The shelves are nearly bare, so this Whatcom County food bank is asking for donations
Whatcom County’s food banks for families aren’t the only ones feeling increased demand from COVID-19 and recent inflation.
The Whatcom Humane Society took to social media last week asking for donations for its pet food bank, posting photos of its nearly empty dog and cat food shelves.
“Over the past two years we have seen a significant increase in the number of pet owners needing to utilize the pet food bank and as such, resources and donations have been stretched thin,” Whatcom Humane Society Director Lauren Clark told The Bellingham Herald in an email. “The ongoing need continues to increase and we are having trouble keeping up with the demand for service.”
The Humane Society has offered its pet food bank for community pets in need for more than 20 years, offering free dog and cat food and treats, cat litter and small animal food for rabbits, birds and other animals to low-income residents that need help caring for their companion animals, according to Clark.
“By offering this assistance and pet food security, we can help keep pets in homes instead of having to be rehomed, given away or brought to the shelter,” Clark wrote.
The pet food bank operates entirely on donation, but those supplies have been stretched.
“Our pet food program is seeing a significant increase in use and the need to support this important community program is high. As such, our food bank shelves are pretty empty and depleted these days. SAD!” the Humane Society’s Facebook post reads. “Pet food donations are needed to help re-stock our pet food bank shelves to assist the pets of community residents in need.”
Dry and canned dog and cat food donations are needed, according to post, which added that any brand was needed, though prescription diets or expired food cannot be accepted. Also needed are dog and cat treats, cat litter and small animal food.
Donations can be dropped off at the Humane Society’s Division Street shelter between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, according to the post, which added that local pet supply stores Mud Bay Pet Supply, DoorStep Pet Supply, petStop also are accepting pet food donations for Whatcom Humane Society.
The agency also has an Amazon wishlist that allows items to be shipped directly to the shelter.
Pet owners who need assistance can also visit the Whatcom Humane Society between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, according to Clark.
“This program is extremely important to the community and pets in need,” Clark wrote.
