“Many believe that pet ownership is irresponsible without the means to provide sustenance, but the reality is more complex,” notes Anita Arthur.
Arthur co-founded Animal Foodbank UK alongside Robert Miller, a venture born from their shared experiences volunteering at animal charities, where they witnessed firsthand the struggles many individuals faced in feeding their cherished companions.
Recognizing the gap in services, as traditional food banks often lack pet food provisions, Arthur and Miller, based in Redditch, established a dedicated resource.
What began with modest £20 contributions from the co-founders has since blossomed into a nationwide network of over 120 volunteers, spanning from Scotland to Cornwall, providing sustenance to nearly 6,000 pet owners.
Over the past three years, the now-registered charity has distributed 150,000 meals to pets in need throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.
Arthur suggests that their organization may be unique in the UK for offering pet food delivery services, contrasting with collection-based models.
“Referrals are not required. Anyone can contact us or visit our drop-in centers for assistance,” Arthur states.
Recipients receive a two-week supply of pet food monthly, with the organization also collaborating with entities such as homeless shelters to extend aid to those in vulnerable situations.
The charity operates without requiring proof of income or benefit receipt, with donations declined only in specific circumstances.
“We prioritize responsible pet ownership, and therefore cannot support those involved in dog breeding,” Arthur clarifies.
“Additionally, we reserve the right to refuse assistance to individuals who acquire more pets while already receiving our support.”
Another, more recently founded, pet food bank in the West Midlands is the West Bromwich Emergency Pet Pantry, headed by Louise Colledge, age 47.
With drop-off locations in West Bromwich and Smethwick, the pantry aims to serve the broader Sandwell area.
“During my time with a local human food bank, I observed a recurring demand for pet food,” Colledge recalls.
“I identified a clear unmet need within the community.”
The West Bromwich Emergency Pet Pantry offers a week’s worth of pet food, accessible via phone, text, or email referral, up to three times within a six-month period. Extended support is considered in cases of greater need.
Both organizations acknowledge the challenging circumstances that can lead to pet owners struggling to provide for their animals.
“We assisted a woman who had to flee a domestic violence situation with her children and two dogs,” Colledge recounts.
“We provided extra support as she worked to stabilize her situation and access benefits.”
At Animal Foodbank UK, Arthur mentions assisting a widow struggling with the cost of her husband’s headstone and another woman financially impacted by the cost of euthanizing her dog.
“The financial strain of alleviating her dog’s suffering left her unable to afford food for her other pets,” Arthur explains.
Both groups emphasize the importance of non-judgmental support for struggling pet owners and the broader positive impacts this can have.
“Providing a pensioner with two weeks’ worth of dog food may free up funds to cover heating expenses. We can also assist when unexpected costs arise, such as car repairs hindering someone’s ability to get to work,” Arthur states.
“Many individuals in these situations would prioritize their pets’ needs over their own.”
Colledge advocates for providing the necessary support to enable pets to remain with their owners.
She notes instances of homeless individuals refusing accommodation to stay with their pets.
“Some people care so deeply for their pets that they would surrender them to a rescue rather than be unable to afford food. Our work also supports these rescue organizations,” she explains.
“We encounter individuals who are forced to choose between feeding themselves and their pets.”
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