Two cats kissing. October 4, 2024.
Being a pet owner is an honor and a privilege, and many people approach it with a generous heart and family. However, external circumstances may prevent pet owners from feeding their furry companions. That’s where the ACtion program for pets comes in handy.
Michel Meunier has overseen the pet food bank and donation center’s ACTion program for 15 years. Since relocating in 2020, Meunier, with the help of some staff and volunteers, has transformed the nonprofit’s new location into a small sanctuary and help center for rescue animals. Some volunteers have been working with Meunier since before the move, including sisters Ashley and Shannon Smith.
“It was definitely a tough job, but we had a really decent group of guys and we were able to keep it going,” Ashley Smith said. “And here we are, 15 years later.”
Volunteer Manny Garcia delivers pet food to customers. October 4, 2024. (David Castañeda)
One of the benefits of food banks is that pet owners don’t have to worry about the cost of pet food and can focus on veterinary care. Shannon Smith said food banks try to work with customers based on pet owner responsibility, but Meunier added that continuing to ignore the rules means they will no longer be able to receive donations.
“(Food banks) have built-in liability for long-term use, which means (pet owners) need to make sure their animals are vaccinated, especially neutered,” Meunier said.
In 2024, the number of customers visiting food banks increased due to the spread of information about churches, unhoused community areas, and pet shelters.
“The word about the food bank has spread even more. We’ve had a lot of new customers this year,” Ashley Smith said. “I think especially through the homeless space.”
However, the amount of donations coming in is not commensurate with the number of people in need. Our staff will determine the amount of food for you depending on the size and number of your pets. Still, volunteers and staff can only hand out what they have in stock, and when they run out, they stay until the shop closes to let people know there’s nothing left.
“And unfortunately, just because we’re telling you that donations are slow, people have gotten used to it,” Shannon Smith said. “I can’t give as much as I used to.”
Dylan the Pit smiles for the camera. October 4, 2024. (David Castañeda)
If community members would like to donate, the food bank accepts more than just food for dogs and cats. We accept donations of all kinds, including blankets, hay, harnesses, and even pet clothing.
“We accept any animal product, because some of our customers have pigs, goats, horses, parakeets, boa constrictors (or) pet rats (or) chickens.” said Ashley Smith. “That means we accept donations from all kinds of animals. Anything animal-related.”
Meunier and her volunteers are also accepting monetary donations to purchase food to add to their inventory.
“This year, for our 15th birthday, we have reached out to the community to help us by becoming monthly donors,” Meunier said. “So people just donate $10 a month. Imagine if you had 13,000 followers on Facebook alone. If half of those people gave $5 or $10 a month,” If we did, we would always be able to afford food.”
Ashley Smith said the biggest thing students can do to help is educate and educate themselves about pet health care and donate if they can.
“I know people don’t think spending $3 or $4 on a bag of food is helpful,” Ashley Smith said. For our people walking (to food banks). ”
The ACtion Program for Pet Food Bank accepts donations at 537 N. Solano Drive on the first and third Saturday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Donation hours will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the same address. If you have any questions, please contact us at 575-571-4654.
October 4, 2024 Roundup Staff Writer Marley Lustig Pets a Cat in the ACtion Program for Pets.
