For many people, their pets are a source of comfort and distraction while they’re stuck in the house for who knows how long. Additionally, dogs offer an incentive to get out and take a long walk, and get some fresh and exercise, while stroking that furry, purring cat is said to help reduce blood pressure.
This would be a terrible time to have to give up your animal companion because you can’t afford to take care of them anymore. Neighborhood Pets Outreach & Resource Center, based in Slavic Village, has been addressing this situation for the past three and a half year, offering basic services to low-income pet owners, including a food pantry.
Recognizing that many people who were able to get by before are now struggling to feed their cats and dogs in like of the pandemic, it’s now expanding eligibility for pet food assistance to city of Cleveland residents going through a temporary setback.
The pantry normally operates three days a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon-4pm and Saturdays from 10am-2pm. But they now also offer curbside pick-up Wednesdays and Fridays from noon-3pm, with delivery available to people unable to leave their homes.
“In just the past month, requests for assistance have tripled and the pet food bank is assisting more owners and pets than ever before,” says Neighborhood Pets executive director Becca Britton. “During times of hardship, pets are even more important to the quality of life and mental health for the pet owner. Due to the pandemic, more families are now at risk of losing their pets due to the, and the services that we provide are critical. The culture we have cultivated at Neighborhood Pets Outreach/Resource Center is one of meeting people where they are, with kindness and non-judgment. If you need help for your pets, we are here for you.”
Its current spay/neuter and vaccination services are on hold as they deal with basic needs; they hope to restart these as soon as possible. Neighborhood Pets is located at 3711 E 65th Street. Call 216.505.5853 or go here for more info.
Cleveland, OH 44105