Food Stamps for Pets? You Bet!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - 11:00am
Hungry dog

A new donation-based program called Pet Food Stamps wants to ensure that furry members of low-income families receive the pet food they need. The new program is open to anyone in the United States, and already more than 45,000 pets are registered, Marc Okon, the program’s founder and executive director, told ABC News.

Approved applicants to the program receive pet food from the retailer Pet Food Direct for six months, Okon says.

The program does not receive federal funding. “Should the government be willing to provide assistance further down the line, we will look into it,” Okon told ABC News.

Approximately 46.6 million people used the federal food stamp program in 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Do you think food stamps for pets are a good idea?

Tags: 
Pet Care

Comments

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:37 — Paula Roberts (Visitor)
Yes it is an awesome idea!!!!!Just PLEASE be sure this program is not ABUSED!!! It is desperately needed in today's time!!!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:37 — Sandy feet (Visitor)
Yes yes yes and I would contribute gladly.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:39 — Tonya (Visitor)
Iwould like to apply for the pet food program.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:40 — Deborah (Visitor)
absolutely. So many pets are in shelters now because families are losing their jobs and homes and can't take care of their animals. They need to eat too.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:41 — Christine (Visitor)
Yes, I believe foodstamps for animals r a great idea!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:43 — Laura (Visitor)
This is a wonderful idea! I agree that the public probably would not approve of government funding, but I would not be so quick to judge those who are in need of the program as one of the posters above. These people may have had their pets prior to the economic downturn that affected so many, or have recently experienced an illness or other traumatic event that affected their finances. There are so many pets euthanized or waiting in shelters because there is no one to take care of them. Many people who have the financial resources to feed 10, 20, or 300 dogs do not have the space or time for them. I think this program is a great way to spread some of that wealth so that these animals can have a home. Having a pet is also a great way to teach children kindness and respect for animals. I agree that there are too many people who have made food stamps a lifestyle choice, but that doesn't apply to everyone, and it certainly isn't the animals' fault. Without the program, more animals could be surrendered to shelters and euthanized. Kudos to Mr. Okon, and best of luck with this worthy endeavor.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:45 — wendy monroe (Visitor)
i think it is long over due... most of the pets in shelters are there due to the fact that their families cant afford to feed them... i am glad they are doing it... :)

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:46 — Megan (Visitor)
Where can I sign my animals up at? LOL

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:47 — ashley (Visitor)
I think its a good ideal...

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:48 — jeremy (Visitor)
What will be done to prevent "cheaters" or people who are just trying to get free food? I hope there are steps in place so that the "food stamps" go to those who really need food.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:49 — nj (Visitor)
yes !!! never neglect an animal & always feed yr animals , they are living animals that depend on humans to take care of them , and should not be hurt by our unfortunate happenings !!!! keep feeding the animals ! I love this idea .

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:51 — Buffy (Visitor)
yes, it's great , too many people have lost their jobs and can't afford food then the shelters get overcrowded. I think it's wonderful!!!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:55 — Jennifer (Visitor)
If the Pet Food Stamps are a temporary solution to an unexpected problem arising that puts the family in a bind I like the idea and I can support that. I do not agree with government funding for it, the goernment funds enough already. Private funding only. I also do not believe a person who can not afford to feed their pet should adopt a pet and rely on others to provide food for them. If they can't afford food how can they afford medical care or other supplies needed? I agree with another posters comment saying, "with so many irresponsible people out there, this will encourage irresponsible people to adopt pets, even the ones who cannot afford it" AND putting more animals at risk for illness and disease and possibly neglect in other areas of animal care. When adopting a pet you are taking on a responsibility and you should be able to handle that responsibility. I have 7 pets, 4 dogs and 3 cats all rescues and all very well cared for. Caring for our pets is as much a priority for us as caring for ourselves. That is the decision we made when we adopted.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 15:58 — stephanie (Visitor)
Also ssi or sdi , pets needs money for living cost me under apartments cost me over $100 monthly too.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:00 — Frances (Visitor)
I think this can be a good thing, it should not be an excuse for people to go out and adopt pets. Animals require more than just food, (veterinary care, adequate shelter, etc). But where I think this is productive is for the people who may be temporarily unemployed, and short on cash to feed the pets they already own. Since it is not government subsidized, it is important for the people who are given aid from these programs give back when they are able to.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:00 — Sharon (Visitor)
GREAT idea!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:01 — Alyssa (Visitor)
YES!!! Not everyone who has animals was automatically poor. People lose jobs and income in several ways, when this happens you don't give up your children, and in my opinion animals are no different. Now of you are already broke you don't go out and get an animal on purpose either though.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:02 — Skye (Visitor)
Yes! And here is another program, Thankful Paws, that gives dog food and other supplies to the homeless who have dogs! http://columbia.patch.com/blog_posts/thankful-paws-will-love-for-food

