Did you know that in the month of May, many animal welfare organizations are even more focused than usual on providing food for animals in need? Of course, this is a year-round problem, but this month we’re looking at ways to really step up our efforts to make a difference for homeless and needy pets, and we’d love to offer a few simple ways that you too can get involved. Here are just a few ideas:
- If your house is anything like mine, you probably have some unopened food that perhaps your own pets won’t eat. I can promise you that your local animal shelter or pet rescue would be grateful for the donation;
- How about organizing a pet food drive? This is a great activity for your child’s school, your church, the company where you work, even your neighborhood to take part in because it can make such a difference for hungry animals.
- Similar to a food drive, consider setting up donation stations at local businesses, churches, grocery stores, and other places where your friends and neighbors are sure to visit.
- Do you have a local pet food pantry? Consider making a donation this month. Click here to see a listing of a few pantries through the United States. If you don’t see your state there, try Googling to find one in your area. If there’s no local pet food pantry, reach out to people food pantries; they often distribute pet food, too.
- If you own your own business, how about giving discounts or small gifts to customers who bring in pet food donations throughout the month?
It’s so easy to make a difference for hungry pets, and often it doesn’t cost that much – if anything at all. But it does take all of us getting involved and giving a little bit of ourselves to help those who aren’t as blessed as we are.
What will you do to support homeless and needy pets this month? We’d love for you to leave a comment below, or feel free to connect with us on our Facebook page!
My dog will eat anything, so we never have any left over – but we do buy extra to donate sometimes.
I didn’t even think about donating some food to animal shelters etc. These are great ideas!
What a wonderful cause. Our fur baby is a rescue. Thanks for bringing awareness.
This is a very real problem around the world. I love these tips for helping people know how to help. While I realize this post is mainly about animal hunger, lots of shelters and rescues can use other items as well. From old blankets to bandages and other items. You’d be surprised at what all you could help with!
We don’t have dogs but try to help where we can. Our cats though are spoiled.
I will donate extra cat food I have (my cats can be picky eaters). I will have to look up Pet food pantries in my area.
I’m not even sure if we have a local pet food pantry but that bears researching. I know we have a survival center in our town and it takes in all kinds of useful donations. This is one I hadn’t thought about – so I thank you for this post!
Our 4H group just donated and visited a shelter. We plan on going back.
My contribution will be to feed strays and take them to an animal shelter
I think every month pet companies should contribute to shelters but glad that there is a national month for the general public to be aware of.
We don/r have a pet food pantry. I do usually end up finding homes for strays people dump near our house.
This is such an important cause. When our Newfoundland passed away, we donated all of her food and treats to the local humane society. No pet should go hungry.
I don’t have any pets but I’ll definitely be sharing this news with my friends with fur babies! I know every little bit helps another pup or kitty in need.
these are some really great suggestions. I have a troop that could do this for service hours.
A food pantry for pets is an interesting idea. It is good to take care of precious living creatures.
Donating dog food sounds really great. Some people don’t realize that humans aren’t the only ones that go hungry.
I will have to see if we have a local pet food pantry. I have a lot of pet food that my puppy doesn’t touch.
Aww fur babies need love too. People have food banks so why not have a donation spot for food for animals too. What great ideas!
This is such a great idea…Fur babies have a special place in my heart!
Call me ignorant but I never thought about donating food to an animal shelter. Poor things this is a great idea!
While pet pantries are gaining momentum, you can also donate pet food to regular food banks. The larger food banks and some of the ones affiliated with churches accept pet food. Editor