Pet food banks provide a supply of free pet food to people in financial hardship, potentially helping prevent animals from being handed into rescue centres or simply abandoned.
As the cost of living continues to rise, many are struggling to afford to feed both themselves and their beloved pets. As a consequence, pet food banks have seen a massive rise in requests in recent months.
Pet Food Bank Service, a south Wales charity, saw a +700% increase in hits on its website last month. Meanwhile, figures from the RSPCA say there has been a 24% rise in the number of animals being abandoned due to the cost of living crisis.
Best Friends Pet Store launched the Berkshire Pet Food Bank earlier this month to offer pet owners with food, bedding and toys for their furry friends. Speaking to Wokingham Today, Ridwan Sai said he wanted to open the store after learning people had to give up their pets due to rising costs.
"I was just looking on BBC News and saw reports from Dogs Trust and the RSPCA about the amount of dogs that have been given up just purely because people can’t afford to feed them," he said. "Of course there's lots of news about food banks for people and I kind of put two and two together and thought 'actually, yes, it's a great idea'."
Alison Fletcher, who works on an RSPCA food bank in Lancashire, previously said: "We've had a massive rise in demand in pet food... from hundreds of meals to thousands of meals. We're getting calls from all over Wales and in England as well... asking us to send them food, asking for vouchers for things like that.
"Many people are experiencing tough times at the moment and the last thing we want is for a loving owner to have to give up their companion and real source of comfort, so we set up this scheme in the hope that we could provide as much pet food as possible and keep families and their pets together."
While not every local area has a pet food bank, some supermarkets, pet charities and pet stores offer collection points for food, accessories and toys. When you head out to pick up your weekly supplies, it's worth seeing what you can pick up to help dogs and cats in need.
What can you donate to a pet food bank?
Most pet food banks (or collection points at local supermarkets) need a wide range of pet food that can be easily passed on. As well as food, it's always worth asking to see if the food banks are in need of accessories for animals, too. Some of the things you can drop off include:
- Food pouches for both dogs, cats and smaller household pets
- Dried biscuits/food
- Tins of pet food
- Pet accessories, such as warm beds and blankets during the winter months
- Pet cleaning supplies, including pet shampoo
- Small toys
Where can you find a local pet food bank?
If you are struggling to find one, some of the organisations and websites below are currently accepting donations. These include:
1. Your local Pets at Home store (you can either donate funds or drop items off, but do check with the store manager first).
2. The RSPCA Wimbledon, Wandsworth and Sutton Branch.
3. In Scotland, it's The Pet Food Bank.
4. Check social media pages, such as Facebook, to see whether anyone in your local area is collecting pet food to donate.
5. Keep an eye open for RSPCA collection bins in Tesco and Morrisons.
6. If it's specifically cat food you're looking to donate, Cats Protection has a list of the supermarkets accepting donations.
7. Donate easily via Pets of The Homeless.
8. In Sheffield, Manchester and Grimsby, Blue Cross are working with partner organisations.
9. The RSPCA have also partnered with over 40 food banks across the North of England.
10. It is also worthwhile checking to see if any independent or locally volunteered food banks are available to you where you live. This may be at your closest rescue centre or cat and dog home.
11. In North Wales, the Pet Rescue Welfare Association is a small charity helping local pet owners by offering free food to those who might not be able to afford to buy it themselves.
12. The Pet Foodbank Service currently covers Cardiff, Newport, Caerphilly, Swansea, Gilfach Goch, Merthyr and Pontypridd and has provided over 40,536 meals for pets in need so far this year.
Can you start your own food bank for pets?
If you're struggling to find a local food bank for pets, another alternative is to start your own. It will take time and planning, but it's not impossible. Spread the word on social media or in your local area, then start collecting donations and see if there are any pet owners in need of supplies.
If you're not sure how to go about creating your own food bank, it's always worth speaking to your local council for additional support.
24 indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers
KONG Tires Durable Rubber Chew Toy and Treat Dispenser for Power Chewers
This tyre-shaped chew toy has been made from durable rubber, so it's perfect for determined chewers. It also gives owners the chance to fill the inside with tasty treats, too. Available in two sizes for you to choose the best for your breed.
