A program designed to help pet owners in need is looking for a little help of its own. The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth has run a pet food pantry for the last five years. “We have cat and dog food and occasionally supplies for other animals; bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, those types of things,” said Stacey Murphy, an outreach coordinator with the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth. But, like other assistance programs in the area, that initiative is now facing challenges of its own. “It’s been used considerably more than ever before. In the past year, we’ve seen it go from about 200 users a month to 300,” Murphy explained. People can access the pantry every four weeks and receive a one-month supply of necessities. “We’re not looking to replace and fully feed someone’s animal for the month. We’re looking to supplement, so very similar to the food bank,” Murphy said. Andrea Carlisle used the program in the past to help her, and her furry family member, get through tough times. “There were times where it was either I’m going to buy dog food or am I going to buy groceries,” she explained. Carlisle called the process simple and non-invasive. “You just provide the information about your pets and any allergies, things like that, and they go ahead and help you with whatever they can.” The pet pantry in Kitchener, located at 250 Riverbend Drive, is available from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, while the Stratford location at 125 Griffith Road is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Friday. “There’s so many people who are in the same boat,” Carlisle said. “So many people who are struggling right now financially. There’s no shame in reaching out.” Anyone who wants to help support the program is encouraged to make a financial donation or drop off dry dog food, dry cat food, cat litter, small animal food or small animal bedding. The Kitchener and Stratford pantries also have Amazon wishlists. Opened food cannot be accepted.
