Looking after your pet’s health is a key part of being a responsible owner, but what do you do when you can’t afford to feed and care for your animal companion? Though things may seem hopeless, help is available from a variety of UK organisations.
Pet Food Banks can be found across the country and are for anyone struggling to feed their pet.
“We understand that coming to a food bank can be difficult,” say Blue Cross. “We won’t ask you for a voucher or proof of need, and our team will welcome you without judgement.”
As well as running their own pet food banks, Blue Cross provide pet food to their partners to give out through their own food banks. To use these food banks, you may need a referral from a professional or Citizen’s Advice, or to show them a voucher.
Blue Cross pet food banks can be found at some of their animal hospitals and rehoming centres.
These food banks currently support dogs, cats and small pets such as guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits, rats, ferrets, gerbils, chinchillas and degus.
As Blue Cross rely on donations, they advise you to call them to check what they have in stock before your visit. You can find your nearest pet food bank here.
For cat owners in need of advice and support, Cats Protection’s Community Kitty scheme works with food banks and community partners to provide cat food.
If you’re struggling with the cost of living, here you’ll find loads of tips on caring for your cat in tough times.
Other organisations here to help are:
DogsTrust
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/dog-food-bank
FareShare
https://fareshare.org.uk/getting-food/
RSPCA
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/costofliving/foodbank
An alliance of national animal charities has joined forces with FareShare and global donors including Pets at Home, Petplan, Purina Petcare, Lily’s Kitchen and Mars Petcare to help feed our animal companions.
Industry body, UK Pet Food, co-ordinator of National Pet Month, is working closely with Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Battersea and Cats Protection to distribute pet food across the country to where it’s needed most, thanks to pet insurer, Petplan, covering the cost.