Want to coordinate a pet food drive for Connecticut Humane Society pets in need? Here’s how!

***For the health and safety of pets, CHS happily accepts new item donations but is unable to accept used goods.***

Decide What to Collect

Check out the brands of pet food that the pets need on Chewy, or Amazon. Then, if you’d like to collect other items, view the pets’ wish list.

Choose a Time Frame and Location

When will your pet food drive start? How long would you like the collection to last? A week, a month or just one day? Where can donors drop off donations? The most successful collections occur at businesses that sell pet food. It’s especially helpful if you’re there in person asking people to donate. Here are some location suggestions: grocery, pet supply or agricultural supply stores; a veterinarian’s office or pet grooming or boarding facility; your school, place of business or place or worship.

***Always ask permission from the manager or school administrator to collect donations.***

Contact Us

Once you’ve picked a location and timeframe for your pet food drive, download this flyer to use at your event. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact petfoodpantry@cthumane.org.

Advertise Your Pet Food Drive

The most important part of holding a successful pet food drive is getting the word out. Here are some ideas to promote your collection:

    • Post flyers in public areas. Create your own flyers or use our template. Make sure to include the drop-off location and dates of your collection. Always ask permission to post flyers in public areas.
    • Promote in person! If you’re collecting at a business that sells wish list items, make arrangements with the manager to promote in person. You can bring with you a “wish list” flyer that can be given to every customer.
    • Contact your local newspaper. They may be able to run a free story, ad, or calendar brief about your pet food drive to encourage people to donate.
    • Use social media. Get the word out on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Collect

You’ll need a bin or box and signage. Plastic storage totes work great! Create your own signs or request CHS’ printable poster. If you’re collecting in person, remember to be friendly, smile and always thank the donors. Take photos to share with CHS! Some donors may ask to make a monetary gift. CHS can accept cash donations and checks made out to the Connecticut Humane Society.

Drop Off Your Donations

Once you’ve completed your supply drive, fill out the online Pet Food Drive Wrap-Up Form and then drop off your donations at any CHS location (Newington, Waterford or Wilton) during regular business hours. If you’d like to be featured on the CHS Facebook page, email a photo to info@cthumane.org or let staff take one when you make your drop-off. If you collected with a group, you may request a behind-the-scenes tour when you come to make your drop-off. Tours must be scheduled in advance.

Need to complete community service hours for school? Track your hours with this sheet and bring it with you when you drop off your donations. Students in need of more than 8 hours of community service credit must have their project approved in advance.

Thank you for collecting to help pets in need!

Pet Food Drive FAQs

Why are pet food drives important?

Pet food drives help:

  • Feed shelter pets
  • Support CHS’ pet food pantry
  • Assist families facing financial hardship
  • Reduce pet surrender due to economic challenges
  • Provide essential supplies for animal welfare programs

Who can organize a pet food drive?

Anyone can organize a pet food drive, including:

  • Students
  • Families
  • Businesses
  • Schools
  • Scout troops
  • Religious organizations
  • Community groups
  • Volunteer clubs

How can I organize a pet food drive?

To organize a pet food drive:

  • Decide what items to collect
  • Choose a location and collection date
  • Obtain permission from the venue
  • Promote the drive to your community
  • Collect donations
  • Deliver donations

What items are most needed for a pet food drive?

Pet food drives typically focus on collecting:

  • Dog food
  • Cat food
  • Pet treats
  • Pet supplies
  • Items from shelter wish lists

Check with the Connecticut Humane Society for current needs and preferred brands.

Can I donate used pet supplies?

No. For the health and safety of animals, CHS accepts only new, unused items. The only exception to this is gently used blankets and towels.

What if I have opened bags of food?

If you have open bags of pet food, or other used goods, please check with your local animal control shelter to see if they may be able to accept your gift.

Where is the best place to hold a pet food drive? Do I need permission?

Successful pet food drives are often held at:

  • Pet supply stores
  • Grocery stores
  • Agricultural supply stores
  • Veterinary offices
  • Pet grooming facilities
  • Boarding facilities
  • Schools
  • Workplaces
  • Places of worship

Always obtain permission from the business manager, property owner, school administrator, or organization before collecting donations on their property.

How long should a pet food drive last?

A pet food drive is typically held for:

  • A single day
  • A weekend
  • One week
  • One month

What is the most important part of a successful pet food drive?

Promotion is one of the most important factors in a successful drive. The more people who know about the event, the more donations you are likely to receive. You can promote your drive by:

  • Posting flyers
  • Sharing information on social media
  • Speaking with community groups
  • Contacting local news outlets
  • Promoting the event in person
  • Asking supporters to share information with friends and family

What supplies do I need to collect donations?

Most pet food drives use:

  • Collection bins
  • Storage containers
  • Donation boxes
  • Signage
  • Flyers
  • Information about requested items

Can people make monetary donations instead of donating food or supplies?

Yes. Many animal welfare organizations accept monetary donations that help purchase food, medical care, shelter supplies, and other necessities for pets.

What should I do after the pet food drive ends?

After the collection is complete:

  • Count and organize donations
  • Complete any required reporting forms
  • Deliver donations to the designated organization
  • Thank supporters and donors
  • Share results with participants

Can students earn community service hours by organizing a pet food drive?

Many schools allow students to earn community service hours for planning, promoting, and conducting a pet food drive. Students should confirm requirements with their school before beginning the project. Some schools require advance approval for projects that exceed a certain number of community service hours. Students should check with their school’s policies.