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 - 20:51 — Charlene (Visitor)
Why not people are going to gas stations to get a fountain drink,buying pre-made b-day cakes, getting sub"s,such I come on!!! I really think these people don't need it so YES TO OUR PETS they have no fuge excuse not to give them food they deserve what you get also don't 4get lots of luv.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 21:06 — Cyndi Nelson (Visitor)
I think it is Fantastic!!!!!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 21:14 — Jessica (Visitor)
If you can't afford to feed your family, you don't need an animal. Too many low life's on food stamps as there is.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 21:23 — lori (Visitor)
Yes!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 21:34 — marie (Visitor)
OH YEAH! NOT EVERYONE CAN AFFORD TO GET THEIR PETS A GOOD FOOD OR EVEN BRANDED ONE...SMALL OR BIG HELP, IN CASH OF IN KIND IS A HUGE HELP FOR EVERY FAMILY.....LET'S HELP EACH OTHER TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN AND MORE POWER TO YOU ALL AND THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT IDEA. YOU ARE AWESOME:)....GOD BLESS AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 21:40 — Nancy Rogers (Visitor)
Yes ! Where can I find more info. I need some ASAP - I lost my job 9 wks ago and I have 3 cats. I need food & kitty litter.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 21:43 — Jen (Visitor)
Best idea ever! They so deserve to stay with loving families with this help!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 22:05 — Misia Eldridge (Visitor)
Yes ... I would even be happy to pay tax for this to happen

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 22:08 — Casandra (Visitor)
i would like to know how to sgn up fr this prograhm please . I am raising 3 kids on my own on fast food pay . That is less than 12,000.00 a year. I need help because i am not gunna give my 4 legged child away !

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 22:32 — diane batber (Visitor)
Totally a great idea maybe we could stop people from needing to put there furry friends in shelters and save lives.

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 23:14 — PetLover (Visitor)
https://petfoodstamps.org/

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 23:40 — Melissa (Visitor)
I think it's a great idea. I do believe it should be longer than six months though. People sometimes hit hard times and can't afford food for their pets and they end up going to a shelter. Hopefully this program will keep more pets at their original homes and give other dogs a chance to be adopted.

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 00:16 — Stacey (Visitor)
I think as long as they are looked into thoroughly before getting approved and are found to be truly in need that its a wonderful opportunity that can do great things for alot of people. But if not managed properly like alot of state aid you'll have the lazy rolling up in their caddies to receive a free handout.

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 00:17 — jennifer (Visitor)
I am so happy about this. Some times things get hard, but for people who can't have kids these are our babies. I love mine, even sold our second car that we dearly needed so that my fur baby could get meds she needed and a proper cremation for the one we lost.

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 00:27 — Cassandra (Visitor)
Great idea how do I get started?

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 00:27 — Cassandra (Visitor)
Great idea how do I get started?

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 06:43 — SUE MADICK (Visitor)
I THINK THIS IS A GREAT IDEA AND GLAD TO SEE IT BEING IMPLEMETED ON A NATIONAL LEVEL. SOME AREAS OF THE COUNTRY LIKE THE ONE I LIVE IN HAVE ALREADY ESTABLISHED A PET FOOD BANK WHICH I DONATE TO MONTHLY. PEOPLE WHO HAVE FALLEN ON HARD TIMES DUE TO LOSS OF JOB, LONG-TERM ILLNESS, OR SENIOR CITIZENS WHO HAVE PET MEMBERS IN THEIR FAMILY WILL GREATLY BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM, AND IT SHOULD ALSO BE A BENEFIT TO LOCAL SHELTERS, RESCUES, ETC WHO HAVE SEEN THEIR INTAKE NUMBERS GROW DUE TO A CHANGE IN PEOPLE'S CIRCUMSTANCES.

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 07:58 — Laura (Visitor)
This is a fantastic idea!

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 11:04 — Enrique's Place (Visitor)
I agree it's a fabulous idea. We profiled it on our blog yesterday as well. Check it out @ enriquesbarkery.wordpress.com.

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 11:10 — gypsy (Visitor)
This is an absolute perfect situation. I haven't seen anything this important implemented in a long time. Maybe people will be able to keep their pets instead of surrendering them to shelters for lack of money to feed them.

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 15:28 — Kristen (Visitor)
I agree as long as you are a responsible pet owner- Don't ignore your pet or have one just because- don't leave it outside in the rain and snow with freezing temperatures..don't leave it in a crate all day because your not home .. That's irresponsible pet ownership but if you truly live you pet then this is a good program for you..

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 15:38 — Lenora King (Visitor)
I think it is a good idea. In the last10 years or so jobs have disappeared from this country. people that have pre-existing pets(lol) will be somewhat relieved to have help with pet expenses. I think vets all over the world should ask EVERY client if it would be ok to tack on a few extra dollars to our bills to help a pet owner that can't afford medical help for their animals. welfate leagues across the country should automatically help people KEEP their pets instead of demanding that you turn them in and then euthanizing them. even if they had to financially help support that animal in its home. this is a win win situation. not many people already on assistance seek to go out and get a pet, but for people that already have a pet this is great. I lost my job 8 years ago and one of muy cocker spaniels developed cancer. I would have eatten mustard/jelly sandwiches to be able to afford treatment and meds for her. sadly she's gone now, loved her dearly but would have appreciated ANY HELP I could get.

