Families in Lake County needing a little extra help to keep their family pet will have a new resource starting next week. Central Bark Doggy Day Care in Grayslake and Animal Education and Rescue (AEAR) of Libertyville are joining forces to provide a pet food pantry.
A previous pet food pantry, Pooch Pantry, in Mundelein, lost its non-profit status earlier this year and closed its doors. That left a gap for residents in Lake County who needed a little help for their pets during tough economic times. The Lake County Pet Food Pantry hopes to fill that need.
“We get calls all the time from people who say they need to give up their pet because they can't afford the pet anymore, says Sandy Wisniewski, founder of AEAR. “It is vital that we give people an option of keeping their animal and helping them out while they get on their feet."
Sometimes, families have done all they can to keep their pet in this difficult economy. They just need an extra resource, like pet food or supplies, to help them keep their beloved family member instead of giving a dog or cat up to a shelter or rescue. AEAR, a non-profit humane society, and Central Bark will be working as a team on this new venture.
“When Sandy called me to talk about the need for a pantry in our area, I asked her what can we do to help,” says Kevin Bloss, owner of Central Bark Doggy Day Care at 256 Commerce in Grayslake. “We have the space here to fill this need and help out. We’re excited to help out as well. I was at our veterinarian the other day and they were taking pet food donations for regular food pantries because there was no place else to send the donations.”
The new pantry needs donations of pet food, cat litter, blankets, pet toys and other items people may need to care for their pet. Donations may be dropped off at Central Bark from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The pantry will be open for people that need help Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m until noon.
In order to receive donations, participants must show proof of low-income status (or get approval on a case by case basis), list the number and types of pets in the household, provide a photo ID or driver’s license and arrive during receiving hours.
“Since the news got out, we are already getting calls asking where to drop off donations,” says Bloss. “We’ll also be working on promotions with our customers at Central Bark to help with donations as well.”
Learn more about Central Bark online, on Facebook or call them at 847.548.BARK (2275). Learn more about AEAR online, follow them on Facebook or call for information on the pet food pantry at 847-816-0831.
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