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Category: Pet Food Donations

Stories: Monique, Mito and Smokey

Monique first learned about Colorado Pet Pantry six years ago when she was struggling financially and saw a flyer at Food Bank for Larimer County, our human food bank partner in Loveland. Feeding her human family, in addition to her dog Mito, and cat Smokey, Monique was grateful to learn that she could get help with both human and pet food, all in one place.

“Mito (pronounced my-toe) was adopted from NoCo Humane Society and it has been amazing having such a loving, sassy, goofy dog. He brings so much unconditional love and joy to our household.”

Smokey is 13 and was adopted from someone to whom Monique used to give respite care. “She is a screamer, she will make sure to wake you up for pets and breakfast. She also is a purr machine and is very soft and cuddly. It’s been a treat being able to take in a senior and help her lose weight.”

Both Mito and Smokey have food sensitivities and special dietary needs, which often requires expensive pet food. Without the help of Colorado Pet Pantry, Monique told us she would likely have to buy cheaper pet food and at times feed Mito less. “My dog does have a sensitive stomach and often needs mid to higher priced food. With him being 120 pounds, it would become very expensive. With everything increasing in price and our dollar spreading thinner, it is hard to afford any quality animal food.”

“Colorado Pet Pantry has helped when our income has reached all-time lows and allowed us to continue to feed Mito. It has helped us when we needed food to get through for our cat Smokey. It has allowed us to keep our pets healthy and happy.”

Colorado Pet Pantry’s mission is to temporarily feed 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. Monique is the perfect illustration of how donating a few extra bags of pet food can help someone and their large dog feel a sense of security in supplying a quality pet food diet. She also exemplifies the strategic move on Colorado Pet Pantry’s part of partnering with human food banks to create a one-stop-shop for everyone in the family to receive food assistance. We are only able to continue this work thanks to the generosity of our donors. Please consider donating today, and with just $5, you can supply one dog or cat with 30-days worth of pet food.

New Partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital!

We are so excited to announce our new partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital!

Banfield joined Colorado Pet Pantry at our annual Raise the Woof! Party for a Cause fundraiser, to kick off what looks to be a very long partnership. Sponsoring at the very generous $5,000 Leader of the Pack level has enabled us to provide an additional 1,000 dogs or cats with 30-days worth of pet food.

Looking to donate pet food? Well, thanks to Banfield, and several of their locations inside Petsmart’s all across the Front Range and Western Slope, we are adding 21 new donation drop off points to our list! Adding 21 new donation spots to our list, we are already seeing an influx of pet food to our organization. This will make a significant impact on the number of pets that we are able to feed – especially during a time when donations have been decreasing. How does it work? Visit any of these locations during business hours and drop your donations in the bin labeled Colorado Pet Pantry. What can you bring? We accept all new or gently used pet supplies, and all pet food as long as it is not more than one year expired. We also accept open bags of pet food – just make sure it is sealed tightly and the contents are labeled.

In addition to collecting donations, Banfield staff is also helping out with the logistics and warehouse deliveries, which will help us reduce overhead costs!

If you have pet food or supply donations, please consider dropping off at one of these Banfield Pet Hospital locations in your area:

Arvada: 5285 Wadsworth Bypass, Arvada, CO 80002
Arvada West: 5736 Ward Way, Arvada, CO 80002
Westwood: 15530 W 64th Ave Ste K, Arvada, CO 80007
Brighton: 530 E Bromley Ln, Brighton, CO 80601
Brighton: 2435 Prairie Center Pkwy, Brighton, CO 80601
Denver Capitol Hill: 1330 N Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203
Stapleton: 7505 E 35th Ave Ste 301, Denver, CO 80238
Fort Collins: 4432 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Glendale: 4300 E Alameda Ave, Glendale, CO 80246
Grand Junction: 2428 Patterson Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505
Redstone: 2582 Patterson Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505
Greeley: 2833 35th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634
Lakewood: 160 Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80226
Longmont: 1216 S Hover St, Longmont CO 80501
Loveland: 1715 Rocky Mountain Ave, Loveland, CO 80538
Northglenn: 10600 Melody Dr, Northglenn, CO 80234
Superior: 402 Center Dr, Superior, CO 80027
Broomfield: 16575 Washington St, Thornton, CO 80023
Bradburn: 4550 Main Street, Westminster, CO 80031
Westy: 10460 Town Center Dr, Westminster, CO 80021
Orchards: 14265 Orchard Pkwy, Suite 100, Westminster, CO 80023

