The 501(c)(3) organization Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma City recently began a partnership with local veterinary clinic Swaim Serum Company accepting donations to distribute in the metro area through the national nonprofit Pets of the Homeless, which provides pet food and medical services to homeless and low-income people.
Donations would be accepted at the clinic, located at 1601 S. Agnew in the OKC Stockyard City district, according to a press release.
Pet Food Pantry distributes the food after donors notify drop-offs through email. The nonprofit, which provides pet service referrals to low-income senior citizens and the homeless, also has donation sites at Petcos in Norman and Edmond.
Swaim Serum Company spokeswoman Keirsten Russell said the clinic is used to treat the pets of people who are forced to work on a budget.
Common pet treatments include flea and tick medication, heartworm prevention and spaying and neutering, as well as regular physical checkups.
According to Pets of the Homeless, between 5 and 10 percent of homeless people have animal companions such as dogs or cats.
Because most shelters do not allow pets unless they are assisted-service animals, people with pets choose to stay out on the streets instead if forced to choose, Russell said.
“I think that a lot of people think that they shouldn’t have a dog … but they really do see more companionship than we would give them because we’re at work all day, but the dog’s with them all day long trying to be comfort for them,” she said.
Acceptable donations for pets and owners include pet food, toys, beds, leashes and collars, according to the Pet Food Pantry website.
Visit petfoodpantryokc.org to learn more about donating pet food and supplies for homeless pets in the metro area.
