10 Years of Service

Eat. Stay. Love

Ten years ago today we held our first pet food bank on a sunny June 6th, in Northwest Denver at Bienvenidos Food Bank. This adventure started as an experiment. I knew I had stuff in my cupboard that my pups didn’t need, and I figured most pet families did as well. The idea was to collect all of the pet food that people didn’t need or want, and get it to those who would use it. The original plan was not to expand past Denver. In fact, Denver Pet Pantry was one of the original names we considered. But then, in a moment of wishful premonition, we decided to call the organization Colorado Pet Pantry, just in case we stretched outside of Denver.

Photos of our very first pet food bank, June 6, 2013.

It was a slow go at first. We needed to learn everything from scratch. Was there a need? Where would we find enough pet food to serve the people coming to our pet food bank? Where would we store the pet food before it was distributed? How would we get the pet food from the donation collection locations to (what would become) our warehouse? How would we find volunteers? Would people donate to the cause? Would human food banks want to partner with us and offer this service to their clients? Would there be an ability for us to not only help people in need, but also other animal welfare organizations? And last but not least, is it ever possible to get the pet food smell out of a vehicle when bags of kibble have filled every crevice of it for the past 10 years? I can answer that one quickly, no.

The answers to all of the questions above are the kindness of people, generosity of partners, dedication of a team, and a really good vacuum. 

We have learned so much over the last 10 years. We learned that the key to making change is to ask others to help and join in the effort. Colorado Pet Pantry doesn’t do anything alone. Everything we do requires multiple people, organizations, and brands. This is the group project that actually worked out, because Colorado is so dedicated to its pets. 

Every year people ask me where I envision Colorado Pet Pantry going next. That’s such a hard question. Life is full of twists and turns… the economy, a global pandemic, inflation, supply chain bottlenecks; there are so many things that affect people and business livelihoods, which in turn affect our capacity to help.

The vision is that all pets in Colorado have the food they need, and families have the ability to keep their pets through thick and thin. But the reality is the Colorado Pet Pantry grows as more people and partners learn about this easy way to keep pets with their families. Our goal is to give pet families relief. That relief means we must make decisions, cautiously and carefully. As we gain more volunteers, acquire more pet food, and raise more funds, we are able to grow and help more pets.

What is truly remarkable, is how people will step up, and life‘s twists and turns become opportunities to help communities. In turn we all get to see and feel the benefits. In another 10 years, I expect you’ll see many more people being assisted by Colorado Pet Pantry. You will see more partners joining the effort to keep pets with their families. And you will see our organization in every part of the state where need exists.

I’ve always looked at what Colorado Pet Pantry does as a solvable problem. We don’t need to produce more food, or pet supplies, to help people get what they need. What we need to do is figure out how to get all of these items from the people and businesses who don’t need them, to the people who do need them. 

Colorado Pet Pantry’s Second Warehouse in Cortez, Colorado

After 10 years, we now have 102 monthly pet food banks throughout the state of Colorado (click here for a map of all our open-to-the-public pet food banks). In 2013, I would have never imagined that’s what our future held. But now, I see a future where other states have statewide pet food banks, and Colorado Pet Pantry helps to mentor that process. Where volunteers know that in just a few hours each month, they can make a real difference in the lives of pets and people in their communities. That anyone with a little extra pet food in their cupboard can know that donating that bag might make the difference of someone being able to keep their pet, versus relinquishing it to a shelter. That donors know it takes just a few dollars to make a huge difference in the lives of pet guardians in their neighborhoods.

Watching the volunteers and staff at Colorado Pet Pantry, I can tell you that everyone works hard to make this organization run smoothly, so people can get the help they need, when they need it.

But what we’re doing is not difficult per sé, and after 10 years, I can truly say that the reason we thrive is because of our team. This team includes you, someone who loves and values pets AND humans alike. In another 10 years, I believe the love will continue to grow, spread, and fill those bellies with good food and an occasional tasty little treat.

Thank you for supporting us over this incredible decade. Decade number two starts today, we’re so grateful that you’re here with us.

Sincerely,

Eileen Lambert
Founder & Executive Director

Read more about our 10 Year Anniversary here.


Kroenke Sports Charities, Colorado Pet Pantry, and PetSmart Team Up to Feed Hungry Pets this Month

Denver, CO, February 10 – On February 14, 2023, Kroenke Sports Charities will make a donation of $25,000 which will provide 300,000 pet food meals to clients of the statewide nonprofit pet food bank organization Colorado Pet Pantry. This grant will feed 4,000 pets for 30 days, helping people to avoid relinquishing their pets when financial challenges arise.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Avalanche Mascot Bernie will make a special appearance at the Colorado Pet Pantry’s pet food bank in the Swansea neighborhood of Denver on February 14, 2023 from 1:30-2:30pm. Bernie will help distribute pet food to people coming to get assistance from Colorado Pet Pantry.

PetSmart is joining the effort by also contributing pet food and dog toys which Bernie and Colorado Pet Pantry volunteers will distribute at this pet food bank.