To learn more about Colorado Pet Pantry and how you can help feed pets in need, please visit our webpage “Ways to Give”

Pet Food Experts Supports Colorado Pet Pantry with Food Donations

Colorado Pet Pantry relies on monthly contributions from large-scale pet food brands to sustain our over 100 monthly pet food pantries. Year after year, Pet Food Experts has heard our calls, and in the last 11 years, donated over 272,000 pounds of pet food to our organization.

Every month, Pet Food Experts donates almost 20 pallets of food to Colorado Pet Pantry, helping over thousands of dogs and cats stay with their families.

Without donors like this, Colorado Pet Pantry would not be able to operate on the scale at which we do. So please join us in saying “THANK YOU” to Pet Food Experts for their incredible generosity and care for their pet-owning community.

Purina Supports Colorado Pets through Ongoing Pet Food Donations

Since Colorado Pet Pantry began in 2013, Purina has donated almost 200,000 pounds of pet food and supplies to the program. This type of large-brand ongoing donation is what makes Colorado Pet Pantry’s work possible.

Thanks to Purina, we are able to plan ahead, strategize, and help as many pets as possible in Colorado with pet food assistance. Purina cares about their community and has stepped up in numerous situations with large-scale donations of dog and cat food.

Join us in saying THANK YOU to our amazing pet food donor, Purina. ❤️

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Honors Fallen K9

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Colorado Pet Pantry to honor a fallen K-9.

A year ago, K-9 Graffit was lost in the line of duty near the Colorado School of Mines campus.

Graffit was helping sheriff’s deputies assist the Golden Police Department. The suspect was taken into custody.

Now, to honor the 10-year-old German shepherd, sheriff’s deputies are partnering with Colorado Pet Pantry to collect dog and cat items to help owners going through a tough time.

“Graffit sacrificed his life a year ago,” Colorado Pet Pantry founder Eileen Lambert said. “I know people wanted to honor his memory and give back to other dogs and cats.”

How to donate to dogs, cats in honor of K-9

Our biggest need is dry dog and cat food. Financial donations can be made here

Locations to drop off items:

“Donations continue to pour into the department. People just wanted to help,” Jefferson County Sheriff’s spokesperson Karlyn Tilley said.

The donation window has been extended until Tuesday, March 5, at 4 p.m.

Video: https://kdvr.com/news/local/donation-drive-for-dogs-cats-k-9-graffit/

Only Natural Pet Supports Colorado Pet Families

We LOVE Only Natural Pet!

This local company, founded right here in Boulder, has been an instrumental supporter of Colorado pet families for as long as Colorado Pet Pantry has existed.

In addition to monthly multiple-pallet-sized (thousands of pounds) donations of brand new pet food, Only Natural Pet donates all close to best-by date or damaged bags of pet food to Colorado Pet Pantry. THIS is how we are able to operate.

This type of product, no longer sell-able in stores, would otherwise be headed straight to the landfill. Colorado Pet Pantry rescues this pet food, and with the help of valued partners like Only Natural Pet, directs it straight into the bowls of dogs and cats who need it the most.

“At Only Natural Pet we are fortunate to be working with local partners such as Colorado Pet Pantry (CPP) who share both our values and commitment to our Colorado community. For over 10 years, CPP has been supporting our local community and we look forward to supporting CPP efforts to make a difference in the lives of pets and families for years to come.” 

~ The Team at Only Natural Pet

Thank you, Only Natural Pet, for partnering with us in our mission to reduce the unwanted pet population, and ensure that no pet family need to relinquish their beloved pet due to financial constraints or lack of resources. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are so happy to have you on board.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Supports Colorado Pet Pantry

Over the last decade Hill’s Pet Nutrition has been a vital pet food donor to Colorado Pet Pantry. With thousands of pounds of pet food donated, they have consistently supported our organization. From puppy, to senior, canned and adult kibble, Hills has been supporting Colorado pet families in an amazing way.

Over the last decade, Hills Pet Nutrition has donated over 300,000 pounds of pet food to Colorado Pet Pantry!

