It’s brilliant. And it just may be the solution that will allow thousands of struggling families to be able to keep their pets.
On Feb. 25, ABC7 reported on a new program called Pet Food Stamps, which offers low-income families and food stamp recipients assistance with feeding their pets.
The program is based on donations, not government funding. In the past two weeks, more than 45,000 pets have already been signed up.
Over the past several years, animal shelters in Ohio and across the country have seen a spike in the number of pets surrendered or brought in as strays after being dumped by their owner. Many pet owners were forced to give up their pets after losing a job or their home. Other pet owners faced circumstances which left them unable to care for their pets financially. Unfortunately many of those pets ended up in kill shelters. This new program can be the lifeline to help keep pets out of kill shelters and in their own homes.
Currently, applications are being accepted online. Once income is verified and the application is approved, pet food will be provided monthly for six months by independent retailer Pet Food Direct.
Pet Food Stamps says on their website that:
It is expected in the 4th quarter 2013 to expand into offering free or heavily discounted veterinary care for all qualified program beneficiaries as part of the Pet Food Stamps program.
For more information or to apply for Pet Food Stamps, click here.
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