The pet food bank is held by Colorado Pet Pantry in partnership with We Don’t Waste and WeeCycle, which will hold a mobile human food bank and diaper bank at the same time. Colorado Pet Pantry holds most of its pet food banks in conjunction with a partner’s human food bank.

Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Where: Focus Points Family Resource Center, 2501 E 48th Ave, Denver, CO 80216

In January 2023, at its monthly Swansea pet food bank, the Colorado Pet Pantry served 376 pets and 150 families a total of 4,000 lbs of pet food and 800 cans of food so that families in-need were able to keep their pets with their loving families. On February 14, the expectation is that the nonprofit organization will serve the same or more families. The need has been steadily growing at pet food banks throughout Colorado, and especially in high need areas such as the Swansea neighborhood of Denver, due to inflation, cost of housing, and now, the looming February 28 expiration of COVID-19 SNAP emergency allotments (food stamp) benefits, which will drastically eat into a person or family’s resources for acquiring human food. While pet food cannot be purchased with food stamps, the change in SNAP benefits will reduce a person’s ability to get human food, leaving less financial resources for feeding pets, further increasing the need for pet food banks such as Colorado Pet Pantry.

The Kroenke Sports Charities (KSC) grant to Colorado Pet Pantry was made in honor of the Colorado Avalanche’s 27th season, during which KSC made generous donations to 27 Colorado nonprofits. More info on the recipients is available here: https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/kroenke-sports-charities-ksc-and-avs-to-celebrate-watch-party-grants/c-340441124

For more information about the Colorado Pet Pantry and/or this event, please contact Eileen Lambert, 720-441-3111, eileen@coloradopetpantry.org.

About Colorado Pet Pantry

The Colorado Pet Pantry temporarily feeds Colorado pets, allowing families to increase their ability to care for pets with the goal of keeping them out of shelters and with their families. In the past 12 months, the Colorado Pet Pantry has served 6.9 million meals to hungry pets. The organization has 103 monthly pet food banks throughout the state of Colorado. The Colorado Pet Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our EIN is 45-4210185. More info: www.coloradopetpantry.org

About Kroenke Sports Charities
Kroenke Sports Charities is committed to improving lives through the spirit and power of sports.  We strive to serve our community through education, health and fitness initiatives, athletic programs, and direct aid, with the particular purpose of helping families, children, veterans, and the disabled.  Kroenke Sports Charities provides relevant programs and support, directly and with other nonprofit organizations, to ultimately assist, encourage, and enrich the lives of those in need. https://www.ballarena.com/arena-information/kroenke-sports-charities/


Pantry volunteer helping families keep their pets

Originally posted here

DENVER – Food bank lines are always long, but the one at Focus Points Family Resource Center in Denver’s Swansea neighborhood is often extra long. The reason? A partnership with Colorado Pet Pantry, the largest pet food bank in metro Denver.

The food is provided by the Colorado Pet Pantry, the largest organization of its kind in the U.S. Every month, volunteers help distribute pet food at 105 food banks in 29 different Colorado counties. Founder Eileen Lambert says the Pantry’s mission is simply to help families who might not otherwise be able afford to keep their pets.

“Maybe rent just increased, which we know is a big deal. Gas prices. Our goal is just to help them over the hump so that they can keep this animal that they’ve probably had for 12 years,” Lambert explains

Lori Henley volunteers for Colorado Pet Pantry at four or five food banks a month – often after picking up many of the donations from pet stores in the area.

She says a lack of food shouldn’t be the reason anyone gives up a pet.

“I feel real empathy, I guess, for their plight,” she says. “It could be us. You never know. But you know, it could be us.”

Fellow volunteers say they see Lori at nearly every Colorado Pet Pantry event they go to. They say her willingness to help, and her knowledge of animal care, are invaluable, making her the perfect person to be a Denver7 Everyday Hero.


Denver7 Everyday Hero helps struggling pet owners feed their pets

Originally published at here

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — There are two kinds of people in this world: those who like animals and those who love them. Julianne Butler is definitely the latter.

When she stumbled upon Colorado Pet Pantry eight years ago, it was a natural fit for her to volunteer.

“I love pets, but going and volunteering at like a shelter or something like that — I was too afraid I’d come home with too many all the time. So this was a way for me to give back and help those people that have pets,” Butler said.

The nonprofit helps financially strapped families with food and pet supplies so they aren’t forced to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender their pets. Butler was the first volunteer to sign up for the nonprofit.

“She volunteered with us for about four months and she said, ‘Hey, I’d really like to do this in my own community,’ which is near Jewish Family service in southeast Denver,” said Colorado Pet Pantry Founder Eileen Lambert. “I said, let’s do it.”

Each week, Butler makes the rounds to places like Chuck and Don’s Pet Food & Supplies to pick up food, leashes and donations. For people struggling to get by, those donations mean everything.

“I see people — they would come to the food bank and they would cry because they were struggling so much to feed their pets and we’re handing them really good bags of food and toys and collars or leashes or beds,” Butler said.

