Dallas Animal Services’ new pet food pantry seeks food donations

DALLAS - Dallas Animal Services (DAS) launched a public pet food pantry to provide free dog and cat food to Dallas pet owners in need. The new pet food pantry seeks to make these resources as convenient as possible by holding frequent pop-up distribution events in high-need areas.

'The last year has been devastating for countless Dallas residents and many continue to struggle to feed their families, including their pets,' said DAS Interim Director MeLissa Webber. 'We don't want struggling residents to be forced to give up their best friend and suffer yet another crushing loss; pets should be a comfort to their people during difficult times like these. That is why we have prioritized safety net programs like this pet food pantry, to keep pets where they belong - with the people who love them.'

The pet food pantry is a collaboration between DAS and Dallas-area kitchens, meal providers and food pantry programs that provide human meal and food assistance for the community.

If you need assistance, stop by one of DAS' upcoming pet food distribution events:

• June 15 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Food Pantry (1324 Pleasant Drive)
• July 10 from Noon to 2 p.m. at The Stew Pot (408 Park Avenue)
• July 11 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Phillip (1502 Pennsylvania Avenue)
• July 13 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove (1324 Pleasant Drive)

'By teaming up with these existing programs, we have been able to efficiently reach citizens already utilizing other forms of assistance and provide support for their pets,' said Webber.

Since launching the pet food pantry in April, DAS distributed over 1,000 pounds of dog food and close to 300 pounds of cat food, serving 355 dogs and 150 cats. However, DAS expects the need for pet food pantries to expand rapidly.

'The need in the community is on the rise and we are working hard to meet the demand, but we need your help,' said Webber. 'By donating pet food, volunteering at a pet food pantry distribution event, or even just spreading the word in your neighborhood, you can help us ensure that all Dallas pets are fed.'

The pet food pantry is stocked entirely by pet food donations from the community. In June, DAS launched a special pet food donation drive with the goal of raising 2,000 pounds of pet food to supply distributions throughout the summer months.

Donating is easy: you can drop off pet food of any brand (must be unexpired and in unopened packaging) to the main DAS shelter (1818 North Westmoreland Road) or have it shipped directly to DAS through its Amazon Wish List.

DAS also needs volunteers to help pack pet food for distribution and help run the pet food pantry distribution events. To become a volunteer, apply online at BeDallas90.org/volunteer.

'The Dallas community always rallies to support DAS during our times of crisis,' said Webber. 'Now, we ask that you work with us to help your neighbors and their four-legged family members during this difficult time. Together, we can keep Dallas families healthy and in one piece.'

DAS is also in need of pet adopters and has opened its doors daily to accommodate onsite adoptions in addition to its online adoption process. If you're interested in adopting onsite, please check DAS' onsite adoption hours at www.BeDallas90.org before planning your visit. To adopt online, visit www.BeDallas90.org.

To learn more about the DAS pet food pantry program, please visit BeDallas90.org/pet-food-pantry.

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