More families need help keeping their pets fed

No one should ever have to choose between feeding themselves and their pets. Yet for the 1.1 million Massachusetts’ residents whose budgets are affected by current events and changes in family food support, this hardship is a stark reality.

Many of our family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues are experiencing food insecurity, leading to an increase in stress and serious health risks from poor nutrition. And when people go hungry, their pets go hungry, too.

Pets are family. They give us unconditional love in return for our meeting their basic needs of food, water, shelter, and care. A companion animal also drastically improves our physical and mental well-being, especially during these uncertain times. But what happens during a national hunger crisis when putting kibble into the bowl is a challenge?

The cost of owning a pet is rising rapidly. The average cost of food, supplies, and routine veterinary care for a cat or dog is over $1,000 annually. When this high cost is combined with an emergency – such as a sudden health issue, a change in housing, or another unforeseen circumstance – owners face the difficult decision of what to do next.

Fortunately, organizations like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) are here to help. ARL provides pet food and essential supplies to clients living in Greater Boston and on Cape Cod who are facing financial hurdles. In 2025 so far, ARL has provided meals to 1,524 pets on a monthly basis

Times are tough. In this season of giving, it’s more important now than ever to lend a paw to help pets in the community.

1. Help stock ARL’s pet food pantry. So far this year, an unprecedented 1,300 owners have called ARL seeking pet food. Our resources are stretched to the limit, and we need your help to keep pets fed. You can make an immediate impact in the fight against pet hunger today.

• Donate Food Directly: View our digital wish lists of our most critically needed pet food. Items are shipped directly to ARL.
• Organize a Drive: Start a pet food collection drive at your school, university, workplace, or place of worship to gather donations from your community.
• Drop Off Donations: Bring unopened, unexpired, shelf-stable pet food directly to ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, or Cape Cod (Brewster). Drop-off hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Make a Financial Gift: Monetary donations allow us to purchase exactly what is needed most. You can make a secure gift online.

2. Donate to your local food bank or human service organization. When we take care of humans, we also take care of their pets. Dozens of organizations in the Greater Boston area, including Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) continue to be a critical resource for families, providing assistance with food, housing, and other basic needs. ARL currently distributes pet food at ABCD Food Pop-Ups in Mattapan and East Boston, ensuring that as families receive help, their beloved animals are cared for, too.

No one should ever have to give up their beloved companion because pet food is too expensive. If you need assistance, you’re not alone. View a full list of ARL’s free and low-cost services to help you keep your pet.