Pet Food Aid Programs
Even in a healthy economy, many people and animals fall through the cracks. In order to prevent animals from becoming homeless due to a shortage of financial resources on the part of their caretakers, DPVHS provides pet food assistance to those in need.
Pet Food Bank
Through partnerships with the Amherst Survival Center, the Franklin Area Survival Center, and the Northfield Food Pantry, DPVHS distributes pet food at no charge to needy families. Recipients of pet food must make their need known to the staff of these agencies in order to assure an adequate supply of food.
Pet food is also available through our adoption centers during regular business hours. Call the DPVHS adoption centers in Leverett (413-548-9898) or Springfield (413-781-4000) or email for more information.
Meals on Wheels partnerships
In order to preserve the bond between elders and their beloved companion animals, DPVHS partners with Highland Valley Elder Services and the Amherst Senior Center to deliver cat and dog food through their established Meals on Wheels programs.
If you are a customer of these Meals on Wheels programs and you would like to receive food for your cat or dog, please tell your meal delivery driver.
If you live outside our current food distribution service area and are interested in adding pet food deliveries to your town’s Meals on Wheels program, email Leslie Harris or call 413-781-4000 x 312.
how you can help
Food distributed through DPVHS Pet Food Programs has been graciously donated by members of our community. Donations of dry food--particularly cat food--are always welcome and may be delivered to either DPVHS location.
We also welcome participation in our food programs by clubs, scouts, or other service groups! One way to help is to collect pet food and then re-bag it for distribution. All pet food is delivered to our partner agencies and clients in 1-gallon freezer bags with labels (we can provide the labels). Groups who would like to gather for their "bagging party" at the DPVHS Springfield Adoption & Education Center can also receive a tour of the facilities and learn about DPVHS's life-saving programs. If you are interested in holding a bagging party to help DPVHS food programs, contact Emily Kolod at 413-781-4000 x 111 or by email.
Monetary donations to help us purchase food for distribution are also welcome. Please be sure to earmark your gift "Pet Food Programs."
We are grateful to C&S Wholesale Grocers, Greenfield Savings Bank, the Amherst Rotary Club, and The Amherst Club for their generous sponsorship of DPVHS Pet Food Programs!
