No pet should go hungry

Pets are often a lifeline to those that love them. But in these difficult times, many people are struggling to feed the animals that bring them so much joy.

That’s why Blue Cross has opened a rapidly growing network of pet food banks to fill the bowls of dogs, cats and small animals as the cost of living crisis deepens.

There are currently 13 Blue Cross hospitals, rehoming centres and shops operating their own pet food banks, collecting and distributing vital supplies to those in need.

Meanwhile, many of our other sites, as well as more than 100 Pets at Home stores up and down the country have food donation points that supply existing schemes supporting people.

Kieron is one of the thousands of pet owners up and down the country relying on this help after the pandemic and lockdowns took their toll on his job.

He describes his dog as “man’s best friend” but being employed on a zero-hours contract means in the weeks when he has no income, he turns to a Blue Cross pet food bank.

“I was embarrassed at first, to come. Because I’ve always worked.

“I’ve ended up through an agency on a no hours contract, and that’s what I’m struggling with now.

“Tomorrow, I get paid £90-something quid but I’ve got to pay that straight to my rent, and that don’t even cover my rent.

“We don’t really get any help neither, people in work... Except stuff like this, people like this are absolutely amazing.

“Some weeks I can manage and some weeks I am struggling. I do appreciate everything that you [Blue Cross] do.”