A new program has made food stamps for pets a reality. ABC News reported that a program called Pet Food Stamps is aiming to provide food stamps for low-income families and for those who are already receiving food stamps and otherwise couldn't afford to feed their pets.
"Pet Food Stamps is a NYS, pending non-profit, with a Tax ID/EIN, designed to provide pet food assistance to food stamp recipients and low income persons, nationwide, preventing pets from being surrendered to high kill animal shelters," says Pet Food Stamps Facebook page.
The organization is based in New York and the program is open to anyone in the U.S. ABC News reported that more than 45,000 pets have been signed up for the program in the past two weeks. Marc Okon is the program's founder and executive director. He told ABC News that what is needed is an income verification and the family's get pet food every month from Pet Food Direct for six months.
"We're not looking for government funding at this point," Okon said to ABCNews.com. "Should the government be willing to provide assistance further down the line, we will look into it."
The program was set up to fill a void in the U.S. Food Stamp program which excludes pet food and pet supplies. Many owners have been forced to give up their pets to animal shelters as they cannot afford to pay for pet supplies and food.
"There are over 50 million Americans who currently receive Food Stamps, many with dogs or cats, who simply cannot afford to feed their animals, and these cherished companions are dropped off at animal shelters where they will most likely be put to sleep," says Pet Food Stamps Facebook page.
Matt Williams, a spokesperson from the Washington Animal Rescue League said, "One of our missions is to provide income-qualified families with discounted pet care, vaccinations, vaccine clinics, neutered clinics and vet care. We have a new medical center on site. ... We also have a food bank run entirely on donations."
The New York Times said in an article that "animal shelters have reported a steep rise in the number of cats and dogs being surrendered as owners face unemployment, home foreclosures, evictions and other financial hardships." This program aims to offset that as many families struggle to pay rent and buy food.
"The Pet Food Stamps program, due to the generosity of contributors and patrons, are able to eliminate that heart-wrenching decision by making sure these pet owners are given free monthly home delivery of all necessary food supplies to maintain the health and vitality of their pets," says Pet Food Stamps Facebook page.
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