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Low income families around the country could now qualify for a new program designed to keep pets at home with their families, and out of overcrowded shelters.
Pet Food Stamps, a non-profit pending corporation based in New York City and the brainchild of Marc Okon, an animal lover that saw a very real need for families with pets struggling in this economy, is designed to fill the void in the nation’s current assistance programs that exclude the purchase of food and supplies for family pets. The program offers assistance, not just for dogs and cats, but for some small animals and reptiles as well.
According to their website, PetFoodStamps.org,
In these rough economic times, many pet owners are forced to abandon their beloved pet to the ASPCA, North Shore Animal League or other animal shelters due to the inability to pay for their basic food supply and care. There are over 50 million Americans who currently receive Food Stamps, many with dogs or cats, who simply cannot afford to feed their animals, and these cherished companions are dropped off at animal shelters where they will most likely be put to sleep. A recent New York Times article states that “animal shelters have reported a steep rise in the number of cats and dogs being surrendered as owners face unemployment, home foreclosures, evictions and other financial hardships.” As more families struggle with difficult choices like paying the rent or buying food, some have to choose between keeping their pet and putting food on the table.
Naturally, many people believe that if someone can’t afford to feed themselves, they shouldn’t have pets. It’s a valid point. But, there are lots of people that find themselves in a temporary hardship. The Pet Food Stamps program is meant to provide a hand up, not a hand out, to keep families together and pets well cared for.
In only the first two weeks since their launch, over 45,000 members have already signed up.
Applying for the pet food stamps program is simple and available to any resident of the United States. Just visit the website and fill out an application. Most applicants that are already receiving another form of government assistance will likely be approved for the program.
Okon told reporters, “The love of a pet, the therapeutic ability of a pet and things like that are impossible to measure. It gives us a great feeling of pride to be able to help people like that and we’re happy to do it.”
Once approved, members of the program will receive free monthly deliveries of food and supplies for their pets, which the program orders through PetFoodDirect.com. Pet owners can choose whichever brand of food they prefer, as long as it is available through PetFoodDirect.com, a great solution to those owners of pets with special dietary needs or certain food allergies.
With continued growth, Pet Food Stamps hopes to eventually offer free or heavily discounted veterinary services to its members as well as food and supplies.
The program is operated solely through the generosity and donations of others and is not federally funded. However, Pet Food Stamps hopes to find corporate sponsorship in the near future. “We’re not looking for government funding at this point,” explained Pet Food Stamps founder and executive director Marc Okon. “Should the government be willing to provide assistance further down the line, we will look into it.”
The program’s goal is to help pets to remain in their homes, with their families, instead of the alternative – surrendering the animals to already overcrowded shelters where they are most likely going to be euthanized.
To learn more, or to apply for pet food assistance, visit www.PetFoodStamps.org.
Betty
says:I have 2 five mo old poppys I got food for them the cost Icould’t see It cost so much money I paid 71 dollars and this is for one mo, I had to let some of my bills go this mo, so if Icould get food stamps for my poppys it will help alot.
I’m in need of fog food
Amanda
says:How do I sign up for the pet stamps
Lynda
says:No info for Canadians owners of dogs
Gemma Aisporna Rebadulla
says:Goodam ma’am. Someone referring your website to me.
I needed help so bad & it is emergency
I have two dogs that have a serious problem, the one is female she has tumor on her private part. and it is getting bigger I don’t have money to bring them to the vet because i am the one who lost job when pandemic came.
The other dog i have is male, he needed medical assistance, his not eating almost one week all i do is feed him thru syringe but his still vomit.
his looks changed alot immediately.
I am begging please help this two dogs. they really need medical treatment, I am scared for them. I hope you will see this
Until have a chance to save them. Please god knows that i am desperate for looking help..
PLEASEEE SAVE THEM.
