As the U.S. economy experiences a surge of inflation and a fall in employment, many people are having trouble caring for the for-legged members of their family. Torn between feeding themselves or giving their pets the care they deserve, many Tampa Bay residents are struggling. However, Human Society Tampa Bay has found a way to help people during this time through an expansion of their existing Pet Pantry program.
Humane Society Tampa Bay Pet Pantry
HSTB has offered a food assistance program for years now. It’s called the Pet Pantry, and it’s where people who are having trouble providing food for their pets can pick up free food. Because of the current rise in inflation and housing insecurity in the Tampa Bay area, some people need more help than ever.
“We’ve had people that have recently come in saying they have lost their apartment or their homes and they are then having to live out of their car with their family. They just don’t have room for their dog or their cat,” says Christine McLarty, public relations manager with HSTB.
In response to what they have been seeing, HSTB has expanded the Pet Pantry. Now, in addition to food, people can receive collars, leashes, beds and even pet toys. Everything they need to keep their pets comfortable and prevent them from having to make tough choices.
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“The main thing is due to the current state of affairs in our society, with inflation, we see so many people having to choose between caring for their animals and caring for themselves,” McLarty adds.
And for those wanting to help, the Pet Pantry is taking donations. Anyone who is able can donate a bag of food to the shelter.
“Last year in 2021 we saved 13,00 animals. We literally couldn’t do that without the support of our volunteers and our community. It really does take a village, caring for these animals.”
Other services offered
Along with the Pet Pantry, the Humane Society Tampa Bay also has an animal hospital. Even if you didn’t adopt your pet from HSTB you can still get an appointment at the hospital. They believe in affordable healthcare for animals and have fair pricing that reflects this outlook.
HSTB is currently offering a promotion regarding heartworm prevention. If you bring your cat or dog in for a heartworm checkup, they will receive three months of heartworm prevention for free. Checking and preventing heartworm is especially important in Florida as it is spread through mosquito bites. Something even cats and dogs aren’t immune from.
Upcoming events
Humane Society Tampa Bay has events happening all the time around the Tampa Bay area. Their next big event is the Dillard’s Fashion Show & Donation Drive. The Children’s Department at Dillard’s International Plaza will host a donation drive from now until May 14th, where you can bring pet-related items to drop in the bins in the store, or donate at the registers to support homeless animals in Tampa Bay. They will celebrate the end of the drive on May 14th with a fashion show event, and HSTB will join them in the store with adoptable pets!