Pet Food Pantry Available to Help During Trying Times
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Humane Society has a Pet Food Bank available to cat and dog owners in Berkshire County who are struggling financially.
Pet food is available at the Dr. John Reynolds Adoption and Education Center at 214 Barker Road in Pittsfield, Purradise Feline Adoption and Boarding facility at 301 Stockbridge Road or through the Meals on Wheels program run by Elder Services of Berkshire County.
Call Berkshire Humane Society's Pet Food Bank Coordinator Jessica Cunningham, 413- 447-7878 extension 127 to sign up.
"With SNAP benefits threatened, more people out of work, and winter coming, we remind pet lovers in Berkshire County that we're here to help," said Cunningham. "No one should have to choose between taking care of themselves and taking care of their pet."
At least two weeks of dry pet food per month is available per pet for people who sign up for the program and more assistance is available for those on public assistance. Canned food, treats and cat litter may also be available, depending on supplies. Pet Food Bank recipients also have access to low-cost spay and neuter surgeries through Berkshire Humane Society's Wellness Clinic on Dalton Avenue. When receiving pet food assistance, participants in the program agree not to add any new pets to their family.
Each person signing up for the Pet Food Bank receives assistance for six months and can reapply after that if they still need help.
"The need is only increasing," said Cunningham. In fiscal year 2025 we saw a dramatic 180 percent increase in Pet Food Bank requests, to about 6,500! Last week the pantry disbursed more than 1,000 pounds of pet food and since July 1st, more than 10,000 pounds."
A private foundation and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank are generous sponsors of Berkshire Humane Society's Pet Food Bank, which is also supported by individual donations. "We always accept donations of unexpired food," said Cunningham. "Right now, we really need donations of canned dog food." Donated food goes to the Pet Food Bank; shelter pets are not in need as Berkshire Humane Society has an agreement with Hill's Science Diet to feed shelter animals.
Berkshire Humane Society's Pet Food Bank is one of many programs the nonprofit animal welfare organization has to keep animals in homes and out of the shelter. People receiving help from the Pet Food Bank greatly appreciate the help. For example, Erin from Pittsfield wrote to Berkshire Humane Society about the help she and her boyfriend received to feed their two dogs after she lost a good job during the pandemic, "My pups come first, so we went without until we heard through a friend about [Berkshire Humane Society]. They help with hard and soft food, treats on occasion and sometimes they have people that donate toys. Without all these donations, my family would be struggling more than we are. When I get reestablished, I intend on giving back, too. It's amazing how far one donation can go. So, if you have it in your heart, please give back, but only if you can. So much love for all the donations and for the local [Berkshire Humane Society]!"
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