A helping paw: Central Florida pet food pantry need skyrockets, seeks donations to feed growing demand

ORLANDO, Fla. — In March and April of last year, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando’s Pet Food Pantry served a total of 21 pets with free food. In the last month that number has gone up to 100 pets – per week.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the Orlando-area economy causing thousands to lose their jobs, the shelter said it is not able to keep up with demand without help from the community.

“With this number continuing to climb, it’s very clear to us that our community is in need of a ‘helping paw.’ However, we are not able to keep the pantry stocked without your help,” the shelter posted on social media.

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The shelter is asking for any type of wet or dry cat or dog food donations to either of its two locations, one in Orlando and the other in Sanford.

“Pet parents rely on the kindness of our community to help their dogs and cats when they need it most,” shelter officials said.

The shelter said the easiest way to donate the food is to order it online and have it shipped to either facility. Or, they said, donations bins are also set up outside each adoption lobby for contactless donation drop off. Click here for more information on how to donate.

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The addresses the food can be shipped to are:

Orlando Shelter, 2727 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839

Sanford Shelter, 2800 County Home Road, Sanford, FL 32773

If you are in need of pet food, click here for more information on how you can make an appointment to pick-up free food from the pantry.

READ: How coronavirus pandemic is impacting veterinarian care in Central Florida

Video: Curbside care option keeps veterinarian practice open for pet care during coronavirus pandemic When the stay-at-home order goes into effect in Orange County on Thursday night, select essential business will remain open, including your local animal hospital.

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