Today, Colorado Pet Pantry has 102 food bank locations statewide. Last year, it provided families with 5.1 million meals thanks to everyday heroes like Butler.

“Our volunteers are the ones that are out there doing the food banks, talking to our clients, creating these relationships, spreading the good word, and they’re the ones that do so much of the legwork to make this all happen,” Lambert said.



Submit Your Pet Challenge Video

The Colorado Pet Pantry is doing a mini film festival during our virtual Bow Wow Film Fest on May 16 and we need your help!

Send us your pet challenge videos to be considered! Deadline is 11:59 PM on Wednesday May 6. This is the #perfectquarantineactivity.

We have shared some examples of challenges we have seen, with videos on how to’s. Dig deep in your imagination and video your pets doing something fun! (all pets, not just the dogs!)

To submit your video:

Send us a video of your pet doing a trick, being silly, putting its nose through a paper O, whatever!

There are three steps to submit your video for consideration:

  1. Record a video of less than 30 seconds of your pet. We may trim or edit the video if needed.
  2. Upload your video here (submission window has closed)
  3. Email us and let us know your name, email address, phone (just in case email doesn’t work), filename of video, and your pet’s name.

Please remember that when sending videos, we ask that you limit the time to no more than 30 seconds to ensure that we can get as many in as possible.

CPP reserves the right to trim and edit your video. 

Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing:

  • Tip Toe Challenge
    • Put your pet’s reflexes to the test and see how well they can tippy toe about in an agility test.  Set up a number of items from your house such as lotion bottles, dominoes, small spray cans etc and see if your pet can get across.
  • Egg Challange
    • Give your pet a RAW EGG and see just how gentle they can be. It sounds messy, but surprisingly many dogs have been able to show us just how gentle they can be!
  • Snout Challenge
    • Form a circle, heart, or other shape with your hands and see if your pet will nuzzle their muzzle into the formation.
  • What the fluff
    • See how your pet reacts to an amateur disappearing act. Use a blanket and a doorway. Start by playing peek-a-boo then disappear by going into the next room at the same time that you toss the blanket on the floor making it seem like you have vanished.
  • Cookie Stack
    • Great for very patient treat lovers! See how many cookies you are able to stack on your pets snout without dropping any!
  • K9 Ninja Warrior
    • Set up your own obstacle course and put your pet to the test!
  • Dance Party
    • Show us your moves with a choreographed dance party with your furry friend, or a dance party to the song of your choosing. (animal songs encouraged)
  •  Hide and seek / Peek a boo
    • Plant yourself in a spot out of sight from your pets and call them to try and find you.
  • Hurdle Challenge
    • Stack up a hurdle and see how high your pet can go! Progress into higher and higher levels as you go along.
  • Copy Cats
    • They say imitation is the best form of flattery. Show us your furry friends challenging you to a game of copy cat.
  • “Who did that?”
    • One of the best qualities in a best friend is honesty. This challenge is just that. Show us your furry friends confession to their latest mishap.
  • Invisible wall
    • Stretch a bunch of cellophane across an open door, get a dog hyped up enough to chase you, seeing how long it takes them to get past the invisible wall.
  • Best in Show
    • Show us any special skills or tricks or just silly habits that your pets have, be it the best smile, sing along’s, you name it, we want to see it!
  • Tic-Tac-toe
  • Quarantined Owners Use Cardboard Boxes To Turn Their Pets Into Dinosaurs
Cardboard dinosaurs are taking over the world!
Cardboard dinosaurs are taking over the world!

If there is a challenge that you know of that we don’t, submit those too we would love to see them!


Pet Food Bank Status in the Age of COVID-19

The Colorado Pet Pantry intends to remain open, knowing that our clients need ongoing assistance and that many more people will need our help in the weeks to come. Given that, we’ve implemented new procedures that will help us to keep our “doors” open. Now, more than ever, people need their pets. We need the life and light that they bring to our lives. Our goal is to keep pets in their families.

Getting pet food at a pet food bank

The pet food bank schedule is here.

The procedure will be much different than usual. You’ll drive into the parking lot and be directed where to go. The pet food bank will be “drive through”. We will be bringing a set amount of pet food and we WILL NOT be able to accommodate special requests. We will put the food into your car, and you’ll be on your way. 

These are tough times and we hope you know we’re doing everything we can to remain open so you can get the pet food that you need. 

Thank you and good health to you.

Changed locations

Wednesdays in August, 2020: Aurora Mobile Food Pantry – we are participating with City of Aurora, Aurora Interfaith Community Services, Food Bank of the Rockies, and SECOR Cares in the Aurora Mobile Food Pantry, every Wednesday at Town Center of Aurora, 14200 E Alameda Ave in Aurora, 10AM – until supplies last.

Colorado City Pet Food Bank is cancelled indefinitely – we are sorry for any inconvenience. All clients of this pet food bank can attend the Pueblo Pet Food Bank at Lynn Gardens Baptist Church, 3804 West Pueblo Blvd in Pueblo. The Pueblo Pet Food Bank is on the fourth Thursday of the month from 11AM – 1PM.

