The Pet Food Pantry, as part of the Paw It Forward program, is a community outreach initiative that provides quality pet food and support for dogs and cats whose families are in need. Our approach is non-judgmental and empathetic. It is clear that not all pets are fortunate enough to be in a home that is financially able to take care of all their needs to the highest level. That being said, we do feel that these pets deserve quality food, and they deserve a supportive ear to help them to make the best decisions for their pet. The human-animal bond, and the connection to the community, is core to The Pet Food Pantry. While we are unable to operate veterinary clinics at these events, we are able to direct them to other appropriate agencies where a more clinical approach is offered. We welcome support from any organization who aligns with the basic philosophy of The Pet Food Pantry, and seeks to celebrate the human-animal bond.
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Together, with the support of our partners, Paw It Forward and Pet Food Pantry has provided over 1.4 million meals to pets whose families are in need across Canada. “Thank you so much for helping me and my dog. You people are all amazing!” says a middle-aged woman, smiling vibrantly from ear-to-ear on a gloomy early June morning in Hamilton, Ontario. “You have no idea how much this means to me.” It doesn’t take very long to appreciate the magic of VCA Canada’s Pet Food Pantry when you witness the event in action. VCA volunteers also regularly visit communities in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto to help people that live on the streets with their pets. They give out pet food as well as snacks and gift cards to pet owners to purchase a meal, so they can also take care of themselves. “Ultimately, everything we do to give back is our way of repaying the pets in our lives for all the love they give us. I think that really sums it up,” Johnson says. “Our pets give us so much; it’s the least we can do.” - Best Friends Magazine, Ontario Veterinary College, 2018 To stay up to date with these initiatives, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. |
