WALDO COUNTY PET FOOD PANTRY

Waldo County Pet Food Pantry is a Non Profit 501(c)3 that was created in December of 2013, by VFW Auxiliary members who had seen a need in the Veteran Community. The first pantry was held in December of 2013, at that time we focused only on Veterans and their families. It didn't take long to see that the need was there for many other non Veteran community members. So, the pantry was opened up to the public in January of 2014 with no other eligibility requirement than you must live in Waldo County. The VFW Post was gracious enough to offer their building as a place to hold the pantry once a month. They also offered a small space to keep supplies at no cost.
We all know how important our pets are to us, especially for Veterans, elderly and disabled folks with limited social interaction and the state of the world during the Covid crisis. Now, imagine being temporarily unable to provide for that pets basic needs and having to make the heartbreaking decision (for human and pet) to give them up. With the rising cost of living for many, one unexpected expense can make this is a harsh reality. Most animal shelters are already overcrowded with stray, lost and abandoned animals, and so may animals being relinquished are putting a huge burden on them. In recent years, several area pet food pantries have closed due to lack of supplies, lack of volunteers and lack of funding. Most recently Penobscot Pet Food Pantry of Camden, Maine closed its doors in February of 2019, so we now serve Knox County residents too. There is certainly no lack of people and pets in need. Did you know there are over 10,000 pets in Waldo County alone? And that's just cats and dogs. We currently help keep at home over 500 animals every month, most of which are cats and dogs, but we do have some people with birds, bunnies and other small creatures. Plus Livestock!! Along with receiving supplemental food and supplies, we also provide education and resources for pet needs such as Maine Animal Laws, rights and responsibilities, what type of food is best for a pet, properly fitted collars and harnesses, Rabies clinics and Spay Neuter Programs that are available. We also always have emergency supplies on hand for unforeseen events, such as house fires or job loss.
The pantry is open on the 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of every month at 12:30pm. With the only requirement being that all pets receiving help must show proof of an up to date rabies vaccination. We also do not allow any breeding of any kind. Moving forward we hope to continue expanding our programs and offering a much needed resource for animal lovers. Over the last few years, we have grown tremendously, as we strive to provide alternative options for people considering relinquishing or giving away a pet. Perhaps getting them in touch with the right people, groups and organizations for training, feeding, grooming and health care, we can keep them out of area shelters and in homes where they are loved.

We refocused in 2019/20 in an attempt to help even more pets and families in the area. The number of families and pets we help is growing every month! With the recent closing of Penobscot Pet Food Pantry, we are now offering our services to Knox County residents as well. With Waldo County being one of the poorest counties in the State, the need for expanded assistance had come to our attention.
We have since teamed up with PAWS Animal shelter in Camden, for feline and canine spay/neuter assistance. These clinics offer vaccinations, flea/tick control and Spay/neuter services at low/no cost to pet owners. Finally to add to our programs, we purchased a vehicle to begin offering home delivery service to people who are unable to drive.
Together we have a real opportunity to reach those in the animal community that would otherwise go without proper care and quality pet food.

We are now fundraising to purchase pet food and supplies to continue our mission. During these very trying times and help feed and keep pets healthy and at home. Currently the majority of our funds are secured for our rabies clinic, our flea control program and our vehicle purchase. Our programs consist of food distribution, home delivery, rabies clinics, spay/neuter program and flea tick control. A donation of any size can be earmarked for one or more of these programs of your choice.