Helping our furry friends in need during COVID-19

With social distancing in place and the very valid fear of the current pandemic, it has been troublesome getting certain items that are needed every day, including for our furry friends. Owners know just how much a pet can mean to a family—in fact, they are family—so it is abundantly important to take care of them during this precarious time, and the PSPCA is here to help with just that.

The nonprofit organization recently was awarded a $10,000 grant to assist pet families in need throughout the Philadelphia region from PetSmart Charities, and already the funds have been put to good use. The Pennsylvania SPCA has been busy delivering pet food and supplies and in just a short amount of time, the PSPCA’s Community Outreach Manager, Mandy Hood, has delivered over 4,000 pounds of food to those in need throughout the City of Brotherly Love.

“Over the past five years I’ve spent my days creating relationships with community members to help fill the gaps in pet resources throughout the City of Philadelphia,” said Hood in a release. “There has always been a need for access to pet food and veterinary supplies and treatment, but through this pandemic that need has increased dramatically. It is always our goal to support the most vulnerable families, and keep pets happy and healthy in their homes. Through this health and economic crisis, we are more dedicated than ever.”

The organization decided to target families who require the supplies at the most needed level. According to the release, families identified include those without access to pet food pantries in their neighborhoods as well as families living in areas that are pet food and veterinary clinic deserts. Even many corner stores that would normally carry pet food have been shuttered. The priority neighborhoods that have been identified include the immediate vicinity around the shelter, as well as neighborhoods in West Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, sections of North Philadelphia, East Germantown and Belfield.

The PSPCA has also been working with school partners to provide families with pet necessities a bit of relief. So far, the organization has been able to help many through those partnerships and has been delivering food to the Walker Junior Unity Center Food Site. Plans to reach out to industries hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic are also currently underway.

The PSPCA’s mission to help pet families in need doesn’t stop there however.

According to a release, GreaterGood.org, a national nonprofit that protects people, pets and the planet, is donating pet food and critical supplies to the Pennsylvania SPCA in response to COVID-19. The Pennsylvania SPCA will act as a distribution hub along with Greatergood.org’s signature program Rescue Bank for human and pet food pantries and local pet parents in Danville, Lancaster and Philadelphia, who are struggling financially and need resources to care for their pets during this critical time.

“We are honored to partner with GreaterGood.org during this critical time,” said Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA in a release. “Our dedication to helping Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable pets and their families is more important now than ever, and we are committed to helping as many pets stay in their homes as possible.”

Pet parents who are looking to benefit from the PSPCA’s initiative with GreaterGood.org can reach out through email in Lancaster (lancaster@pspca.org), Danville (danville@pspca.org) and in Philadelphia (outreach@pspca.org.) Those interested can also visit Greatergood.org for more information. 

Anyone who would like to contribute to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s current initiatives to benefit those in need during COVID-19 can donate to the Community Pet Assistance Fund through pspca.org/communitypetfund. There is also an Amazon wishlist set up through amazon.com.