INTERACTIVE MAP FOR PET FOOD BANKS LAUNCHED ACROSS CANADA

As food insecurity rises for both people and their furry companions, Humane Canada has introduced a nationwide interactive Pet Food Bank Map.

According to a survey by PetSmart Charities of Canada, conducted in partnership with Humane Canada, 70% of Canadians who own dogs or cats often prioritize feeding their pets at mealtime before themselves.

Click here to see the map.

With over one million people visiting food banks in Ontario over the past year—a 25% increase from the previous year—many pets are also going hungry.

“People love their pets and rely on them especially during tough times,” said Kathy Duncan, Director of National Programs at Humane Canada. “This map was created to help pet owners easily locate where they can pick up donated pet food in their communities.”

The survey revealed that over 80% of Canadians are unaware of where to find pet food assistance in their community. Toronto currently hosts eight pet food banks listed on the interactive map, with many more available throughout Ontario.

This tool highlights over 300 pet food assistance programs across all ten provinces and one territory, helping individuals locate nearby pet food banks and showcasing distribution networks that support those in remote, rural, and underserved areas, according to a release from PetSmart Charities of Canada.

To support this initiative, PetSmart Charities of Canada provided a $300,000 grant to Humane Canada.

“When times are tough, we want to ensure people have access to the resources they need to keep their pets nourished and healthy, allowing them to continue offering unconditional love and companionship to their families,” said Aimee Gilbreath, President of PetSmart Charities of Canada.