It is well-known that the ongoing recession has affected jobs and households. But what might be overlooked is that a decrease in a family’s disposable income can also impact family pets. To help with those needs the Newnan-Coweta Humane Society Pet Food Pantry will begin operations on Jan. 5.
“During these difficult economic times, some families are facing the choice between feeding themselves and taking care of loved ones. This choice is made by parents of low-income families every day and many times involves the family pet,” said Newnan-Coweta Humane Society President LouAnn Jones. “Local shelters and animal rescues are experiencing an increase in owner relinquishments of family pets due to the family’s inability to afford pet food and pet care for their beloved four-legged family members. Giving up a family pet to make sure it is has food and is healthy is a very traumatic experience for both the humans and the animal.”
Jones said that the new pet food pantry will give needy families a boost so they will no longer be required to make the choice to feed themselves or their pets.
“The Newnan-Coweta Pet Food Pantry will provide temporary food assistance to pet owners who are currently unable to afford food for their pets and may be forced to give up their pets without food assistance,” Jones said.
Jones said the NCHS Pet Food Pantry will be an ongoing program and monthly distributions will occur on the first Saturday of each month, with the first distribution coming on Jan. 5 from 9 a.m. until noon at the H.E.L.P. Spay Neuter Clinic located at 12 The Crescent located in Avery Park off U.S. Hwy. 29 North in Newnan.
Qualified program recipients can receive a one month supply for up to three pets. All pets must be spayed/neutered and up to date on rabies. If not fixed or current on rabies, NCHS can provide assistance at no cost to qualified Coweta residents. Residents needing assistance with feeding their pets will need to complete an application for the program. Residents must bring a picture ID and proof of income in order to qualify for assistance. Forms can be picked up in advance at the H.E.L.P. Clinic or by emailing NCHS at nchs_rescue@numail.org.
But there is another side to the pet food pantry: donations. Jones said NCHS will gladly accept donations of dog or puppy Food (dry or canned), cat or kitten food (dry or canned), stainless steel bowls (please no plastic or ceramic), kitty litter, nylon adjustable dog collars and leashes at the following locations: NCHS adoption events (to a NCHS Volunteer) at Newnan PetSmart on Sundays from 12:30-3:30 p.m.; All-Star Mini Storage, 8 Newnan South Industrial (off Hwy. 29 South); and at the H.E.L.P. Spay Neuter Clinic.
For information on receiving pet food assistance, please email pet food pantry Director Holly Lewis at nchs_rescue@numail.org or call the pet food pantry voicemail for Holly Lewis at 678-590-1430.
The Newnan-Coweta Humane Society, the oldest rescue group in Coweta County is a 501(c) 3 all-volunteer, non-profit organization, dedicated to reducing the number of pets euthanized at Coweta County Animal Control and other area municipal pounds. Through rescue, spay/neuter, foster programs and community awareness, the NCHS goal is to one day eliminate the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals in our area. For more information visit the NCHS website at www.NCHSrescue.org
