Photo credit Pam Irie)

Contact the pet food bank near you to see what types of pet food they need most. If it's bales of hay for some local horses, perhaps the feed store would be willing to give you a deal? It NEVER hurts to ask. (A hungry animal will thank you!)

Not sure of the location of a (if any) food bank for pets in your area? Check first with the local Humane Society, any non profit animal shelters or animal rescue organizations and your veterinarian. Contact the ASPCA for information on more ways you can help the animals in your area and animals all over.

Inquire with the local Food Bank or Food Pantry. A good majority of food banks serve people only, but there are some that may have a small area set aside for pet food donations. Likewise with area churches, many have food distribution programs for the needy. Ask whether they also offer any assistance to those people with pets.

about Pet Food Banks and Pet Food Drives

Get the word out about food drives and pet food banks. Local newspapers may be willing to publish a notice without cost in the community section of the paper, whether in hard copy or an online edition. You can place a free ad in the VOLUNTEER section on Craigslist asking for volunteers to help with a pet food drive. Start a local Facebook page for a Pet Food Bank.

Don't forget to put up notices in safe public areas like laundry mats also. Let people know where they can go to receive food and supplies for their pet's needs. A good number of the homeless population do have dogs and sometimes cats for a companion and they often share a meal with their pet, which leaves both parties feeling hungry. Though it's not just animals belonging to the homeless...in today's economy there are hungry animals living in homes too.

(Photo credit Hawaiian Humane Society)

AniMeals is a program for pets of homebound people. Just like Meals on Wheels for Humans.
Read more here.

Periodically conduct a pet food drive in your town. Make sure to check if any special permits are required to hold this type of fundraiser. Assign someone to be in charge of permits with another person responsible for getting the word out. Assign several persons to select available locations in town where volunteers can collect pet food or monetary donations to purchase pet food as well.

Contact local Boy Scout or Girl Scout groups, local Church youth groups, for additional manpower to conduct a door-to-door collection drive. Remember the Scout groups, especially, earn merit badges for community service and this would be an opportunity to serve.

It is in most people's nature to want to help. (Especially if the subject is helping animals.) Getting assistance with regards to raising supplies, storage, products, monies...etc. for a pet food bank will go much smoother if you have many caring and knowledgeable parties involved.

Simply start by asking. You may be pleasantly surprised at the support available in the business community and general population to contribute to a food bank for pets.

Pet food banks are lifesavers. No person should have to choose whether they eat or their pet does.

(Photo credit Hawaiian Humane Society.)