La Junta, and Sugar City Pet Food Banks are cancelled indefinitely – we are sorry for any inconvenience. All clients of these pet food banks are to attend the Ordway Pet Food Bank, 313 Main St in Ordway. The Ordway Pet Food Bank is on the last Monday of the month from 2:30PM – 4:30PM (This pet food bank has no July distribution).

Friday, August 21st, 2020 – Mobile Pantry with City of Denver – we will be participating in a mobile food pantry event with the City. We will be at the 14050 Maxwell Place in Denver from 10AM – 2PM.

Friday, August 28th, 2020 – Mobile Pantry with City of Denver – we will be participating in a mobile food pantry event with the City. We will be at the 3201 W Arizona Ave in Denver from 10AM – 2PM.

Friday, August 28th, 2020 – Food Bank for Larimer County Pet Food Bank will take place on the fourth Friday of the month moving forward.

Monday, August 31st, 2020 – The Ordway Pet Food Bank has a new time frame and it is a permanent change. The pet food bank will be open from 2:30PM – 3:30PM.

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 – The Mountain Resource Pet Food Bank will take place in the afternoon, 1PM-3PM, for the foreseeable future.

Friday, September 4th, 2020 – Mobile Pantry with City of Denver – we will be participating in a mobile food pantry event with the City. We will be at the 14050 Maxwell Place in Denver from 10AM – 2PM.

Tuesday, September 8th, 2020 – Aurora Interfaith Community Services pet food bank will be moved to the second Tuesday of the month permanently. The pet food bank will be open from 11AM – 12:30PM

Friday, September 11th, 2020 – Mobile Pantry with City of Denver – we will be participating in a mobile food pantry event with the City. We will be at the 3201 W Arizona Ave in Denver from 10AM – 2PM.

Friday, September 18th, 2020 – Mobile Pantry with City of Denver – we will be participating in a mobile food pantry event with the City. We will be at the 14050 Maxwell Place in Denver from 10AM – 2PM.

Friday, September 25th, 2020 – Mobile Pantry with City of Denver – we will be participating in a mobile food pantry event with the City. We will be at the 3201 W Arizona Ave in Denver from 10AM – 2PM.

What we need

We need volunteers at pet food banks and in the warehouse to assist in distributing pet food and organizing donations for each pet food bank. To sign up visit our Volunteer site here. Our pet food banks will have the recommended six feet between people — clients and volunteers. Volunteers will either put allotted food into people’s cars if the pet food bank is a “drive through” scenario or place on the ground before a client is called up to get their pet food if there’s not the ability to do a “drive through”. The goal is for clients to be served as fast as possible and without congregation of people.

The need for pet food donations and financial donations will be great during this time. We expect to see more clients due to the loss of income for so many in our communities. With that, we also expect that we will receive less financial support and pet food donations due to tough times. If you can help with either, we would be most grateful.

Donate pet food (please contact the location first to ensure they are open)
Donate funds


Sharing Food and Supplies Hurts So Good

By Amy Hempe, Colorado Pet Pantry volunteer 

There really is such a thing as giving until it hurts (our muscles at least!).

Not that that’s a bad thing.

We are thrilled to have two incredibly generous donations this month: from UNFI and Animal Supply Company. In all, we had 40 pallets of pet food – that comes to 60,000 pounds of kibble.

Despite having sizable warehouse space and volunteers who have done some serious organizing in there, we knew that we would not be able to store all of that kibble and use it quickly enough. The donations were simply that massive.

However, we do not like to turn food away, and we knew that others might be able to take a large chunk of it. We sent the word out to our Animal Welfare Share Program partners in the area and told them that on Wednesday, May 9, we would be at the warehouse all day if they wanted to come by and grab a pallet or two. Our forklift and muscles were ready.

Some of the early arrivals included Soul Rescue and Circle 2 Rescue, both of whom arrived with their large vans. Eileen operated the forklift while volunteers Amanda, Shanna, Sarah, Amy, and Ernie loaded individual bags. The rescue vehicles were packed to the absolute (legally allowable) brim, ensuring that rescue dogs and cats they serve would be well fed.

We also happily loaded up the trucks for Happy Haven Farm & Sanctuary, Metro Denver CAT, Moms and Mutts, Team Leo, Retriever Rescue of Colorado, Forgotten Felines Rescue, Colorado Animal Care Foundation, Sugar Dogs, Arlene’s Angels, Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue, Duncan’s Place, Colorado Pet Food Bank (a separate organization that serves the Eastern Plains), Front Range German Shepherd Rescue, OutPaws, Hope For Animals, Steel City Alley Cats Coalition, and Cooper’s Companions. We carried hundreds of bags, loading trucks, vans, and cars past sunset. The warehouse was toasty and we might have all smelled like pet food at the end. We got dirty and sweaty, and our arms felt like limp rubber bands by the end of the day. And it was all completely worth it.

