by Kathleen Wilson
Mar 08, 2012

The Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma City is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them by providing pet food and pet service referrals to low-income senior citizens and the homeless, because no one should go hungry. For many pet owners, their pets may be their only family or friend. Pets offer companionship, unconditional love, joy, comfort, friendship and someone their owners can talk to without judgment. They are vital to a person’s well being. In these situations, it is critical for pet owners to know that assistance is available.

In June of 2010, the Pet Food Pantry officially opened its doors to provide food and related services to the pets of low-income senior citizens and those who are homeless. This program not only enables seniors and the homeless to keep their companion animals, it also helps to reduce the number of pets being abandoned or surrendered to shelters and rescue organizations. In addition to providing pet food, the Pet Food Pantry also provides information on low-cost neuter/spay and vaccination clinics.

“As an animal rescuer and pet parent, I can’t imagine a day when I don’t share my life and my home with animals. I can’t imagine having to choose between feeding myself and feeding my pets. I personally would make the same choice that many of those we hope to serve choose to make— to feed them from my own plate,” said Kim Pempin, founder of the Pet Food Pantry. “Our mission is to provide food for their pets while helping keep their food on the table for them.”

The goals of the Pet Food Pantry are

• Work with local food pantries, senior citizens and homeless programs to identify low-income senior citizens in need of pet food and services
• Reduce hunger in their pets by providing pet food to those in need, enabling them to keep their companion animals
• Work with local spay/neuter clinics/veterinarians to offer low-cost spay/neuter/vaccination
• Reduce pets being surrendered or abandoned due to lack of pet food and or medical needs, lessening the burden of homeless pets on local animal shelters/rescue groups, and reducing the number of animals being euthanized
• Provide assistance to improve the quality of life for companion animals through proper nutrition, medical needs and spay/neuter programs
• Reduce the abuse, neglect and over population of all animals by educating the public about responsible pet ownership.

How can you help?  You can donate dog or cat food. Contact the Pantry at (405) 664-2858 for drop-off locations or to arrange a pick up. You can also donate cash or gift cards to Sam’s or Wal-Mart to be used to purchase dog or cat food. These donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 57678, Oklahoma City, OK 73157-7678. All donations are tax deductible.  If you know someone who would benefit from the Pet Food Pantry Program, please encourage them to contact the Pet Food Pantry at (405) 664-2858.