Out of the pandemic emerged incredible programs to help North Texans in need. One of those programs was Dallas Animal Services’ Pet Food Pantry. It was created to help pet owners who were facing tough times and having to make even tougher decisions.
According to DAS Interim Director MeLissa Webber, “The last year has been devastating for countless Dallas residents and many continue to struggle to feed their families, including their pets. We don’t want struggling residents to be forced to give up their best friend and suffer yet another crushing loss; pets should be a comfort to their people during difficult times like these. That is why we have prioritized safety net programs like this pet food pantry, to keep pets where they belong – with the people who love them.”


Thanks to Dallas-area kitchens, meal providers and food pantry programs, DAS’s Pet Food Pantry provided more than 1,000 pounds of food for dogs and 300 pounds for cats.
But while the pandemic appears to be winding down, the need for pet owners continues. Just this past April, 576 pounds of dog food and 115 pounds of cat food were distributed to feed 187 dogs and 68 cats, respectively.
For that reason, DAS is requesting the public to support the pantry.

As MeLissa put it, “The need in the community is on the rise and we are working hard to meet the demand, but we need your help. By donating pet food, volunteering at a pet food pantry distribution event, or even just spreading the word in your neighborhood, you can help us ensure that all Dallas pets are fed.”
This month DAS has created a special pet food donation drive. The goal is to raise 2,000 pounds of pet food that will be distributed throughout the summer.
If you want to help a pet and its owner, you have three opportunities:
- Drop off unexpired and unopened pet food of any brand at DAS main shelter (1818 Westmoreland Road).
- Order it through Amazon Wish List and it will be shipped to DAS.
- Volunteer “to help pack pet food for distribution and help run the pet food pantry distribution events.”
- Donate cold, hard cash or plastic.
On the other hand, if you’re one of those who is in need of help, July pet food distributions are scheduled for:
- Saturday, July 10 from noon to 2 p.m. at The Stewpot (408 Park Avenue)
- Sunday, July 11 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Phillip’s Community Center (1502 Pennsylvania Avenue)
- Tuesday, July 13 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove (1324 Pleasant Drive)
If you have a pet, then why not do a twofer? When you buy your own pet its bag or can of food, buy one for another pet in need.
* Graphic courtesy of Dallas Animal Services