Feeding Pets of the Homeless Leads National Pet Food Drive

Online, July 6, 2010 (Newswire.com) - August 8-14 has been declared the first National Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week. The national organization, Pets of the Homeless, asks the public to locate a collection site in their community by visiting http://www.petsofthehomeless.org. Donations of pet food should be taken to one of the identified, local collection sites.

Homelessness is on the rise and between 10-25% of homeless have pets in need of food. There are over 200 collection sites in over 33 states and 3 in Canada. Donations of pet food and supplies are received at member collection sites and distributed to food banks, soup kitchens and homeless shelters which then give the pet food and supplies to their clients.

Genevieve Frederick, Executive director of Pets of the Homeless said, "Since 2008, collection site members have taken over 52 tons of pet food and over $8,000 worth of supplies to homeless shelters, food banks and soup kitchens across the country. It is a combined effort to continue year-round collections of pet food. We applaud the caring, member volunteers who have reported their contributions. The need is great for communities to continue to donate to this on-going effort."

As an outreach to the homeless who own pets, Pets of the Homeless, also uses cash donations to provide veterinary care to pets of the homeless at free clinics across the country. Grants are given to veterinarians who go where the homeless congregate.

"Most shelters do not allow animals, so rather than give up their beloved pets, many homeless stay on the streets." Ms Frederick explained, "We provide pet sleeping crates, free of charge, to homeless shelters that allow refuge to the homeless with pets."

Feeding Pets of the Homeless provides assistance to pet business owners who wish to give back to their community by becoming a member collection site. Helpful start-up information is available on the website.

For more information about Pets of the Homeless, visit www.petsofthehomeless.org