For many people, pets are more than companions, they’re family. But when unexpected expenses or financial hardship make it difficult to afford pet food, some owners are faced with an impossible choice.
The Manchester Animal Shelter is working to prevent that through its Pet Food Pantry, a program that provides temporary food assistance to eligible low income Manchester residents. The goal is simple: help families get through difficult times while keeping beloved pets where they belong.
Each year, the pantry distributes more than 30,000 pounds of pet food to local pet owners, making it an important resource for many families throughout the community.
Helping Families Through Temporary Hardships
The Pet Food Pantry is designed to offer short term support during periods of financial need. Whether someone is dealing with an unexpected bill, a temporary loss of income, or another financial setback, the program can help ease one expense while they get back on their feet.
Rather than serving as a long term food source, the pantry is intended to supplement a household’s pet food supply. To ensure the program can help as many people as possible, eligible residents may receive food once per month.
To qualify, applicants must:
Live in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Meet low-income eligibility requirements.
Have pets that are spayed or neutered.
Visit the pantry no more than once per month.
Residents interested in using the pantry can submit a request through Manchester Animal Shelter’s online Pet Food Pantry form. Once the request is received, shelter staff will provide pickup instructions and additional information.
Community Donations Make the Program Possible
Like many community assistance programs, the Pet Food Pantry depends on the generosity of local residents. Donations help keep shelves stocked so families can continue receiving assistance when they need it most.
The shelter is always looking for donations of:
Dry dog food
Canned dog food
Dry cat food
Canned cat food
Unopened pet supplies
Every donation, whether it’s a single bag of food or several cases of canned food, helps support pets and the people who love them.
More Ways to Support Manchester Animal Shelter
In addition to supporting the Pet Food Pantry, donations also help care for animals currently staying at the shelter and those living in foster homes. The shelter maintains Amazon and Chewy wishlists that are updated with its most needed items, making it easy for supporters to send supplies directly.
Some of the shelter’s current needs include non-clumping cat litter, dry cat and dog food, dog training treats, leashes, Martingale collars, Kong toys, Timothy hay, and Oxbow small animal food. Additional general supplies needed are paper towels, bleach, unscented laundry detergent, office supplies, and gift cards to help purchase additional necessities.
Those who would rather shop locally can also drop off donations in person at Manchester Animal Shelter, located at 490 Dunbarton Road in Manchester. Because the shelter’s needs can change throughout the year, staff recommend checking ahead before making a donation.
Learn More
Anyone looking to request assistance through the Pet Food Pantry or support the program through donations can find more information on the Manchester Animal Shelter website at manchesteranimalshelter.org.
The shelter serves Manchester and the surrounding Greater Manchester community and is open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Adoptions are available by appointment.
For questions, residents can contact the shelter at 603-628-3544 or email info@manchesteranimalshelter.org.