Join us in saying THANK YOU to this company, for putting the needs of pets first.

We Love “I And Love And You”

“I and Love and You” was created in Boulder and has been a huge supporter for many years. When we called them a couple weeks ago to tell them we were very low on pet food, they jumped to assist us with a truck of donations.

Over the last ten years, I and Love and You has donated over 350,000 pounds of pet food to Colorado Pet Pantry!

During the month of January, I and Love and You has featured us as the “Rescue of the Month”! Thank you so much to this valued partner of Colorado Pet Pantry.

Supporting our food donors helps them to support Colorado Pet Pantry. Check your favorite store for their delicious and nutritious pet food selections!

We Need Adult Dog Kibble

Thank you to all who responded to our need for Adult Dog Food. We truly appreciate the donations you have sent. We go through thousands of pounds of kibble each month at our pet food banks. Our need is on-going and great. If you have the means to donate pet food – an extra bag in your pantry, or anything from our wishlist, we would be very grateful! There are several different ways to donate.

If you are not able to donate right now, THAT IS OK! You can still help us by spreading the word about our need. It takes a village.

How to Reduce Homeless Pets

With roughly 7.6 million animals ending up in shelters every year, the task of reducing the number of homeless pets may seem daunting. However, there are many steps that you can take to help keep pets in secure homes with the families that love them. Below are eight great ways to reduce the number of homeless pets in your community.

1) Support your local pet food bank.

Supporting your local pet food bank will help keep pets with the families who love them. There are multiple ways that you can offer support, including the following:

  • Make a cash donation
  • Volunteer your time
  • Donate pet food
  • Host a pet food drive
  • Purchase pet products that support your local pet food bank

2) Foster pets for your local animal rescue or shelter.

Fostering pets for your local animal shelter or rescue offers many benefits for pets and pet owners alike. In addition to saving animals’ lives, you help to increase the likelihood of permanent adoption by exposing foster animals to friends, family members, and other potential owners. Additionally, fostering is a simple process and foster families often receive assistance with medical care.

3) Support organizations that help cover veterinary costs.

When your pet is suffering from an illness or injury, your primary goal is to ensure that your pet receives the proper medical care quickly. Unfortunately, many pet owners find themselves unable to cover the costs of mounting veterinary bills. The good news is that there are some great organizations devoted to helping pet owners cover the cost of vet bills. By supporting organizations that help with veterinary bills, you will help keep pets at home with the families that love them. On the Front Range in Colorado, we especially love PetAid and Peace, Love, & Paws.

4) Support providers who offer spay and neuter services.

This step is especially important in low-income or rural areas where pet owners are more likely to avoid spaying and neutering pets because of the associated costs. In Colorado, organizations such as Spay Today, Dumb Friends League, CAWL, and PawsCo devote time and energy to providing solutions to low-income pet owners.

5) Microchip your pets.

The microchipping process is quick and virtually painless for dogs and cats. The procedure typically costs less than $50 and can be undertaken at your local veterinary clinic. There are many reasons to microchip your pet, including the following:

6) Train and socialize your pets to coexist with people and other animals.

Exposing your pet to other people and animals at a young age will help your pet develop a trusting, non-aggressive attitude. If you notice any problems with your pet, they should be addressed quickly to prevent negative long-term habits from forming.

7) Purchase pet insurance.

Pet emergencies and illnesses are unpredictable and can be costly. Pet owners can expect to pay an average of $800 to $1,500 for unexpected medical care for pets. Purchasing pet insurance can alleviate the strain of unexpected medical costs and can prevent your family from being ripped apart and financially drained. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance is an example of a pet insurance provider that will donate $50 to Colorado Pet Pantry with each policy purchased.

8) Allow pets in rental properties.

 72% of renters own pets. Unfortunately, many of these pet owners have difficulty securing pet-friendly rental housing. Many landlords have policies that forbid renters to have pets, and owners who do allow pets often impose weight and breed restrictions. If you own rental properties or if you know someone who specializes in rental housing, you can become an agent of change by encouraging owners to allow pets.

Final Considerations

There are things that you can do as a pet owner or an animal advocate to make a positive impact on animal livelihood in your community. By following the eight steps above, you can help reduce the number of homeless pets in our country.