Owning a pet is a wonderful experience, and it can give you all kinds of joy as you bond with your animals. But there’s a lot more to being a pet owner than simply providing your furry friend with love and affection. You’re also responsible for their care – and their costly everyday needs.
If you’re a dog owner, even simple costs like food can overwhelm you. Canned dog food can cost between $400 and $1,000 per year. And that price increases if your dog requires special food or a unique diet. That annual cost can put a serious burden on anyone who’s low-income.
However, if you’re a low-income individual or family with a dog, there are options. There are services and organizations that can help you with the costs of feeding your dog. Some even offer free dog food to those in need.
The following are a few common places you can turn to look for free dog food. Options for free food for low-income individuals with pets will vary from region to region and city to city, so make sure to consider these options as well as others.
Local Pet Shelters
Pet shelters in your local area may be able to offer free dog food if you’re in need. These shelters are designed to help all animals in need, which means they typically welcome donations in the form of food and supplies. And if you happen to have a shelter in your area that receives an abundance of donations, that shelter may be able to provide low-income pet owners with free food.
Search for shelters in your area to see if they offer any free food or programs for low-income individuals. Some shelters will give away free food to certain income levels, and some even have pet food banks where free food is available to anyone in need. It varies from city to city, so make sure to search for what’s available in your hometown.
Nonprofit Organizations for Dogs or Pets
Nonprofit organizations are devoted to offering services and goods to those in need. And there’s a surprising number of nonprofit organizations dedicated to pets and their owners. These organizations are different from shelters – they typically offer programs that help pet owners care for their pets.
For example, the Humane Society of the United States does operate local Humane Society Shelters across the country. But the organization itself also offers a number of resources to help low-income pet owners. Other organizations, like The Pet Chow Pantry, are even devoted to providing food for dog owners who can provide their income level.
Look for nonprofit organizations centered around pets in your area and community. You may be able to receive food and other assistance from them to lessen your costs.
Veterinary Clinics
Typically, visiting your veterinarian comes with high costs. But your veterinarian may actually be able to help you out if you’re struggling to pay for your dog’s food. Some vet offices, particularly those located in rural or impoverished areas, offer or participate in charitable programs. These programs can offer low-cost or free dog food to those most in need.
In addition to potential free or low-cost dog food, these assistance programs offered by local vets may also help in other ways. Some may offer low-cost spay and neuter programs, reduced prices on vaccinations, and more. Speak with your dog’s vet about methods of assistance if you’re in need.
Breed-Specific Organizations
Another helpful resource during times of need are breed-specific organizations. These clubs, groups, and other organizations tend to focus on a single type of dog breed. And they can also offer forms of assistance like free dog food for low-income families in some areas. Check online, including on Facebook, to find dog breed advocacy groups in your area. You can ask about food assistance or free food and see if any help is available.
For example, you’ve likely heard of the American Kennel Club (AKC). But not everyone realizes that the AKC offers a list of resources and advocacy groups for specific dog breeds – and on the list, you’ll find options for assistance for low-income dog owners.
Religious Institutions
Religious organizations like churches, synagogues, and mosques are well-known for offering assistance to the needy. Most commonly, they offer services for humans. But some actually provide assistance for pets and their families too.
Religious institutions often host drives, donations, and even food banks. And sometimes, in some areas, they may have food for pets. Check with your local religious organizations and see if they offer any items like free dog food that you may be able to take advantage of. The benefit of turning to these types of institutions is that they typically help anyone, even those who aren’t religious or members of their organization.
Search for Free Dog Food in Your Area
Paying for the care your dog needs is no easy task. It requires a lot of money, especially if your pet has special dietary requirements that make food even more expensive. And regardless of the cost of your pup’s food, if you’re on a limited budget, any kind of food could be too expensive.
Fortunately, there are organizations that may be able to help. If you’re a low-income individual, you may be able to connect with local organizations, groups, and even food banks to receive free dog food. The trick, however, is that you have to search for them in order to find these options.
Many non-profit organizations and groups do have programs and resources that can help low-income families with dogs. But you’ll need to search online for free dog food options in your area. The specifics – and even the organizations – vary from location to location. It’ll take some research and time to find what options for free dog food are available near you.