This is a huge part of what makes our mission at Colorado Pet Pantry so rewarding. When we can work with other rescues to help them accomplish their missions, then we know that we are spreading the love. We all want to help dogs and cats in need, whether they are living with families already and just need a little help with getting food, or they are in foster care awaiting their forever homes. We all share the belief that pets are family.

The Colorado Pet Pantry definitely hit the jackpot with those fabulous donations. And the best thing about that was we could share this with others.

Dogs and cats are getting fed, and we got our workout. It was a pretty great day.

Huge thanks to UNFI and Animal Supply Company, and all of our volunteers who make this work possible. Many thanks as well to Cheryl at MaxFund who has mastered the art of connection and helped us to secure these donations.

We Need You!

Want to volunteer with us at a pet food bank or event? Or email us if you would like to help in the warehouse or with administrative work.


Myth-Busting for our Pets: Spaying and Neutering Edition

Bob Barker was a great game-show host and entertainer extraordinaire and told us daily to spay and neuter our pets. So, did he have a point, or was he just playing us like we were a game of Plinko?

To spay and neuter your pet can help control the animal population, relieve pressure on shelters/rescues, and give pets quality lives. But indecision to go forward with it can come from the result of constant myths, lies, and exaggerations that have been spread through the grape-vine for what feels like decades. But hey, who can blame you for worrying? A pet is a member of the family. Our furry loved-ones impact our lives in so many ways; of course, we want the best for them! And we’d never want to hurt them. Well, fear not! We’re here to provide our own version of myth busting — with a furry spin on it.

But before we go to said myth busting, know that ultimately it’s up to you; we’re simply here to provide a little information for your consideration.

So with that, here are a few myths you may have heard over the years, and why they’re wrong:

MYTH: It’s better to have one litter before spaying a female pet.

This is just false. Studies have shown that not only is this not true, it is actually healthier for a female pet to be spayed before their first litter. It ultimately leaves them with a better quality of life. As a result, some vets will now sterilize dogs and cats within 8 weeks of age.

MYTH: Male dogs will lose their “masculinity” if they are neutered; they need to have sex.

The only thing that will be affected if your male pet is neutered will be the influence of hormones. Your pet will retain its personality that is unique to him. Evidence points to this fact and underlines that your pet will not lose its temperament or training. The benefits of unlocking the best of your pet by neutering are wide, including:

  • Less likely to roam away from home
  • A drop in the need to urine mark
  • A drop in unnecessary aggressive, and violent behavior

And of course the various, indirect benefits to the pet community and general public.

MYTH: Spaying and neutering will cause my pets to gain weight.

Also false. Your pet will only gain, r lose weight, depending on the amount of exercise he/she receives, as well as your pets nutrition regimen. As long as you keep your pet active and eating healthy, you should not see any noticeable gain in weight.

MYTH: Spay/neuter operations are expensive.

Often times, you’ll find that spaying or neutering your pets can be less expensive in the long run than caring for one who hasn’t had work done. The effects of your furry loved one who remains unnecessarily aggressive, or that continues to urine mark, will add more stress emotionally, and to your bank account, than anyone wants.

MYTH: Spaying/neutering is unhealthy for pets.

Just the opposite! There are numerous health benefits accompanied by spaying and neutering.

  • Pets live a longer, healthier life
  • Pets are more friendly, kind and focused
  • Neutering male dogs helps to reduce the risk of prostate cancer
  • Spaying female cats helps to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, and greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer
  • Females in heat will show nervous behavior, often cry incessantly and attract unwanted, male attention. Spaying will free them of such a burdensome trial.

These are just a few myths that we hope to have cleared up for you. Doesn’t sound like such a bad idea, right? Maybe that Bob Barker guy knew what he was talking about, after-all.

At Colorado Pet Pantry, we work with Spay Today and Dumb Friends to help our clients spay and neuter their pets. We are very grateful for their partnership in this important effort to reduce the number of homeless pets. See more in the video below:


Horkos is Heading to the Pet Food Bank

A note from Horkos who is heading to our pet food bank at Jewish Family Service of Colorado today:

It’s Service Dog Horkos here with a brief “Thank You Montage”… At the bus stop on our way… 

I love it when I get to see Colorado Pet Pantry at JFS… 

Visiting Colorado Pet Pantry is like being a dog-kid in a dog-candy store… (Note from Colorado Pet Pantry, this is not a photo of the pet food bank!)

Excited! Can’t wait to get going and see the crew!

Our ride is here! Yay! It’s time to go to Colorado Pet Pantry!!! 

Dad, you’re the BEST!

 


The Financial Benefit of Keeping Pets Out of Shelters

Anyone who has ever welcomed a pet into their home understands the value that animals offer to their families. Many people assume that most pets are brought to shelters because of behavioral issues, family changes, allergies or simply due to their caregiver’s lack of understanding about what it takes to care for an animal. Pets certainly end up in shelters for these reasons, however, a startling number of pets end up in shelters because their heartbroken families cannot afford to care for them.

