Rising Need for Pet Food Bank Says Ottawa Humane Society

Aug. 13, 2024 — On Thursday, Aug. 15, the Ottawa Humane Society will be hosting a pop-up pet food bank for families in need in partnership with Sandy Hill Health and Community Centre.

“Our pet food bank is seeing increasing demand,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO. “Last year, we provided more than 18,000 kg of pet food to families in the community. This year we’re expecting between a 20 to 30% increase.”

In an OHS community survey, an overwhelming majority of respondents identified pet affordability as a top issue threatening to separate pets from their owners. The pop-up pet food bank is a part of the OHS’s efforts to keep more pets and families together alongside its wellness clinics and Emergency Pet Food Bank hosted at the shelter.

Every Thursday, the OHS operates an Emergency Pet Food Bank from its location on 245 West Hunt Club Road. To make pet food accessible throughout the city, the OHS provides funds to the Ottawa Food Bank to distribute pet food in the community.

“For anyone who relies on public transportation, getting to the shelter and travelling with a heavy bag of pet food presents a major barrier,” explained Miko. “Bringing the service directly into the community means we’re able to reach more people and ensure pets can stay in homes where they are loved.”

The decision to surrender a pet to the OHS can be very emotional and difficult for a pet owner. Keeping pets with their people not only supports the well-being of the community, but also ensures the OHS has more resources available for homeless animals with nowhere else to go.

More information on the OHS’s pet food bank is available on the OHS website.

Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Stephen Smith, Senior Manager: Marketing & Communications
stephens@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca