What is a pet pantry?

Most people recognize that there is a huge problem with animal shelters right now - they’re overcrowded. While it is a problem that won’t go away any time soon, there is something that can help reduce the number of animals surrendered to animal shelters. Pet pantries. Unfortunately most people do not know what a pet pantry is. My human didn’t until she moved to Des Moines and became friends with some local animal people.

When people hit hard economic times, like losing a job or becoming disabled, sometimes one of the first things they will do to save money is give up their beloved pet. Can you imagine? Your life has fallen apart and, on top of all the hardships you have to now face, you have to give up one of the most loving things in your life as well? I know it’s unthinkable to my human and me. Organizations like Pet Project Midwest try to help people in those situations. People who need help feeding their animals can go to Pet Project Midwest and pick up free food and supplies so that they may be able to keep their animals until they are back on their feet.

What is even worse is that some people in these situations don’t take their pets to rescues or shelters; sometimes they’ll just let them run away or dump them. The ASPCA says 500,000 to 1 million dogs and cats are at risk of becoming homeless during an economic downturn. Perhaps that’s why I was dumped in the country, who knows.

Giving up a pet for financial reasons is very traumatic to the human and the pet. Most of these pet pantries are non-for-profit and volunteer places, so they need your support. Consider donating to your local pet pantry. Or buy BOGO Bowl dog food and donate the matching bag to your favorite pet pantry like Pet Project Midwest. That way my furry friends can stay with their beloved humans and help give them love and snuggles during their hard times. We all know that’s when the humans need them the most!

Queen of snuggles