A Common Scenario

The sudden loss of a job, divorce, injury or death of a family member can all lead to financial havoc. During times of stress and grief, it’s the pets in our lives that can provide just the comfort and unconditional love that we need. Unfortunately, when faced with a crisis, many families are forced to make difficult choices, and the cost of feeding a dog or cat can become so overwhelming that families feel that they have no alternative but to turn to a shelter.

Fostering a pet, or finding a new permanent home are two options for pet owners who are unable to care for their pet, but in reality, shelters have far more resources than most families who are trying to re-home a pet and are better equipped at ensuring that each pet ends up in safe hands. It’s a devastating decision for most families. Fortunately, there is another option that is far less costly for shelters, and far less traumatizing for pets and their families.

The True Cost of Sheltering and Re-homing a Pet

Every time that an animal enters the shelter environment, no matter how healthy they are, there are specific costs incurred. Beyond intake vaccinations and medical exams and lab work, animals who reside in shelters often receive preventative treatments to avoid infection from parasites and illnesses that may result from many animals living in close proximity. All of the costs associated with sheltering and re-homing a pet quickly add up, especially when you consider factors such as the marketing required to find a new home, screening potential families and administrative fees.

Along with the financial cost, sheltered pets also pay a hefty emotional toll. Animal shelters do their best to care for pets, provide training, a comfortable place to sleep and to enrich their lives during a stay, but nothing replaces a home and family. If you have a pet, you’ve probably had to provide comfort at some point because of unexpected loud noises, changes around the house and other startling conditions that can be stressful for anyone! Imagine how often pets in new and confined spaces experience extreme stress. In some cases, this emotional cost translates into even more financial cost, when pets end up getting sick or on anti-anxiety medication.

A More Cost-Effective Alternative

Pet food can get pricey, but for just $4.00 a month, we can provide pet food for a family in need, while they work toward getting back on their feet. By partnering with “human” food banks, leveraging relationships with pet stores, pet food suppliers, corporate donors and other organizations while utilizing the resources of dedicated volunteers, our team is able to help thousands of struggling families to keep their pets at home.

Through outreach to those who might be considering taking their pet to a shelter, we can prevent pet homelessness, reduce pet shelter overcrowding and allow pets to continue to bring love and joy into their homes. It’s a great alternative and a realistic one, and it’s already making a huge impact on pets and their humans in Colorado. If you’d like to hear more about the benefits of keeping pets out of shelters or would like to learn how you can help, please contact us for more details.


New Year Resolutions For Your Pet – Pawsitively Perfect 2018

Happy New Year!

Making a resolution for the new year is no small feat. Less than half of Americans actually make a resolution and less than half of all resolutions are maintained past June. What is it that makes it so difficult to establish and follow through with choices that will improve our lives? Some say it’s a matter of money, some say it’s a matter of time, some say they feel guilty putting themselves first. But, what if you could make a resolution that was technically not for your benefit, but for someone else’s yet, in turn, benefited you both? You can! Make a resolution to take the best possible care of your pet and you will both reap the rewards. With that as your overarching goal, here are some ideas for bringing that goal to fruition.

1. Organized activities and enrichment opportunities

Just as people do, pets crave routine and structure. They like to know when meals will be served when bathroom breaks will be taken, when walks will be taken, and when it’s safe to lie down and take a snooze. Many pet owners, however, do not think to schedule a time for their furry friends to play and socialize. Pets need outlets for their energy and opportunities to interact with other pets and people. Wonder why Fido chewed up your new boat shoes? Wonder why Whiskers whizzed in your suitcase? It’s possible that they are bored. Give your pets a positive outlet for their energy and curiosity by trying some of these activities:

  • Play times – just like children, pets LOVE to play. But how often do you see children who want to play alone? Not often; and pets feel the same way. More than anything, your pet wants YOU to play with them. You are your pet’s best friend and vice-versa, and who doesn’t want their best friend to be their primary playmate? Every few hours, take 10-15 minutes to pal around with your pet. Toss a ball or play tug-of-war with Fido. Wave a feather or blow catnip bubbles for Whiskers. Just do any activity that your BFF loves to do with you.
  • Play dates – To be honest, Whiskers is probably not going to be enthusiastic about a play date with your coworker’s cat. Fido, however, would most likely be thrilled to get together with one or two neighborhood canines for a romp in the park. Dogs are social beings and need lots of practice and opportunities to engage with other dogs. Not only do they release pent-up energy, they also learn how to interact with and behave around their peers. Make sure to introduce your dog to other dogs slowly and on neutral turf. A dog in his own yard may feel territorial and his visitor may feel unsure of which areas he is welcome in. Be certain to provide plenty of toys so there are fewer chances they compete for a certain toy. Also, do not leave your dog alone with a new dog. Your dog needs you present for reassurance and as a safe haven should he become scared or shy.
  • Enrichment activities – Even if your pet has plenty of play time, he needs opportunities to use and expand his brain power. Just as learning a new language, working a crossword puzzle, or assembling a desk from a Scandinavian superstore challenges our human brains, enrichment activities for pets offer them ways to make connections and use their reasoning abilities. Find a dog treat puzzle for Fido or help him learn some agility stunts such as jumping small hurdles, navigating a play tunnel, or weaving through poles. Hide treats for Whiskers in a puzzle feeder or create a safe outdoor space where she can chatter at the birds and stalk through the plants.

