In latest weeks, pet meals pantries throughout Santa Barbara County have been working low on meals for cats and canine.
“There may be lots of people that, in the course of the pandemic, fought to feed themselves in addition to their pets,” stated well being educator for Santa Barbara County Animal Companies, Esmeralda Medina.
She says in a five-month interval, their pet meals pantry in Lompoc assisted roughly 250 households, whereas the countywide demand for canine and cat meals continues to extend.
“There have been about 80 households that have been counting on the pet meals pantries to assist their canine and cats get meals they want every month,” stated Paul Benedix, normal supervisor of Lemos Provide and Pet Meals. “The demand has elevated by nearly 50%, so there may be over 120 households that depend on the pet meals pantries to feed their canine and cats.”
In flip, quite a few native organizations are working collectively this month to encourage pet meals donations on the County’s animal facilities, or at collaborating Lemos areas.
You could find pet meals donation bins at Lemos’ Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Solvang areas, however purchases could be made anyplace. Folks also can usher in their very own dry or moist canine and cat meals to be donated.
“Every of the areas, we have now received an awesome buyer base. Individuals who store at our shops are, after they can, beneficiant, and we’re positively seeing some visitors are available in to assist this system,” added Benedix.
Medina says there may be not a certain quantity of pet meals they’re making an attempt to gather in donations for the pet meals drive, simply {that a} donation of any sum goes an extended solution to maintain their companies going.
“We’re very grateful for no matter any person may give,” Medina informed KSBY. “We all know that lots of people wish to assist, however do not know the way, or that they aren’t in a position to personal an animal, wish to assist, however do not know the way. This can be a wonderful means for these folks and group members that wish to be part of this program and be part of aiding group pets.”
Santa Barbara County’s pet meals pantries are additionally offered for gratis to pet dad and mom within the space. When out there, in addition they supply different important free pet provides and companies like conditioners for canine and cats, leashes and harnesses, and occasional flea and vaccine remedies.
Should you or somebody you recognize is in want of meals and provides for his or her furry mates, all you need to do is name one of many animal shelters in Santa Barbara County, or go to them throughout enterprise hours to be helped by on-site workers.
