COLUMBIA, S.C. — During hard financial times, it’s not only people that need help getting food – but pets, too.
That’s why Columbia Animal Services started a pet food pantry.
Shelter superintendent Marli Drum said the special food pantry is meant to help owners who can't afford food for their pets.
“This is an odd year with COVID-19 and everything else so we decided let’s help our community as a whole. Let’s prevent the animals from coming to the shelter,” Drum said.
Columbia Animal Services teamed up with The Animal Mission to create the pantry. People can call the shelter and pick up free food for their furry family members.
“If folks are in a position where they might have to turn in their pet because they can’t afford food for it right now, we would like to be able to prevent the pet having to come here. If folks need help for a short period of time, we can actually just give them food to get them through that,” Drum said.
If someone wants to donate to the food pantry, donations can be dropped off outside the shelter, located at 127 Humane Lane in Columbia, or in the food donations box inside.
“The food is here, and if somebody is finding themselves in a bad situation, we encourage them to give us a call.”
The shelter also offers free neuter and spay services.