The Save the Pets Alliance is a cooperative effort of Lee County Animal Services, The Animal Refuge Center, PETCO, Caloosa Veterinary Medical Society, and the Harry Chapin Food Bank to assist pet owners with food and supplies needed to keep pets in their homes rather than relinquished to shelters.

Current economic conditions for Southwest Florida residents have left many people with financial problems far beyond what they can control. One in 86 homes are in foreclosure with the number of homes in foreclosure increasing by 57% in January of 2009. This problem is leaving people homeless - exacerbating the homeless problem for our animals. All of the shelters in our county, frequently operate at capacity.

Many people are surrendering their animals for no other reason other than the fact that they are unable to feed their animals. Sadly, these people tell us they cannot even afford to feed their children, much less their animals. Given that many animals are often considered family members themselves, the separation causes further anxiety and stress- especially in children.

In an effort to address this problem, and in the hopes that by helping perhaps some people can avoid having to surrender their pets, local pet shelters have formed Save the Pets, an alliance with the local food bank, the Harry Chapin Food Bank.  The hope is that if we can provide pet food to these families in need along with the local food banks, perhaps we can help these animals stay in their homes.

As part of this initiative, Save the Pets has reached out to local businesses to set up pet food collection points. In turn, the Harry Chapin Food Bank has generously offered to be the central collection point for the pet food.

If you would like to help the Save The Pets Alliance provide pet food to families and pets in need, please click here to learn how.

If you are a local area business and would like to become a donation center, please contact us.