As we ring in the New Year, it’s not uncommon to make resolutions that fall by the wayside before we get too far into the month of January. This year, I’d like to suggest a simple resolution – pick up an extra bag (or cans) of pet food the next time you’re out shopping to help those in need.
The economy has been tough on everyone, including pets, as many local rescues and shelters are overflowing with animals that once had a home. Sometimes families just need a little something to tide them over when the going gets tough – some food and pet supplies may be just what they need to keep their dog or cat in the family and out of the rescue system. Shelters and rescues also could use food donations so they are able to use money spent on food for medical care for the pets in their care.
The next time you hit the pet superstore or your local independent pet store, pick up an extra small bag of pet food or maybe some extra cans of cat food. Also, check out the clearance bin for beds, leashes, toys and other items that shelters or pantries may be able to use. Below is a list of some of the pet food pantries or organizations that take donations. Click on the name of the organization to go to their website or Facebook page for more details.
Chicago
- Tree House Humane Society – Participants must show proof of low-income status and may pick up two weeks worth of supplies at one time. Currently around 80 families are being helped through the program. Program is run totally on donations that may be dropped off at the main shelter at 1212 W. Carmen or Bucktown at 1629 N. Ashland.
- Animal Welfare League – Once a month, their satellite shelter provides a monthly supply of pet food to pet owners on a limited income who otherwise would be unable to keep their companion animals. The shelter works diligently to secure food donations so that to continue this service in the community.
- ChicagoParty Animals (CPA) – CPA has started its own pet food pantry to help out Chicago’s many shelter and rescue organizations. Donations may be dropped off at 1133 West Fulton Market or at events for CPA. This organization will be opening the pantry to families in need of pet food once a month in the near future. Read more in this story.
- PAWS Chicago – PAWS provides pet food and pet supplies – like cat litter, litter boxes, leashes, collars and pet carriers - to families in need. Donations may be dropped off any day of the week at the Adoption Center, located at 1997 N. Clybourn Avenue in Chicago.
Northern Suburbs
- Lake County Pet Food Pantry – Central Bark is the home for Lake County’s only pet food pantry. Sponsored by Central Bark and Animal Education and Rescue, donations may be dropped off between 6:30 am and 6:30 p.m. each day at Central Bark at 256 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. The pantry is open for those in need Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Read more in this story.
- Nina’s Pantry – Young at Heart Pet Rescue collects pet food and other pet items for the families utilizing the Palatine Township Food Pantry and the St. Francis de Sales Food Pantry in Lake Zurich. See the list of businesses that accept drop-off donations for Nina’s Pantry.
Western Suburbs
- Bruno’s Pro Bone O Pet Pantry – This organization helps low-income families and the elderly in the Western Suburbs with food donations for their pets. Learn more about donating and how to help online.
- Wet Nose Pet Food Pantry - This organization helps families around Downers Grove with pet food and other pet items. Learn more about the organization and how to donate online.
Do you volunteer or work for a shelter or rescue that has programs you'd like to promote? Do you work in a pet-releated business that has an interesting story to tell? If so, contact me at kathypetexam@gmail.com. Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new articles become available. Just click on the subscribe button above. You may also follow me on Twitter, Facebook or read my blog.
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