Feed the family, or feed the family pet? Pay bills, or buy pet food? Facing financial difficulty doesn’t have to mean giving up your pet. The Connecticut Humane Society’s Pet Food Pantry Program provides cat and dog food to pet owners on a monthly basis while they get back on their feet. The goal of the program is to help keep pets in their homes and out of shelters. The Pet Food Pantry is available at all three CHS locations (Newington, Waterford, and Wilton).

Program Guidelines

  • Pet owners who wish to receive food from the Pet Food Pantry must submit an application along with a recent photo of their pet(s) and proof of rabies vaccinations for their pet(s).
  • The Pet Food Pantry is only able to provide food for cats and dogs at this time.
  • The Pet Food Pantry is unable to provide prescription food.
  • The Pet Food Pantry does not have a means of delivering food.
  • Once approved, clients will need to come to one of CHS’ three locations at the designated pick-up date and time to receive pet food.
  • The Pet Food Pantry provides short-term assistance to those in need. In order to allow the program to help as many pets as possible, CHS is currently unable to provide food to any one family for more than two years.  If approved, pet owners will be eligible to receive free pet food for three months.  At the end of that period, they will be asked to complete a renewal application if they wish to continue their enrollment.

How to Apply

Please complete the online Pet Food Pantry Application.  You will be asked to attach the following items to your application:

  • Proof of Current Rabies Vaccination(s): all cats and dogs must be vaccinated per state law, even if they are indoor only.
  • Pet Photograph: a recent, color photograph showing your pet’s full body.
  • Financial Need: a document dated for the current year showing proof of recent disability, SSI, SNAP, unemployment benefits, Medicaid benefits, foreclosure, or low income status (optional)

Upon submission, your application will be reviewed and you will receive the results by email in approximately 2-3 weeks. Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed.

How to Renew: Please complete the Pet Food Pantry Renewal Application.

How You Can Help: Your support changes lives for pets and the people who love them. Monetary gifts and donations of products on the CHS Wish List are always welcome.

Questions: Please contact 860-594-4500 or: petfoodpantry@cthumane.org

Pet Food Pantry FAQs

What is the Pet Food Pantry Program?

The Pet Food Pantry Program provides free cat and dog food to pet owners experiencing financial hardship. The goal is to help families keep their pets at home and reduce the number of pets surrendered to shelters due to temporary financial challenges.

Who is eligible for the Pet Food Pantry Program?

Pet owners experiencing temporary economic challenges, including unemployment, disability, reduced income, unexpected expenses, or other financial difficulties may be eligible to receive assistance. Applicants must complete an application and provide required documentation about their pets.

What types of pets qualify for food assistance?

The program currently provides food assistance for dogs and cats. Food assistance is not available for other types of pets at this time.

Is pet food assistance available at multiple locations?

Yes. Pet food assistance is available through all participating Connecticut Humane Society locations.

Does the Pet Food Pantry provide prescription pet food?

No. Prescription diets and prescription pet food are not available through the program.

How do I apply for the Pet Food Pantry Program? How long does the review process take?

Applicants must complete the program application and submit all required supporting documents for review. Applications are reviewed within two to three weeks of submission.

Will incomplete applications be processed?

No. Applications that are missing required information or documentation may not be reviewed until all necessary materials have been submitted.

What documents are required to apply for the Pet Food Pantry Program?

Applicants are required to provide:

  • A completed application
  • A recent color photo of each pet showing the pet’s full body
  • Proof of current rabies vaccination for each pet
  • Proof of financial need

Why is proof of rabies vaccination required?

Rabies vaccinations are required by state law for cats and dogs, including pets that live exclusively indoors.

Do I need to provide proof of financial hardship?

Yes, please submit any documentation related to one or more of the following:

  • Disability benefits
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • SNAP benefits
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Medicaid benefits
  • Foreclosure status
  • Low-income assistance programs
  • Low-income status (optional)

How do approved participants receive pet food? Does the Pet Food Pantry deliver food?

Once approved, participants will be assigned a pickup date and time and must collect their pet food at a participating location. The pet food pantry does not deliver.

How long is the initial enrollment period? Is there a maximum amount of time a family can participate in the program?

Eligible participants may receive free pet food assistance for three months before renewal is required. To help as many pets and families as possible, participation is limited to a maximum timeframe of two years.

What happens after my three-month enrollment period ends?

Participants who wish to continue receiving assistance must complete a renewal application and meet ongoing program requirements.

What if I want to support the Pet Food Pantry Program?

Community members can support the program by:

  • Making monetary donations
  • Donating approved pet food and supplies
  • Purchasing items from organization wish lists
  • Organizing pet food drives
  • Encouraging awareness of available resources