Pet food bank helping owners keep their pets

Food bank started by Lethbridge Animal Services

It’s not just humans that might go hungry during hard times, which is why Lethbridge Animal Services have their very own pet food bank. The program was launched a couple of years ago, but Skylar Plourde, an officer with Lethbridge Animal Services, said they’ve noticed a greater need for the program recently.

“The original reason we started the Pet Food Bank program was to sort of curb the amount of people who were trying to surrender animals to our facilities,” said Plourde.

When pet owners are facing shortterm financial difficulties, purchasing pet food or litter can seem daunting, and surrendering their pet may seem like the only option — but it’s not.

Now, when pet owners in need come to the animal shelter, they’re offered a helping hand until they can find a better alternative. Pet owners who use the program will need to provide the animal shelter with a copy of their identification.

“If it seems like we’re having to feed your animal all the time, then maybe there is a different alternative and we can find a better home for your animal,” said Plourde.

The animal shelter is City-funded and Plourde states that all their supplies for the animals are purchased through city stores. The donations they receive get used to fill the shelves of the pet food bank.

“For whatever reason we seem to get a lot more donations of dog food and a lot less of cat,” said Plourde.

On Wednesday, the shelves of the food bank were stocked, albeit only one shelf had items for cats.

Plourde has noticed a decline in surrendered pets since the program was first launched.

“Whether it’s a direct link from the program, that is hard to say, because we don’t really keep that kind of data, but there’s definitely been a lot less people surrendering animals.”

Donations can be dropped off at the shelter, located at 2405 41 St. N., Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who need to access the food bank are encouraged to call ahead at 403-3204099.

@TMartinHerald Herald photo by Tijana Martin Skylar Plourde, an animal control officer with Lethbridge Animal Services, is encouraging residents to donate to their Pet Food Bank program. They’re currently in need of cat food and cat litter.