Pets are an important part of our families and most of us can't imagine living without them. But what if you lost your job, or suffered a major financial setback? What if you were having difficulty feeding yourself and your family and there was no money to buy food for your pets? According to the ASPCA, 30% of surrendered pets are given up because of high food costs. Luckily, in our area, you could go to one of our local food banks and get food for all the members of your family, including the furry ones. For the past four years, Salmon Brook veterinary hospital has held a pet food drive to help stock these local food banks with cat and dog food. Last year they collected 810 cans and 5900 lbs of pet food, which included Salmon Brook Vet's matching donation of 3000 lbs. Food donations were sent directly to the local food pantries and shelters, which filled them to capacity. Monetary donations totaling $3100 were used to buy food to restock over the summer. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Salmon Brook Vet was able to fill the Granby, East Granby, and Southwick food pantries with cat and dog food not once, but twice this year!
In the past, all donations have gone to support local food banks and shelters. This year, in light of the all the natural disasters which have hit the US, the Pet Food Drive will also be supporting pet related disaster relief efforts around the country and in Puerto Rico. Food and monetary donations will be accepted at Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital starting November 24th. The Fifth Annual Pet Food Drive will take place on December 16th from 10am to 3pm. Come by, have some mulled cider or hot chocolate, and help support pets and the people who love them!