As a proactive effort to reduce the number of owner surrenders at animal shelters, the Manassas City Animal Adoption Center opened the city’s first pet food pantry to local citizens early today. With financial concerns increasing as the reason cited for owner give-up’s, providing free access to pet food will help financially struggling owners to hang onto to their companion pets.
“Families in our community who fall on hard times should not be concerned that they need to give up a beloved pet because they cannot afford food. The pantry keeps families together and numbers down at the local shelters. We feel this is a win-win for everyone," says Prince William SPCA President Melissa Korzuch.
While there are no income requirements required to utilize the pantry, citizens will only be available to visit twice per month to grab dog and cat food (at this time, food for other companion animals is not available). The Prince William SPCA hopes that people will treat this as a short-term solution to the burdening crisis on area shelters that are seeing up to a 30% increase in animal intake due to the economy.
With no specific funding allocated to the pantry, the food will stay stocked only as long as the donations continue to arrive. The food bank will accept donations of unopened wet or dry food for any companion animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, kitten, puppy, bird, rabbit, gerbils, and guinea pigs. Gift cards will also be accepted.
The pantry opened today and will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10AM-1PM and again from 4PM-6PM, Wednesdays from 5PM-7PM, and Saturdays from 10AM-1PM. The Manassas City Animal Adoption Center is located at 10039 Dean Dr. in Manassas, Va.
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