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:09 — Sandra Lincoln (Visitor)
What a wonderful thing to hear! Not sure who thought this one up, but not only will this help animals remain with their families, but will make the lives of those families so much more joyous to have their family member safe and sound with them and not have to worry about not being able to care for them. This just makes my heart sing!!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:14 — Gary (Visitor)
I think it's great. People are trying to help pets nowadays. Treating them same as people. I heard people had to give up a family pets cause they couldn't afford food for them. Now they can keep them and not dumping them at a shelter or just no where. Situations happen and this just shows how people show they care.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:18 — Debbie Olmsted (Visitor)
Yes I think it is a good idea.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:34 — Jolene (Visitor)
I think that pet food stamps are a fantastic idea. Not everyone who has a pet and low income has always been in that position. I've had my cat for five years now, and my dog for two, and the last few months have been really hard for us because I'm not currently working, and my boyfriend is experiencing payroll issues at his job. My pets are my babies, are part of my family, and I'm not about to get rid of them just because we've fallen on hard times. Asking for help is not a weakeness. Pet food stamps would be a welcome aid to us right now. Why shouldn't we get help? Should I abandon my babies because its been a rough few months? That seems completely unfair to them, to rip them away from the family they have known for so long.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:38 — Michelle Angelini (Visitor)
I love it. I've had to use my food stamps to buy some people food for her to supplement her kitty canned food. How do you apply for this program?

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:38 — vonda fones dobson (Visitor)
Great idea, alot of people dump or reminder the pet when things get tough, could and would help pets stay with the families they grown to know and love, maybe even take some stress off the shelters. AWSOME IDEA

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:42 — Bekah (Visitor)
Not a good idea. Pets are a luxury. Forgive me for being judgemental but 9 times out of 10 the reports you see of animal abuse and neglect come from low-income homes. Before you judge me, I would consider my family low-income but we manage our finances and live within our means. Those that don't and live off the government shouldn't be able to even own a pet if they can't afford to feed themselves. Animals are a gift and should be treated like one. If you can't afford one then don't take on the responsiblilites of one. Plain and simple.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 21:30 — help us please!! (Visitor)
Wake up people if people on stamps don't get it the ones that really need it, now the other losers that just use the system they will feed their pets but the the honest ones need help also with their other family member yes animals this will help with abuse quit thinking about your self think about them PLEASE PLEASE.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:53 — Edna (Visitor)
YES!!!!!!!!! I do think The Food Stamps For Pets IT"S GREAT !!!!!! GOD BLESS ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE MAKING THIS POSSIBLE THANK YOU ALL GOD BLESS <3

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 16:57 — Steph (Visitor)
Yes, I am on social security and stuggling to feed me and my 4 cats. They are ages 9-16.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 19:16 — rikki (Visitor)
if you cant afford to feed yourself, you should not have other living things dependent on you. simple as that.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 17:03 — Fabiola Delgado (Visitor)
I think its awesome for ppl that cant afford food for their Pets for ppl that arent able to work for some reasoni totally aproove th is:-)

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 17:12 — Angela (Visitor)
Yesss!!!!!!! :)