I live I lebanon indiana I take care of my elderly parents n I also lost my job do to bad circumstances. So I’m at home with the both of them my father is blind and is on dialysis. My mother is constantly falling. N I have cat and a dog my dog is a Chihuahua with a very sensitive stomach and have tried everything kind of sensitive belly food for small breeds n he just will not eat them. So I just make his food. But my cat he eat does shredded cat food can from Friskies only very picky n will not eat dry cat food. Sorry ik baggers can’t b choosers but I would hate to receive help from u angels n him not eat it.God bless u all.
Try to go to web site but says error and certification is bad. Can you post web site so I can apply human food stamps will not allow you to purchase dog food
Thank you for having a program for the dogs.
Christy
says:It just said that the program has been discontinued….
Tamara
says:I have applied twice for PETFOODSTAMPS.com
I have never heard from them.
Does this website exist?
Send response to:
[email protected]
Jennifer Clarke
says:I have just been taken off of our work roster due to oji and a now closed workers compensation insurance claim. Still injured but not being allowed to work a modified job any longer. I have two cats, need info on food banks for pets in Milwaukie, Oregon. Pongo fund is a large one in our area but they are closed this month 3/2014, will reopen next month. Thank you.
kendra mixon
says:i love this! And I as many other dog lovers could really use some help. My dogs are my kids. I would feed them before myself and have done so. Times are hard but without my fur babies I could not make it. Thank you for your help. Even if I dont get it it still is awesome of you do offer this!
rhonda clark
says:Please tell me how I can apply I have no income I get for food stamps but I haven’t got my ssi yet I live sevierville 865-441-1793 god bless
Bev
says:All you need to do is send a copy of what you get in food stamps and send it to: PETFOOD STAMPS, INC.391 SOUTH MAIN STREET NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10956
its a big world out their I just turn big 50 I am low in come house whole and looking for help feeding my love ones I have 8 dogs 5 cats 2 pigs 2 doves and 1 genie pig I heard you can sign them up on dog food stamps I also get stamps I am trying to find help once a month to feed them I love them very much they are my family if you can help me I would be grate ful thanks linda scruggs
is this real or a scam
we could all need some help in feeding all of our family members!
Barbara Bentley
says:How can I get an application to sign up for pet food for my pets, I live in PA. Please e-mail me information. Thank you
how do i get application for pet food. live in Spring Texas
joe medeiros
says:i love my dogs but its getting very hard to feed them these days when i dont even make emugh money for me. i could use some help.
I live in Nashville,tenn.How can I apply for food stamps for my pets here in tennessee. Could you please call me 6153950033 or just email please….
anitra
says:i think its about time that our pets get help.i do without a lot to make sure my baby has what she needs i’ve had my ele.turned off 3 times and getting ready for them to do it again this weekend done been told.but my baby is worth it
margaret Won
says:I hope this works out for me. I will go without to save my pets
Joyce Turco
says:I don’t need help but that is a wonderful idea. I do know someone who took in a dog because it wasn’t treated well & she next took in a St. Bernard because it would have been put down because the fanmily no longer wanted him. She had a full time job at that time but lost it & now has 2 part time jobs with a lower income & no benefits. I will forward the info to her because she should apply for help.
I think that this is a good thing thank god!
Danielle Winegardner
says:I just signed up. Praying we get approved. Thank you for having a program to help our beloved family members in our time of need! God Bless all who help with this program!!
Laura Hatton-Barnes
says:I am a member of a local organization that provides pet food and some help with veterinary expenses like this. We rely on donations and volunteers, and thankfully there a lot of generous animal lovers in our area. We understand the importance of keeping beloved pets with responsible pet owners who have fallen on hard times. I am so glad there is another avenue for people to turn to for this kind of help.
I wanna sign up for them
Amen to the help that will be here to help feed my two dogs. Thanks for thinking about the animals. They have a spirit also
Julia
says:I am low income i recive disability once a month and i would appriciate any help for my animals my bnumber is 602 423 9183 or 602 487 6401
patty jester
says:this would be a great help to me if it were to work out
Della Bland
says:What an amazing example of Christ like love. Thanks. Animals are 100% dependent on humans.