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

Step One: 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.

Step Two: 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.

Step Three: 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.

Step Four: 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.

Step Five: 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.

Step Six: 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 Westport) 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!