Monthly Pet Food Pantry Kicks Off Saturday

Pet Food will Include Treats – No Tricks – For Pets at Halloween Event

Animal Services kicks off a pet food, drive-thru pantry on Saturday that will help those struggling to feed their four-legged family members during COVID-19.

The pet food pantries will occur Saturday morning (Oct. 31) at two of the county’s shelters – in Jurupa Valley and Thousand Palms – but registration is required for both locations. The drive-thru pet food pantries are part of Animal Services’ program called Healthy Pet Zone.
The food distribution will be scheduled between 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The two shelters and the addresses are:

• The Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, 92276.
• The Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter, 6851 Van Buren Blvd., 92509.

The registration link can be found by clicking on Riverside County Animal Services’ website; requesters are asked to make sure to click on the desired shelter location; here’s a direct link.

The Healthy Pet Zone pantries are expected to run monthly. The amount of food for each pet owner should provide them enough assistance for approximately one month for each pet. Also, Animal Services anticipates it can accommodate up to 300 people (150 at each shelter location).

“The mission of the Healthy Pet Zone is to help keep owners and their pets together by providing support for those in need,’ Animal Services Director Julie Bank said. “We know now has been so stressful for many people due to the coronavirus pandemic. We hope this alleviates some worries for our caring pet owners.”

This Saturday’s event will also include goodie bags with pet treats and costumes for pets. Speaking of costumes: since the first food pantries are beginning on Halloween, Animal Services employees would love to see some costumed pet owners – or pets. But dressing up for Halloween is not a requirement to receive assistance.

Animal Services’ Blythe Animal Shelter will be distributing food to needy pet owners beginning the week starting on Monday, Nov. 2. Appointments for the Blythe Animal Shelter will begin on Oct. 31.