Traditional human food banks are not funded or mandated to provide pet food. If they do provide it, often it is not consistently offered, and they have their volunteers break down pet food from larger bags into smaller bags. This presents a number of challenges for the pet guardian and the pet. The person is their client, not the pet. The pet is our client and we are mindful of allergies, we want the pet to be on a consistent food as much as possible, and we want to ensure we are providing enough dry food to last four weeks or more. This is best for the pet, best for their owner, and best for us. Because we choose to service animals and not people, we do not qualify for any food bank funding – federal, provincial or otherwise.
We believe in trusting our clients to only ask for help if and when they need. Because of this, we do not ask for qualification criteria. But we do monitor the frequency with which they request our help and the number of animals they have in their care. We believe that there is a different way – one which teaches people they do not not need to lead with the story of why. And that people should practice being kind, generous and grateful.
We do our best to emulate these principals each and every day, with each and every delivery. And we expect the same from our recipients.
We believe in trusting our clients to only ask for help if and when they need. Because of this, we do not ask for qualification criteria. But we do monitor the frequency with which they request our help and the number of animals they have in their care. We believe that there is a different way – one which teaches people they do not not need to lead with the story of why. And that people should practice being kind, generous and grateful.
We do our best to emulate these principals each and every day, with each and every delivery. And we expect the same from our recipients.
What kind of help do you provide?
Currently, our focus is on pet food and supplies. We don’t discriminate as to the pets requesting help and have helped cats, dogs, birds, hamsters and guinea pigs so far. We hope to eventually provide low-cost and no-cost vet care and assist homeless shelters and housing agencies in implementing pet-friendly practices.
How often can I access the Animal Food Bank?
If you are struggling to fill your pet’s food bowls, you can access our resources as often as once every two months in Winnipeg, and once a month in the Okanagan, and for as long as you would like. We are 100% donation-based so do ask that you keep in mind that others also need our services. We also will track the quantity and frequency of food provided to your pets and the number and type of animals you have to help ensure the resources are being used for the pets they were supplied for.
What does the process look like?
The Animal Food Bank depends greatly on volunteers and donations to operate. We rely heavily on the community’s food and monetary donations, our partnerships with local businesses to be drop-off locations, and our volunteers to handle requests for help coming in and pick up and drop off food and supplies where needed.
Once you have submitted your request for help, and a volunteer offers to do the delivery, one of our team will be in touch with the phone number submitted on your phone. We aim to deliver within 7 to14 days of the request – it can take up to 21 days as it’s dependent on volunteers and donations.
How do I apply for help?
We currently do not have a qualification process and hope never to have one. Part of our goals is to keep the Animal Food Bank as a low barrier as possible. please submit a Request For Help form found HERE>>
Do you help just dogs?
We certainly aren’t exclusive to dogs. We want to help ALL pets! Interestingly enough, the demand for cat food and litter is sky-high, so we seem to always have cats on our waiting list for help. But yes, we don’t discriminate, we will provide food for rodents and birds.
How do you distribute help?
Our distribution is 100% volunteer-run. Deliveries are based on volunteer availability, but we do our best to deliver within seven days of receiving a request. We do not offer pickups. We don’t guarantee a time for delivery but do try to provide a window of time (i.e. morning, afternoon, evening). It would be best if you were home to accept the delivery.
Where do my donations go?
We support animals in need with a special focus on the pets of homeless individuals, no-income and low-income individuals and families, and individuals and families who may just be going through some hard times financially.
We do our best to keep donations within the community there were donated in, ensuring there are no unmet needs within that community (no waitlist requests outstanding) before filling unmet needs elsewhere.
We do operate on the philosophy that the world is our community, and while we can’t feed animals in faraway lands, we will share food and supplies with closer communities in need where we can. For example, food donated in Winnipeg may be distributed in northern and remote communities where donations and supplies are sparse.
What should I donate?
We accept donations of all types of pet food and supplies (dry, wet, open, unopened) and cat litter… We can usually find a home for all kinds of items, including pet beds, scratching points, carriers, bird cages, collars, leashes, harnesses, and toys.
Can I request a specific type of food?
We do our best to try to keep pets on the same food(s) or at least brand(s) they are currently on. We also do our best to keep in mind allergies, so we ask these two questions on our Request For Help form. Supply is based on what donations we have in our inventory; however, so type, brand and flavour cannot be guaranteed.
Will you take open food?
We absolutely will take donations of open food. Many times pets need to change their food for various reasons, leaving the owner with unopened food. We will take it into our inventory for donation inventory for use by a pet in need rather than that food going to waste.
I own a business - how can I help?
There are many ways you can help:
Employee food drives
Becoming a drop off location
Donation of services or products (printing, graphic design, pet food, promotional materials, etc.)
For more information
How can I help as an individual?
It’s as easy as liking our FB Page and sharing our posts! Spreading awareness of our cause is a HUGE help! We are always in need of volunteers.
For more information, please contact
Can I request food on behalf of someone else?
No. Part of our philosophy is creating a connection with the individuals and families who need us, promoting collaboration and awareness and ensuring we are doing our best to help the family as a unit. We also monitor the frequency of donations provided to pets to ensure we are catching abuse of our resources. For these reasons, you may not request food on behalf of someone else. Misuse of our program may result in future requests being declined.
How many animals can I request help for?
We currently limit our help to four animals per household, once per month. We do not support the addition of animals into households currently struggling with feeding and providing food for current pets. We will happily refer you to one of our partner organizations for help with rehoming animals where needed.