CT Humane Society Pet Food Pantry to Help Federal Workers

Newington, CT – Federal workers affected by the government shutdown can find a helping hand for their pets at the Connecticut Humane Society’s Pet Food Pantry.

CHS will be distributing free food for cats, dogs and small critters across the state, and asking the public for assistance in boosting the available food supply.

As federal employees face tough financial dilemmas during this period, they shouldn’t have to worry about the ability to buy food for their pets as well, CHS Executive Director Gordon Willard said.

“We don’t want anyone to even think of giving up their pet, or going without something that human family members need to stay healthy, because they’re affected by the shutdown,” Willard said. “And we don’t know how long it will last, which is one of the more difficult parts for all included. But together with the community, we can give pets and their families the support they need right now so that no food bowls go empty, and pets can stay in their homes.”

Federal workers in need of CHS’ Pet Food Pantry assistance are asked to fill out an online form on CHS’ website, www.cthumane.org, with their name and contact information, as well as the number of pets who need food and their breed and size. They will be asked to present their federal employee ID when picking up their food.

Federal workers can pick up the pet food on Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 2-5 p.m. at CHS’ Newington location at 701 Russell Road, and at the Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter, 81 Fournier Street, New Haven. CHS distributed pet food and supplies to the Coast Guard Thursday, Jan. 17.

CHS will be holding a pet food drive at its Newington location on Tuesday, Jan. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff and volunteers will be accepting donated food and sorting it for distribution.

Monetary donations are also welcome at bit.ly/fillpetsbowls so that CHS can purchase and distribute additional pet food as needed.

All varieties of cat and dog food will be needed, including dry food and cans and grain-free formulas, as well as food for small animals, like Timothy hay and pellets for guinea pigs and rabbits. All varieties of cat litter would also be helpful.

The Pet Food Pantry has operated for many years at all three CHS locations in Westport, Newington and Waterford in an effort to help pets stay in homes that love and know them best.

“Pets provide comfort to their people in the toughest of times, so you especially don’t want any families to have to lose a pet while they’re already facing this kind of financial challenge,” Willard said. “And all pet owners know that the costs of pet food can add up fast, so we hope to provide a bit of relief amid the uncertainty.”

About the Connecticut Humane Society
The Connecticut Humane Society is the leading resource in the state for companion animal welfare, enriching the lives of families and communities through adoption services, medical care, education, and prevention of cruelty. The Connecticut Humane Society is not affiliated with any national animal welfare groups, does not receive government funding, and does not euthanize for time, space, breed or age. To learn more about the Connecticut Humane Society, please visit www.cthumane.org.