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 15:52 — Tamara Bennett (Visitor)
https://petfoodstamps.org/ See link- it's all about the program and application process for those who may need some help.

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 20:19 — Anna S. Borgquist (Visitor)
Wonderful program!

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 23:44 — pam (Visitor)
Pets are an amazing comfort, companionship and uplift to the spirit. Why should someone be deprived, or better yet, why should a pet be deprived of a loving home because times are tough? I'll gladly donate to food stamps for pets!

Fri, 03/01/2013 - 10:27 — Darice Hudson (Visitor)
I have a bunny and a cat and would like to know how to sign up for this program since our government food stamps don't cover our animals food

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:01 — hahn (Visitor)
absolutely

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:04 — Mirrissa (Visitor)
Yes, if people can get food stamps, then animals should to. At least the food stamps for pets won't be abused

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:04 — Selina (Visitor)
This is WONDERFUL!! God bless our furry babies and keep them fed, warm, healthy, and happy! Big barking thanks to those who sponsor this program!!!!

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:05 — Liz (Visitor)
I rhink it's a wonderful idea!

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:06 — Lorraine (Visitor)
It is a great idea, and about time for this program to start...good luck!

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:07 — Lorraine (Visitor)
It is a great idea, and about time for this program to start...good luck!

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:08 — Lucy (Visitor)
Yes, there is a lot of people that has pets and right now they are hurting because they may not have jobs and pets are family and they cut between a rock and a hard place trying to provide for the family and the money is not enough to go around to buy pet food.

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:08 — Tina (Visitor)
Yes I do think it is a great idea. I have three dogs and we were a two income family able to afford pet food. I got hurt at work 8 months ago and have been out on workmans compensation ever since and anyone who knows anything about it knows the checks eventually stop well mine just did but my injury isn't any better I still can't work. But is that my dogs fault should they suffer cuz I got hurt at work no I'm glad there is something to get some help.

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:09 — Judy (Visitor)
This is a fantastic idea! It would be great if the program would run as long as the food stamp program for humans runs, which is usually around two years. But baby steps toward that goal for those in dire need is a great idea!

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:10 — Mike Rosenkrans (Visitor)
Its a Great Idea.

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:10 — Donna Raihl (Visitor)
Yes pet food stamps are a must. If a person cannot buy food for themselves, then their animals will also be less fortunate and hungry.

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:11 — Julie (Visitor)
This is a great idea. Sometimes people hit hard times in life and their animals suffer right along their side. Food stamps for pets sounds like a great way to make sure animals are being cared for properly during a short (6 month) hardship.

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:13 — christina (Visitor)
of course it is a great idea, i am the only one working in my house, there are 3 of us. my dog has a chicken allergy and his cans cost $1.98 each, my cat has had blockage in the past and his cans cost $1.06 his crunchies which have to be rx is about $18 for a 4lb bag i go broke feeding them.

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:15 — Nadine (Visitor)
I think this is a wonderful idea - should keep a lot of pets with the homes and people who love them but just cannot afford to feed them and thus surrender to shelters - should prove to be a huge savings in that area...

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:16 — Maria Graziano (Visitor)
Great idea.....I feed poor little. Strays. Also. :/

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:17 — Tim (Visitor)
Absolutely!

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:21 — Ruth (Visitor)
I think that it is an absolutely wonderful idea - a long time in the making! I would appreciate finding out how I could enroll in this program, seeing how I have 2 wonderful dogs and are on a fixed income - it would certainly help out!

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:23 — Mary (Visitor)
Yes i have two dogs

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:36 — alice (Visitor)
It's about time, was thinking of opening a food pantry for pets in my area

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:45 — Darlene scott (Visitor)
Fantastic idea

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:48 — Rebecca Alberts (Visitor)
Yes!!! It's great to help people feed their critters!!!

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 21:15 — Wynnie (Visitor)
Great idea! Helps keep families together.

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 21:52 — Debbie Robidoux (Visitor)
I think this is a great idea. I used to have a boarder that bought her dog boxes and boxes of macaroni and cheese on her food stamps trying to keep her dog fed as well as her two children. I finally couldn't watch it any longer and bought all the dog food while she was living there. Maybe those who accept this aid could volunteer at the closest shelter or rescue program.

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 23:08 — Anna (Visitor)
Yes, Yes, Yes, I believe it's a must. I am a single mom of two cats. I have no children. But when I adopted my two cats I made a decision to care for them and be responsible. Too many people feel the heat when laid off to just "rid of" or take thier pets to the local shelter. This makes my heart heavy.

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