In an effort to alleviate the rising costs of pet maintenance on families, Best Friends Fur Ever on Tuesday announced the launch of its new Pet Food Pantry, which will operate out of dog day care center locations in Cockeysville and Joppa.
As numerous pet owners struggle to afford the basics, including food for their dogs, this effort aims to ensure temporary financial hardship doesn’t cause a family or individual to surrender a pet, according to BFFE.
The Pet Food Pantry will collect donated dog food and distribute the items through local nonprofit partners and community outreach organizations serving pet owners experiencing temporary financial hardship with an initial focus on Baltimore and Harford counties, a release says.
“A temporary financial setback should never mean losing a lifelong companion,” Best Friends Fur Ever President Mary Steinebrunner said according to a release.
“Our goal is simple: help keep pets where they belong, with the families who love them. Every bag of donated food has the potential to relieve stress for a family and prevent unnecessary surrender.”
The pantry accepts unopened bags of dry dog food, unopened canned dog food and unopened dog treats. Donors can drop off items during BFFE’s business hours, 6:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at its Cockeysville (246 Cockeysville Road) and Joppa (1009 Philadelphia Road) daycare locations.
Additional Pet Food Pantry donation guidelines and drop-off information are available at bestfriendsfurever.com/pet-food-pantry/.
“Too many families are forced to make heartbreaking decisions simply because they’re struggling to afford pet food,” Steinebrunner added. “We believe that no one should have to choose between feeding their family and keeping their best friend.”
Dining and Cooking