Pet Food Banks are vital community resources that provide temporary pet food assistance to pet owners facing financial hardship. These organizations operate through the generosity of donations, ensuring that pets remain fed and healthy even when their families experience tough times. The Hawaiian Humane Society, a leading animal welfare organization, runs a dedicated Pet Food Bank program in Hawaii, offering crucial support to pet owners in need.
What is a Pet Food Bank and Why is it Important?
A pet food bank functions much like a human food bank, but with a focus on providing nourishment for pets. They collect donations of pet food and supplies and distribute them to individuals and families who are struggling to afford pet care. The importance of pet food banks cannot be overstated. They play a critical role in:
- Preventing Pet Surrender: Financial difficulties are a leading cause of pet surrender to shelters. Pet food banks help families keep their beloved pets at home by alleviating the burden of food costs.
- Ensuring Pet Health and Wellbeing: Consistent access to nutritious food is essential for a pet’s health and overall wellbeing. Pet food banks help prevent malnutrition and health issues arising from food insecurity.
- Supporting Community Welfare: By supporting pet owners, pet food banks contribute to the overall welfare of the community, recognizing the strong bond between people and their pets.
Hawaiian Humane Society Pet Food Bank – Locations and Services
The Hawaiian Humane Society understands the critical need for pet food assistance and offers its Pet Food Bank program at two convenient locations: the MÅÊ»iliÊ»ili Campus and the Kosasa Family Campus at HoÊ»opili. These locations serve as distribution points for donated pet food, making it accessible to pet owners across Oahu.
Pet Food Bank at Hawaiian Humane’s MÅÊ»iliÊ»ili Campus
Location: Ginny Tiu Community Spay/Neuter Center, located in the front parking lot for easy access.
Address: 2700 Waiʻalae Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96826
Operating Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
This location provides a convenient option for residents in Honolulu and surrounding areas to access pet food assistance during the specified hours.
Pet Food Bank at Hawaiian Humane’s Kosasa Family Campus at HoÊ»opili
Location: Ginny Tiu Pet KÅkua Resource Center, situated next to the front entrance of the campus.
Address: 91-1945 Fort Weaver Road, ʻEwa Beach, HI 96706
Operating Hours: Sundays and Wednesdays, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
The Kosasa Family Campus location caters to pet owners in ʻEwa Beach and West Oahu, ensuring broader community access to the Pet Food Bank program.
How to Access the Pet Food Bank
To access the Pet Food Bank services, the Hawaiian Humane Society has a straightforward application process to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most.
Requirements for Application:
- Completed Pet Food Bank Application: Applicants are required to fill out an application form. To expedite the process, you can download and complete the PDF application in advance or complete one on-site during your visit. The information provided remains confidential and helps the Hawaiian Humane Society effectively serve the community.
- Photo ID: A valid photo ID is necessary for verification. Acceptable forms include a Hawaii Driver’s License, Hawaii State ID, Honolulu Bus Pass, Passport, or Food Warehouse Club Card. Alternative forms of ID may be considered at the discretion of Hawaiian Humane Society staff.
Important Notes:
- Assistance is limited to one application per household to ensure resources are distributed as widely as possible.
- The Pet Food Bank is designed to support personal pet animals only and cannot provide food for cat colony caregivers or individuals feeding free-roaming cats.
- Pickups may be limited to once per month, depending on the availability of donations.
- Applicants are requested to bring their own reusable bags to transport pet food.
- The Pet Food Bank is intended as temporary support and may not guarantee a 30-day supply, as it is dependent on donations.
How You Can Help – Donate to the Pet Food Bank
The Pet Food Bank program relies entirely on the generosity of the community. Your donations are crucial to ensuring its continued success and ability to support pet owners in need.
Ways to Donate:
- Donate Items Directly: Unopened and unexpired pet food, as well as other essential pet supplies, are gratefully accepted at the Hawaiian Humane Society’s visit-us location.
- Online Donations: You can also contribute by purchasing items from the Hawaiian Humane Society’s wishlist, which directly supports the Pet Food Bank.
Items Currently Needed:
- Dog Food: Dry and canned, for adult dogs and puppies.
- Cat Food: Dry and canned, for adult cats and kittens.
- Pet Supplies: Collars (all sizes), leashes (all sizes, non-retractable), cat litter, reusable bags, and Ziploc bags are always needed for outreach programs.
By donating to the Pet Food Bank, you directly contribute to keeping pets fed and families together in our community.
Assistance for Organizations
Human services organizations and distribution centers, such as churches or homeless shelters, can also request pet food assistance for their clients. Requests from these organizations should be directed to the Manager of Community Outreach & Partnerships and are subject to the availability of supplies. Eligible organizations must have a 501c3 nonprofit status. For inquiries or to arrange pickups, please email [email protected].
Questions?
For any questions or further information regarding the Pet Food Bank program, please contact the Hawaiian Humane Society Outreach team at [email protected] or call (808) 356-2222.
The Hawaiian Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank is a lifeline for pet owners in need, and with community support, it continues to make a significant difference in the lives of pets and their families across Oahu.
