National Pet Food Bank Program

On January 11th 2021 we launched the first round of our National Pet Food Bank Program to support organizations that run or are interested in setting up, a pet food bank. The goal of a pet food bank is to help support vulnerable members of the community who may be experiencing financial hardship, through the provision of pet food and basic pet supplies, such as cat litter, food bowls, collars and leashes. 

Thanks to our donors’ support and a grant by Donner Canadian Foundation, we are granting out funds (of up to $7,500 per selected organization) to humane societies, SPCAs, established companion animal support organizations or registered food banks. 

Within two weeks, we received a total of 51 applications from organizations looking to receive funding to support their communities. Our member in Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan SPCA (SSPCA), opened up their own food bank last November when they realized there was a need for such service in the province. “They’re feeding their pets before they’re taking care of their own nutritional needs,” said SSPCA’s community relations coordinator Josh Hourie when referring to pet owners who may be struggling financially during these unprecedented times. 

Our granting committee is in the process of reviewing all 51 applications to determine their eligibility. All funds will be granted out by March 12th. Please connect with us on social media to stay up to date on everything related to the National Pet Food Bank Program. 

Links:

• Our member Saskatchewan SPCA opens an emergency pet food bank