INDIANA – As communities across Indiana recover from widespread flooding, Pet Friendly Services of Indiana is directing residents to pet food pantries that can help families care for their animals during this difficult and disruptive time.
Families dealing with displacement, property damage, and unexpected expenses may suddenly need help purchasing food and basic supplies for their pets. Pet Friendly Services maintains a statewide Pet Food Pantry Directory connecting pet owners with organizations that provide free or low-cost pet food and, in some cases, cat litter, crates, collars, leashes, pet housing and other assistance.
“Caring for pets becomes much harder during a disaster,” said Cheri Storms, Executive Director of Pet Friendly Services of Indiana. “We want pet owners to know that help may be available in their own communities. And for those of us who weren’t impacted, this is an important opportunity to help our neighbors by supporting the pet food pantries.”
Need Pet Food or Supplies? Call Before You Go.
Pet Friendly Services encourages residents to contact your local pantry before making a trip. Flooding may affect normal operations, and hours, supplies, and eligibility requirements vary by organization.
Some pantries serve only residents of certain counties or communities, while others have income, identification, spay/neuter, or other eligibility requirements. Residents should explain that they have been affected by the flooding and ask what assistance is currently available.
Pet owners can use the Pet Friendly Services of Indiana Pet Food Pantry Directory to locate assistance throughout the state.
Not Impacted? You Can Help.
Pet Friendly Services is also encouraging those who are safe to donate to pet food pantries serving communities affected by the flooding. Local pantries are likely to experience increased demand in the days and weeks following this disaster.
Before donating physical supplies, contact the organization directly or check its website or social media pages to learn what is needed most. Needs can change quickly, and some pantries may have limited storage space or specific requests for dog food, cat food, cat litter, crates, carriers, or other supplies.
Monetary donations can also be especially helpful, giving organizations the flexibility to purchase the food and supplies most urgently needed by local families.
Organizations operating pet food pantries that should be added to or updated in the directory can contact Pet Friendly Services at rhi@petfriendlyservices.org.