2. Create a home-grooming routine

Keeping your pets in good health doesn’t just mean getting them vaccinated, feeding them a balanced diet, and making sure they get plenty of exercise, it also means keeping them groomed regularly and properly. Grooming can be a challenge for many pet owners, though. While some pets love being bathed and brushed, others (note – almost every cat) run and hide when they hear the bathtub run or see the brush in your hand. The best way to get your pets to feel comfortable, or simply tolerate, grooming is to start when they are young (or new to you) and have a routine so your pets can anticipate your next move and not panic. A few tips for your safety and theirs are to:

  • Keep the grooming session short – Bathing, brushing, nail-clipping, and tooth-brushing all in one fell swoop may be overwhelming and stressful for your pet. One or two of these activities in a row is the most you should expect your pet to calmly sit through.
  • Stick to a regular routine – If brushing or tooth-brushing needs to be done every day, do it at the same time every day. Try scheduling a time right after your pet eats breakfast or right before everyone turns in for the night.
  • Praise your pet for his compliance – Being still is not easy for most pets, so offer yours a treat after a grooming session so they feel rewarded and loved.
  • Be willing to alter the routine – Is Whiskers super active before bedtime? If so, that’s not the best time to groom her. Does Fido like to nap right after breakfast? Let him lie.

3. Create a budget for your pets that includes emergency funds

We all budget for our pets’ regular vet visits, medications, food, and other necessities, but it’s not until Fido eats a super-sized chocolate bar and needs to have his stomach pumped that we realize we should have budgeted for emergencies. It goes without saying that your pet will take at least one trip to the emergency vet during its lifetime. If your pet is high-energy, excessively curious, or a talented escape artist, you may even average one visit per year. Since a bill for the emergency vet can run two to three times as much as your regular vet bill, you don’t want to get caught unprepared. Just as you set aside emergency funds for yourself, your kids, or your parents, keep one for your pets so you never have to choose between overdrawing your account or making your pet suffer. Pet insurance is a terrific option, and we have one to recommend! Healthy Paws Pet Insurance will donate $50 for every new family that signs up.

4. Watch your tone 

Pets do not understand our words. They understand our tone, our inflection, and the repeated sounds we make. Yelling during sports games, shouting at one another, and being overly loud or animated when addressing your pets can make them stressed or scared. For your pets’ sake (and for everyone in your home), lower your voice and speak calmly to create an inviting and pleasant home.

Here’s to you and your pets in 2018!

Source for resolution statistics: https://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/


Colorado Pet Pantry Featured on CBS Denver – Watch Now

We are honored to be featured on CBS Denver with Britt Moreno this weekend. The more people who know about us, the more pets we can help feed and keep with their families during tough financial times. The holidays are hard for many families, and if we can relieve one source of stress, we can give HOPE.

In 2017, we surpassed our original goal of feeding 11,000 dogs and cats, and instead, fed 13,333 pets for a full month! Our goal is to feed 16,000 pets in 2018, but we’ll try for as many as we can. The sky’s the limit when we have the right balance of pet food, funds, and volunteers. Please share this video with others on Facebook or Twitter and help us spread the word about the Colorado Pet Pantry!

Watch the CBS Denver video


Dear Santa: We’ve Been Very Good This Year!

Dear Santa:

We’ve been really good this year. Our staff and volunteers have organized new distribution and drop-off locations, forged relationships with new partners in our state, and have worked hard to educate Coloradans about the importance of helping families keep their pets home and healthy in times of financial stress.

We’d like to share our Christmas Wish List with you in hopes you can spread the word, and maybe reach into your big red bag and help us meet our end-of-year goals!

Cash Donations

Nobody knows for sure, but we suspect Santa’s Workshop is a nonprofit, just like Colorado Pet Pantry. We’d love it if you’d tell your friends and family about us, and let folks how they can make tax-deductible donations online through our website or through PayPal.

Does your employer have a corporate donation matching program? Find out here! 

It costs $4 for the Colorado Pet Pantry to help feed a pet for a full month, and it helps lessen the burden on local animal shelters who state that re-homing a pet costs upwards of $500.

Amazon Wish List

We’ve heard rumors that you’ve got a T1 connection up in the North Pole, and that you’ve contracted with Amazon to help with your workload. We can’t blame you…outsourcing is a good thing! We have an Amazon Wish List for our packaging supplies, and we’re always grateful when patrons (and oversized elves) send us these much-needed items! The next time you log on to buy something special, please think of us. Cat food, dog food, toys, pet food drive containers, and other small items don’t add much to your shopping cart, but make a huge difference to us when we portion out meals for our canine and feline clientele.

