Extra households need assistance preserving their pets fed
Nobody ought to ever have to decide on between feeding themselves and their pets. But for the 1.1 million Massachusetts’ residents whose budgets are affected by present occasions and adjustments in household meals assist, this hardship is a stark actuality.
A lot of our relations, buddies, neighbors, and colleagues are experiencing meals insecurity, resulting in a rise in stress and severe well being dangers from poor vitamin. And when folks go hungry, their pets go hungry, too.
Pets are household. They offer us unconditional love in return for our assembly their primary wants of meals, water, shelter, and care. A companion animal additionally drastically improves our bodily and psychological well-being, particularly throughout these unsure instances. However what occurs throughout a nationwide starvation disaster when placing kibble into the bowl is a problem?
The price of proudly owning a pet is rising quickly. The common price of meals, provides, and routine veterinary take care of a cat or canine is over $1,000 yearly. When this excessive price is mixed with an emergency – equivalent to a sudden well being problem, a change in housing, or one other unexpected circumstance – house owners face the tough determination of what to do subsequent.
Thankfully, organizations just like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) are right here to assist. ARL gives pet meals and important provides to shoppers residing in Higher Boston and on Cape Cod who’re dealing with monetary hurdles. In 2025 up to now, ARL has offered meals to 1,524 pets on a month-to-month foundation
Occasions are powerful. On this season of giving, it’s extra necessary now than ever to lend a paw to assist pets locally.
1. Assist inventory ARL’s pet meals pantry. To this point this 12 months, an unprecedented 1,300 house owners have referred to as ARL searching for pet meals. Our sources are stretched to the restrict, and we want your assist to maintain pets fed. You can also make a right away impression within the battle in opposition to pet starvation in the present day.
- Donate Meals Straight: View our digital want lists of our most critically wanted pet meals. Gadgets are shipped on to ARL.
- Arrange a Drive: Begin a pet meals assortment drive at your college, college, office, or place of worship to assemble donations out of your neighborhood.
- Drop Off Donations: Deliver unopened, unexpired, shelf-stable pet meals on to ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Facilities in Boston, Dedham, or Cape Cod (Brewster). Drop-off hours are Wednesday by means of Sunday, from 1:00 PM to six:00 PM.
- Make a Monetary Present: Financial donations permit us to buy precisely what is required most. You’ll be able to make a safe reward on-line.
2. Donate to your native meals financial institution or human service group. After we handle people, we additionally handle their pets. Dozens of organizations within the Higher Boston space, together with Motion for Boston Group Improvement (ABCD) proceed to be a important useful resource for households, offering help with meals, housing, and different primary wants. ARL at present distributes pet meals at ABCD Meals Pop-Ups in Mattapan and East Boston, guaranteeing that as households obtain assist, their beloved animals are cared for, too.
Nobody ought to ever have to surrender their beloved companion as a result of pet meals is simply too costly. Should you want help, you’re not alone. View a full record of ARL’s free and low-cost providers that will help you maintain your pet.
