MSPCA says more families in need of pet food during shutdown

It’s not just people who are feeling the impact of the government shutdown — it’s animals, too.

Pets are at risk of going hungry as families struggle with the loss of SNAP benefits. The MSPCA-Angell says demand for pet food has skyrocketed as SNAP benefits remain frozen.

“We are seeing a really big increase in the number of families that are turning to us asking for pet food,” said Alyssa Krieger, director of community outreach for MSPCA-Angell.

As families wait for SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, Taco Azul and other restaurants are stepping up to the plate.

Krieger says her team is working in overdrive, hosting pop-up pet food pantries across Massachusetts, including one Friday at the organization’s headquarters in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood.

In an average month, the MSPCA-Angell distributes about 275,000 pet meals. Now, they need roughly 22,000 more every week just to keep up. That’s an extra $6,000 in costs.

“We want to make sure that families are not making a decision between feeding their pets and feeding themselves,” Krieger said.

The MSPCA is teaming up with Dakin Humane Society in Springfield to reach even more families.

Food donations can be dropped off at shelters statewide or purchased through online wish lists.

To find out where to donate or to get help yourself, visit the MSPCA’s website.