Pet Food Donations

Next time you make a run to the feed store to pick up reindeer chow, we’d really appreciate it if you grabbed a few bags of quality, non-perishable dog or cat food for Colorado Pet Pantry. You can drop it off at any one of our collection sites, and while you’re there, you can do some last-minute shopping to thank the businesses who make room in both their locations and their hearts to help Colorado pets!

Is Mrs. Claus’ cantankerous cockapoo a picky eater? We’ll happily accept open bags of kibble, as long as you seal the bag and make sure the contents and reason for the bag are clearly noted with your donation.

We also accept non-perishable dog and cat treats!

Shop HoundAbout

Santa, we’ve got a tip just for you! If your elves are behind in production this year, or you want to add some variety to your Workshop’s product line, come shop on our HoundAbout page for high-quality gifts for all the pets on your “Good Dog/Good Cat” list. Colorado Pet Pantry receives 50% of the proceeds from every sale. With free shipping available for hundreds of items in our HoundAbout online store, you’ll save wear and tear on your reindeer!

Loan us some elves?

We’re always looking for help at our warehouse, events, pet food banks, and behind the scenes at Colorado Pet Pantry. Sign up to volunteer at a pet food bank or contact us for other opportunities such as helping in the warehouse, helping with events, picking up pet food donations, etc!

Other ways to help

  • Are you getting ready to upgrade that sleigh? Donate your old vehicle, whether it’s working or not. Contact us!
  • Help get the word out by distributing posters or flyers! Contact us!
  • Does your organization want to encourage a theme of giving this season? Organize a pet food drive! Contact us!
  • Open up a corner of your workshop for a donation station! Contact us!

Happy Holidays from Colorado Pet Pantry

We love giving as much as you do, Santa. We like to think that, like you, we make families’ lives more joyous. This Holiday season, we all have a lot to do to meet our goals. Any help you can give us will make a huge difference.

Stay warm, stay safe, and spread the word!

Sincerely,

The Colorado Pet Pantry Family


5 Reasons to Donate on Colorado Gives Day

We’re really excited to spread the word about Colorado Gives Day on December 5 and how it benefits Colorado Pet Pantry and hundreds of other wonderful Colorado nonprofits.

Colorado Gives Day is a program operated by Community First Foundation, who, in partnership with FirstBank, developed a $1 million donation-enhancing Incentive Fund. This means that nonprofits receiving donations on Tuesday, December 5 through ColoradoGives.org will receive an additional financial boost from the Fund.

As if that’s not a good enough reason to make a donation to CPP on Colorado Gives Day, here are five more!

1. It’s a day when Colorado steps up to make a difference

Colorado Gives Day has raised more than $200 million for hundreds of nonprofits since its inception in 2010 and has become the largest single-day online donation campaign in our state. Your donations go the extra mile on this day because every nonprofit that receives a donation on December 5 receives a portion of the $1 Million Incentive Fund.

2. Make all of your year-end donations in one swoop

ColoradoGives.org allows you to select all of your favorite nonprofits, and a few that you’re learning about, and donate to all of them with one credit card transaction. It might be the easiest thing you do all day!

3. It’s Colorado Pet Pantry’s single biggest donation day of the year

“Year-end charitable giving is important to many nonprofits, as most charities receive more than 40 percent of their annual contributions the last few weeks of the year,” wrote Blair Shiff for KUSA in a 2015 article addressing Coloradan charitable giving statistics.

Colorado Gives Day brings in Colorado Pet Pantry’s largest annual financial windfall. CPP attributes year-end tax planning incentives, the Community First Foundation and FirstBank partnership donation enhancement fund, and the simplicity of the ColoradoGives.org website for the spike in donations from CPP’s growing base of compassionate, enthusiastic supporters.

4. We’ll send the Card!

On your donation, include the name and address of someone you want to honor in the Comment line, and we’ll send them a holiday card about your gift in their name.

5. Give with ease & confidence

We all want to make sure our hard-earned money is spent judiciously by the charities we support. ColoradoGives.org allows donors to learn more about local charities so you know your donations will really make a difference. ColoradoGives.org provides current, comprehensive, and objective information about our state’s nonprofits, and the website lets donors search for charities based on keyword, county, and cause.

The site has the added bonus of allowing smaller nonprofits with modest marketing budgets to connect with generous Coloradans, and lets donors feel confident in supporting budding organizations who are only beginning to build their reputations and following.

Year-end and year-round support for Colorado Pet Pantry is always easy

We really hope you take advantage of Colorado Gives Day’s incentives on December 5, but if your end-of-year budget is a bit too tight, it’s easy to support us any time of the year through ColoradoGives.org, or directly through our website.

We’re always looking for volunteers, and if you’ve got furry friends on your shopping list, visit our partner HoundAbout. Your purchase of any high-quality pet product in our HoundAbout online store helps fund our programs, allowing us to keep pets at home with their families and out of shelters.

Thank you for thinking of us during the traditional Season of Giving!