Food Banks Helping to Feed Pets

Household pets are falling victim to the bad economy, too. Shelters are being flooded with animals, and the overwhelming reasons are that owners simply don't have the money to feed or care for them, or worse, they are being evicted due to foreclosure and simply can't take their pets with them.

The problem is becoming so widespread that it gained national attention in an article by The New York Times' Stephanie Strom, "More Food Banks Helping to Feed Pets." Unfortunately, no national statistics are available to document this trend because of a lack of consistency in reporting from agency to agency.

Food banks typically aiding humans are now beginning to reach out to the animal victims of the recession. Groups like Meals on Wheels Association started a program in 2006 to bring pet food along with meals for the elderly. The elderly have typically needed assistance caring for pets as the costs of medical bills and prescriptions skyrocket on limited incomes.

With the problem spilling over into households nationwide, more programs are being launched to assist families in caring for their pets during hard times.

The PETCO Foundation, for example, has established partnerships with pet food assistance programs throughout the country. Inside retail PETCO stores, customers can drop off donated bags of food that will be distributed through these nonprofit partners.

The Orlando Sentinel's Animal Crazy blog announced the partnership on March 18. Locally, PETCO stores have partnered with the Central Florida Animal Pantry.

The SPCA of Central Florida offers Pet Food Xpress, providing food for pets belonging to seniors throughout Central Florida.

For a detailed list of pet emergency assistance in the state of Florida, visit the Humane Society of the United States.