Pet food offered free or reduced in Florida during shutdown

• A federal shutdown has impacted food assistance programs, leaving many Americans struggling to feed their families and pets.
• SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase pet food, creating a financial strain for pet owners.
• Numerous Florida organizations, including local SPCAs, Humane Societies, and private pantries, offer free pet food to those in need.

Americans are struggling across the country as funding for food assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) dry up during the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history.

Nearly 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits, including nearly 3 million Floridians. While the courts, Congress and the White House decide what to do next, thousands of community groups, businesses, and food banks across the U.S. are mobilizing to help people keep their family fed.

What about their pets?

SNAP benefits can’t be used for pet food, but households forced to tighten their belts may find less (or no) money left over to feed their dogs, cats and other animals.

Here’s where Floridians can get help.

Where to find free pet food in Florida

There are several ongoing pet food assistance programs in the Sunshine State.

• ASPCA Florida: Florida residents who receive public assistance can qualify to get free pet food once a month, on the fourth Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A valid Florida driver’s license and proof of public assistance is required. More details.
• Local SPCA organizations, such as SPCA Volusia, also offer pet food programs.
• Local Humane Societies: Many humane societies provide pet pantries to help with short-term, emergency assistance, including:
• Local shelters and rescue organizations: Check your local animal rescue organizations to see if they have help programs.
• Best Buddies Food Pantry: An all-volunteer non-profit, Best Buddies provides free pet food assistance in Central Florida. More details.
• Happy Trails Animal Rescue: This animal rescue in Orlando has a pet pantry food assistance program for residents of Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
• Love of Paws Pet Food Pantry: Located in Indian River County, Love of Laws helps senior citizens and veterans with food for their pets. More details.
• Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando: Based in Sanford, this group helps residents of Orange, Seminole, or Osceola County with supplemental dog or cat food. Check their website or social media for availability.
• Peggy’s Pantry: Located in Palm Beach County, this program from the Peggy Adam’s Animal Rescue League helps assist needy families to feed their pets. You must qualify first and food pick-ups are scheduled by appointment.
• The Pet Project: This organization in Broward County offers assistance for pet-owners in need, including free food, reduced vet services and delivery to the physically disabled. More details.

Florida food assistance: Where to find free food in Florida while SNAP benefits delayed by shutdown

Other places that can help with pet food

Pet organizations aren’t the only places that can help out.

• Some local veterinarians can help with free or reduced food or may be able to direct you to local resources. Others, such as Harmony Vet Care in the Tampa area, provide high quality, low cost medical pet care.
• Food banks for humans occasionally get donations of pet food. You can find a list of Florida food banks here.
• Local churches may offer pet food along with their food drives for the needy.

Donate to pet food banks

If you have the means, donations are welcome at any of the locations listed above. You also can donate to Puppy Food Bank, which ships food directly from online pet store Chewy to select “no-kill” pet rescue shelters and approved foster families for free.

Make your own cheap pet food

There are many recipes online for making inexpensive pet food using table scraps, rice, stock from chicken or beef bones (leftover from your dinner or sometimes available cheap at stores or butcher shops) and vegetables. PETA even offers vegan recipes.

Keep in mind that dogs and cats need a protein-based diet that isn’t high in fat, and your pet may have specific nutrient needs. If possible, contact a vet before changing their diet and monitor their weight and health.