Community Donations Help Keep Pets and Families Together
Animal Welfare Department Calls on Albuquerque to Support Pet Food Pantry
The Animal Welfare Department (AWD) is encouraging the community to support the “Keeping Families Together” Pet Food Pantry, a vital program that assists families and individuals in the City of Albuquerque who are experiencing financial hardship and need help feeding their animal companions. The Pet Food Pantry serves as a supplemental food resource and helps ensure pets can remain with the families who love them.
The Pet Food Pantry relies completely on community donations. Contributions of pet food, pet supplies, and monetary support help prevent pet surrender and keep pets out of shelters.
“Albuquerque is a compassionate city that understands pets are family,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “By supporting the “Keeping Families Together” Pet Food Pantry, residents are helping neighbors through difficult times while making sure beloved pets stay healthy and at home.”
Donations made in support of the Pet Food Pantry are accepted through Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official partner of the Animal Welfare Department. Donations made through Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres are tax deductible.
"To many households, this pantry provides the vital support needed to keep pets at home rather than facing the heartbreaking reality of surrendering them," noted Carolyn Ortega, AWD Director. "We are incredibly thankful for our community's overwhelming generosity, which directly helps pets and families stay together.”
Community members can support the Pet Food Pantry by donating:
- Dry and canned cat and dog food
- Opened bags are accepted if they are sealed up thoroughly
- Cat litter
- Collars, leashes, beds, and blankets
Donations are accepted seven days a week at both AWD shelters between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The department also offers an Amazon Wish List for Albuquerque shelter animals, making it easy to ship pet food and supplies directly to the Pet Food Pantry. Monetary donations can also be made online.
For more information or to learn how to donate, visit www.cabq.gov/pets.