Across the country, communities are feeling the effects of reduced SNAP benefits and shifting eligibility requirements. For many low-income individuals and families, SNAP is the primary support they rely on to cover their own nutritional needs. But SNAP benefits do not cover pet food. When food budgets tighten, there is simply less available to care for a pet.

For the people we serve, their pets are not optional. They are family. They are emotional support, stability, and often protection. Many of our clients live outdoors, in vehicles, or in temporary shelter situations. Their pets provide connection and a reason to keep going in environments that can be unsafe and isolating.

When food becomes scarce, we frequently hear from pet owners who would choose to eat less themselves rather than let their pets go hungry.

What We Expect to See

As reductions to SNAP benefits continue, we anticipate:

• More individuals and families reaching out for pet food support
• Higher demand for donated pet food at our nationwide Pet Food Providers
• Increased pressure on our Emergency Veterinary Care program as preventable nutrition-related conditions rise
• More case managers and shelters seeking assistance for clients who have recently lost or had reductions in benefits

These economic shifts widen the gap between what vulnerable pet owners need and what they can access. For many of our clients, their pet may be the only steady source of companionship, comfort and love in their life. Keeping them together is not just compassionate, it is stabilizing, life-affirming and directly tied to a person’s emotional well-being.

What You Can Do

You can make a difference today:
• Host a pet food drive in your community, workplace, or school.
• Businesses can partner with us by becoming a Donation Site to collect pet food locally.
• This holiday season, while hosting or supporting a food drive, include pet food alongside nonperishable items.
• Donate to Feeding Pets of the Homeless to help us provide emergency veterinary care and pet food to those in crisis.

Reach out to our team at info@petsofthehomeless.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

How Your Support Helps

Your support helps bridge the gap during periods of scarcity. It ensures pets have food in their bowl, keeps households stable, and prevents crises before they happen. It also provides emergency veterinary care when a health issue becomes urgent.

Most importantly, your support means no one has to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their companion.

Thank you for helping keep families together.