Are there food banks for pets? 

For many people, pets are cherished companions who offer unconditional love, and comfort. But when money is tight, feeding a pet can become a stressful challenge that adds to existing financial pressures. In response to this need, a growing number of initiatives across the UK are stepping in to support pet owners who are struggling to put food in their animals’ bowls. 

What are pet food banks? 

Food banks are run by organisations that distribute essential food and groceries to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Traditionally these services focus on human food needs, providing staples like pasta, rice, tins and cereals to help people through tough times. 

But as more people have found themselves struggling to balance household budgets, many food banks have noticed a gap, with people often asking for help with feeding their pets too. While humans can sometimes go without meals in an emergency, pets depend entirely on their owners for food, and owners often face agonising decisions when funds run low. Some may end up having to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their companion animals. 

Unlike traditional food banks, pet food banks are specifically designed to provide pet food and animal care supplies to people who are struggling financially. These can be standalone organisations dedicated solely to pets, or partnerships with human food banks that offer pet food alongside regular food parcels. 

How pet food banks started and why they’re needed 

There is a widespread belief that people should not keep pets if they cannot always afford to feed them, but those working closest to the issue say the reality is far more complex. Financial hardship can affect anyone – through illness, bereavement, job loss or unexpected costs – and when it does, pets are often caught up in circumstances beyond their owners’ control. 

Volunteers and animal welfare workers began noticing that people seeking help from food banks and community services were also asking for support feeding their pets. In many areas, traditional food banks were unable to meet this need, as pet food was not routinely included in emergency parcels, leaving a clear gap in support. 

Pet food banks emerged in response, often starting as small, volunteer-led efforts that have since grown into wider networks supporting thousands of pet owners. Many operate with minimal barriers, allowing people to ask for help directly without referrals or proof of income, helping to reduce stigma at an already stressful time. 

Some services also offer flexible distribution, including deliveries for people who are housebound or lack transport. Together, these initiatives recognise that supporting pets during financial hardship is not about indulgence, but about preserving vital relationships, protecting wellbeing, and preventing further crisis for both people and animals. 

Examples of pet food bank services in the UK 

Several organisations both large and small are now supporting struggling pet owners across the country. Here are some of the ways this support is organised: 

The Trussell Trust 

The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of food banks that provide emergency food parcels and practical support to people facing financial crisis. While their primary focus is on ensuring people have enough to eat, many food banks within this network have increasingly recognised that pets are an integral part of family life. In some communities, this has led to closer collaboration with animal welfare charities, local volunteers and pet food initiatives to help ensure that people do not have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their animals.  

Animal FoodBank UK 

Animal Foodbank UK is one of the most established pet food bank charities in the UK. Founded out of recognition that traditional food banks often didn’t offer pet food, it now operates with a large volunteer team covering most of the UK. The charity has delivered food that amounts to around 150,000 meals to dogs, cats and other pets in need.  

Animal Foodbank UK also works with other community organisations, including homeless shelters and support services, helping ensure that pets stay with their owners during periods of crisis. 

West Bromwich Emergency Pet Pantry 

Another example is the West Bromwich Emergency Pet Pantry, established in the West Midlands to serve communities.   

The Pet Pantry operates donation points in local areas and provides pet food to people in need, typically offering a week’s worth of food at a time, with the possibility of repeat help over a six-month period or longer support where necessary. National organisations and local groups also support them in referring cases and collecting supplies.  

Who pet food banks help 

Pet food banks aren’t just about handing out bags of food; they’re about supporting real people and animals in moments of vulnerability. 

Volunteers from these groups often meet owners going through incredibly difficult circumstances. Some are dealing with the fallout of a bereavement, are experiencing homelessness, others have escaped abusive relationships, and many are trying to balance limited household budgets that barely cover rent, bills and human food.  

Some owners say that they would rather skip meals themselves than see their animal go hungry. These choices show how deep the bond between pets and their owners runs, and why services like pet food banks matter so much to mental wellbeing and personal dignity as well as animal welfare.  

How pet food banks work 

Pet food banks operate in a range of ways, but many share a number of common features designed to make support as accessible and effective as possible. One of the most important is a low-barrier approach to access. Rather than requiring formal referrals or proof of income, many pet food banks allow people to self-refer, meaning they can ask for help directly without having to navigate additional systems at what may already be a stressful time. 

Support is often provided on a regular basis rather than as a one-off. Many services supply a set amount of pet food, such as a couple of weeks’ worth, each month, helping owners manage ongoing financial pressure. The type and frequency of support can vary depending on the organisation and the specific needs of the pet. 

Pet food banks also commonly work in partnership with other local services, including traditional food banks, homeless accommodation providers, community organisations and welfare services. These collaborations help ensure that both people and their pets receive more holistic support, whether that means access to human food parcels, advice on finances or benefits, or signposting to veterinary care and other animal welfare services. 

Why pet food banks matter 

For many families, pets are sources of emotional support, stability, friendship and even mental-health benefits. Abruptly having to give up an animal because of financial hardship can be traumatic for both owner and pet. Pet food banks acknowledge that economic stress does not invalidate the bond between a person and their animal.  

Supporting pet owners to keep their companions has wider benefits too. When pets remain in homes instead of being surrendered to rescue centres, shelters are less overwhelmed, and owners may experience less emotional distress and greater resilience during financial upheaval. 

In addition, research suggests that caring for pets can contribute to improved wellbeing, reduced loneliness and enhanced social connection, all important factors in mental and emotional health. 

How you can help 

If you’d like to support pet food banks, there are several ways to get involved: 

Donate pet food or supplies 

Many pet food banks accept donations of dry food, wet food, litter, small animal feed, treats and basic care supplies.  

Volunteer your time 

Volunteer roles include collecting and sorting donations, delivering food to owners, coordinating with community groups, and administrative support. 

Organise a community drive 

Community groups, workplaces, schools or local churches can host pet-food drives to collect supplies and raise awareness about pet food bank services. 

Donate money 

Financial donations help organisations purchase specific items they lack, cover postage and transport costs, and expand their reach to more owners in need. 

Final thoughts 

Food banks for pets in the UK are increasingly essential. Services like The Trussell Trust and Animal Foodbank UK are not only providing practical help but also compassion and community support at a time when many are struggling to make ends meet. 

By supporting pet food banks, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, you can help ensure that no animal goes hungry because their owner is in crisis.