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 17:46 — Jo (Visitor)
I know for a fact that some people abuse the human food stamp system that I do have to feel it would be good for those who are working to get back on their feet and just need a little help, but like with food stamps people will find a way to manipulate it where the people that only need temporary help don't get it and users keep getting it.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 18:23 — Jurade (Visitor)
If u can't afford food don't have a pet!!!!!!!!!!! That simple assholes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 18:33 — Jo (Visitor)
So, in your way of thinking... Imagine you are dirt ass poor. Now imagine that you had a cat, maybe two before you became that poor. If you as a person have a sense of common decency and love for the pet, you just don't get rid of it. If you have no heart, and are the scum of the earth...sure, just treat it is like a toy that you don't want anymore. No. Just no. Your opinion is not only wrong, it's from an inept set of brain cells. Good luck on not getting lambasted worse than this in your return comments.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 19:13 — rikki (Visitor)
speaking of inept brain cells, your entire paragraph was a cluster of unrelated sentences. Good luck on ever communicating with anyone ever.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 21:20 — not cool (Visitor)
Not on stamps but you know what crap happens when you have a animal already, unless you cannot afford one an get one the I agree with your saying but right now I think that you should go to a shelter because your family cannot afford you. What you said not nice!!!!!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 14:29 — Holly G. (Visitor)
It's never that simple, nothing is. You are assuming that every person who needs help did not have pets before they fell on hard times. That is a rediculious assumption, I hope that one day you will see the light that is called truth. Also, why are you commenting so rudely about the other post when you used so many exclamation points?

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 18:28 — Jo (Visitor)
Absolutely. I have pets and when we were on food stamps, this would of be handy to have. Yes, PLEASE!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 18:35 — Linda (Visitor)
i think it is a good idea cause they are like children so why not add them on food stamps too

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 18:49 — Debbie (Visitor)
Pet food stamps yes, government funded? NO!!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 19:01 — JANE (Visitor)
WHERE OR HOW DO I APPLY?!? I HAVE 10 DOGS & WOULD LOVE SOME HELP!!!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 19:07 — rikki (Visitor)
I'm the proud owner of an SPCA adopted dog and i do not think that this is a good idea. INSTEAD, i think there should be a more stringent list of criteria for adopting. Here in San Francisco, there are a lot of homeless people who have dogs that are poorly taken care of which is really sad, but i dont think my tax dollars should pay for a bum to buy his dog kibble. I would rather my tax dollars go towards keeping these dogs in NO KILL SHELTERS until an individual who can afford to take proper care of it comes along. If you are already a pet owner and you've fallen on hard times, you dont need to feed your pet Nutro kibble for it to survive. YOUR FOOD STAMPS ARE ENOUGH. You can buy fresh meat and vegetables on your aid and also feed your animal - not to mention these things are often better for your animal anyway.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 21:12 — dog (Visitor)
I agree but really you know this I'd not going to happen in real life, because they are part of the Family so the poor animal is going to become sick an skinny because they are going to eat first. Really you don't pay that much in taxes an think positive you will be saving a dog.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 19:11 — trish (Visitor)
I have gallen on very hard times. I would like to know how to enroll????

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 19:12 — Nicole (Visitor)
This is a fantastic idea. It will help those that have and love their pets be able to afford to care for them. I absolutely love this idea, now if only we could claim them the same way we claim children.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 19:14 — rikki (Visitor)
and this type of thinking is exactly why our government is crap and in total debt and strain

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 21:01 — Charlene (Visitor)
I don't get food stamps but standing on line sometimes makes me sick when because I was on it once an I know what the card looks like anyways just looking @ what they are buying pure made cakes,shrimp,nice steaks,not generic cereal, on top of all this they can now go to gas stations got fountain drinks fudge. Well they should let dog food be allowed I am tired of seeing all these puppies starving.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 20:07 — Nancy Gillett (Visitor)
Absolutely. Low income people have pets, too, often acquired before they became low-income, they shouldn't have to give up their beloved animals at what might be the lowest point in their lives already. People I know used their food stamps to buy meat and tuna fish and other ingredients to make food for their pets.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 20:08 — Donna Van Hoy (Visitor)
How does one sign up for the food stamps for animals i have 1 dog n 6 cats & 2 guinnee pigs.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 20:25 — Lisa Carnley (Visitor)
Yes. Pets shouldn't suffer when the family hits hard times

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