READ MORE: 6 dog games great for training and bonding
Built for durability, this bright red dog toy will offer your four-legged friend mental and physical stimulation. Starting from £9, it's a real steal buy.
Made from hemp and recycled cotton, this rope ring's tough fibres work to clean your pup's teeth while also being a whole lot of fun to play with.
Soft yet durable, this cute grey bear has minimal stuffing and an internal knotted rope skeleton.
One of the toughest dog balls on the market, this sweet 'planet' design has been made with award-winning Orbee Tuff material. Certain to provide hours of fun...
Ideal for dogs who love to swim, this floating fabric toy has a handle and is designed with abrasion-resistant materials for increased durability. Make sure not to forget it on your next beach trip.
This durable rubber mango toy — which can be filled with dog treats — is sure to provide hours of chewing fun. Perfect for small and medium dog breeds.
Keep your dog entertained for hours with this purse-friendly squeaky toy shaped like a carrot. Plus, we love that you can pick this up at the supermarket as you do your weekly food shop or even have it delivered with your groceries.
Give your dog one of their five a day with this sweetcorn chew toy. It has been designed especially for aggressive chewers and is suitable to small, medium, and large dogs in any breeds. We think dogs will love its small sound function.
If your pup is a fiend for peanut butter, you might want to introduce this peanut butter flavour chew toy into their playtime routine. The T-shape allows them to grip it easily with their paws while the raised nubs on it can help keep their teeth clean.
If they prefer the taste of bacon, why not try this double-bend bone toy. It's available in a range of sizes to ensure that your dog doesn't miss out on this tasty treat.
Let the fun commence with this long-lasting squeaker football dog toy. Perfect for keeping your dog entertained in the garden.
This durable wooden stick is great for dogs who love to chew regularly. While keeping your dog occupied for hours, it's also great for their dental hygiene.
Built to last, this fun donut dog toy has been made from high-quality material and will not wear down dogs' teeth.
This bright fetch toy is ideal for interactive fun. It has a squeaker and a practical handle for throwing at your pup. We're certain they'll love this!
Made from three strands of heavy duty tightly woven rope, this traditional rope toy is perfect for medium or larger breeds and can withstand some serious pulling and tugging.
This chew toy encourages healthy, non-destructive chewing habits with dogs. And it also has a tasty flavour to it too.
Great for young puppies, this gentle bone will help teething pups who have not yet formed any adult teeth.
We love this unique toy, which is great for chew sessions and endless fun. Top tip: fill with peanut butter to extend playtime and satisfy chewing instincts.
In a blush pink, this large onion toy is surprisingly durable. Best of all, it's currently on sale for less than £3.50.
Another great option if your dog loves to play fetch, this durable fetch stick toy not only makes it easier for them to spot where their stick has landed when you're out on a walk or a trip to the park. But it also works for all dogs of all sizes.
Looking for a durable rubber frisbee? Well, look no further, as this red style from KONG is perfect for keeping your four-legged friends fit and healthy.
Another great frisbee option is this XL one. It might even be easier for your four legged friend to grip and it's also currently on sale.
Made by Arm & Hammer, this gorilla-shaped toy is infused with baking soda to safely help with bad breath. Add in the fact that it is extremely durable and has a built-in treats dispenser and we can see why so many shoppers have given it five-star reviews.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
Ellis Cochrane is a Freelance Contributor for House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, covering everything from expert tips and tricks, to gardening advice, product roundups and the newest properties to hit the market. Ellis has been writing about homes, interiors and gardens for four years now, and her work has also been published on Ideal Home, Prima and Elle Japan. Over the years, Ellis has also written at a number of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Tyla, Daily Express, Expert Reviews UK, Stylist and IndyBest, covering beauty and style, TV and films, books and celebrity news. Ellis studied at the University of Strathclyde, where she completed a Joint BA Hons Degree in English and Politics. Follow Ellis on Instagram at @ellistuesday.
