Animal Friends to host pet food distribution for low-income pet owners

Animal Friends will host a drive-thru, free pet food distribution for low-income pet owners Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Ohio Township campus.

The distribution will be a no-contact drive-thru pick up. Motorists should stay in their cars while Animal Friends’ staff members and volunteers load food into their vehicles.

Staff and volunteers will wear face masks and gloves. Those who are picking up food are also asked to wear a face covering.

Pet food supplies are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The animal shelter’s Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank received five times the normal call volume requesting pet food during the covid-19 pandemic, said Jenn Geibel, director of clinic and community services.

This increase has resulted in 200 to 400 pounds of pet food being distributed each day, she said.

“While we watch the lines at local food banks and pantries grow, we can’t help but think of the four-legged family members who could benefit from our assistance,” Geibel said. “Through this effort, we aim to make sure that all members of the family are fed, two- and four-legged alike.”

Animal friends is looking for more donations for its Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank. Donors can purchase items from their Amazon Wish List to Animal Friends or drop off donations at the no-contact donation drop located at the Ohio Township campus on Camp Horne Road.