By Kathleen MacKinnon
A struggling economy with job losses and inflation presents challenges for many people trying to feed their families as well as their companion animals.
As reported by CBS News, Forbes, and the Washington Post, job growth has slowed significantly and employers have announced over 1 million additional job cuts for 2025. Job losses haven’t reached these levels since the early days of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020. These losses are due to a variety of factors, including a reduction in federal spending, federal government layoffs, as well as cost-cutting measures across the private sector.
These conditions were exacerbated by the October federal government shutdown that lasted 43 days and was the longest in U.S. history. The shutdown meant significant delays in distributing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits to over 42 million people.
Pets Are Family
As reported by The Associated Press, Forbes, charities (such as the Greater Goods Charities), as well as local media, animal welfare organizations and shelters across the country, the delays in SNAP benefits in particular had a huge impact on our companion animals. Although SNAP benefits can only be used for human food, when people are struggling to feed their human families, they struggle to feed their pets as well. According to Humane World for Animals, more than 20 million pets live in poverty with their families.
If you suddenly had a loss of SNAP benefits, recently lost your job, or were a furloughed federal employee, you may be struggling to feed yourself, your family, or your pets. Sadly, economic strain is one of the leading reasons companion animals are surrendered to shelters each year, according to Humane World for Animals. Therefore, pet food insecurity has a multiplier effect on our entire community, and keeping pets with their families by providing pet food assistance is critical.
To those who have the ability to help, here are a few simple things you can do to help pets and their families in your community.
Where to Get Help, How to Help
If you need help, or you are fortunate enough to be able to help, here are some resources to consider:
Pet Food Pantries at Local Animal Shelters
Northern Virginia:
- Animal Welfare League of Arlington
- Fairfax County Animal Shelter
- Loudoun County Animal Shelter
- Prince William Animal Shelter
- Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Western Maryland:
- Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter
- Frederick County Animal Control and Animal Adoption Center
- Montgomery County Animal Services
Washington, D.C.:
- Brandywine Valley SPCA DC
Note that some city and county governments operate their own animal shelters, while others contract to private non-profit animal rescue organizations. Search for your local animal shelters online and check their websites for information about their pet food pantries.
Pet Food Pantries Provided by Local Animal Rescue Organizations
Some animal rescue organizations operate their own pet food pantries for the communities they serve. Others don’t operate pantries for the public but will accept food for animals in their care. Search for local organizations online and check their websites to see if they provide pet food or accept donations of pet food.
Examples of organizations operating pantries in our area:
Northern Virginia:
- Humane Society of Fairfax County
Maryland:
- Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Center
- Baltimore Humane Society
Washington, D.C.:
- Humane Rescue Alliance
Pet Food Pantries at Local Food Banks
Some food banks for humans also collect and distribute pet food. Search for local food banks online and check their websites to see if they provide pet food or accept donations of pet food.
Pet Food Drives
Consider initiating a pet food drive or setting up a pet food pantry in your community. Some organizations such as Boy or Girl Scouts initiate or may be interested in initiating a pet food drive.
Your local animal shelter is typically a good place to donate pet food. Check with the animal shelter first to find out what their needs are and how to donate the food.
If you think your neighborhood or community needs to establish its own pet food pantry, work with local community organizations to help you organize and/or distribute the pet food to the communities they serve.
Tips on How to Do More
Pet Food Drives
Best Friends offers tips on organizing a pet food drive.
Pet Pantries
Humane World for Animals offers tips on how to start your own pet food pantry.
Note about Pet Food
Shelters and rescue organizations typically only accept canned or unopened bags of pet food and food that has not exceeded its “Best Before” labeling. However, some rescue organizations may, for example, accept newly opened bags of cat food or food that is newly “expired” to feed outdoor community cats.
