Fighting Pet Hunger Together

A Growing Gap Between Need and Access

Hunger is a symptom: a product of systems under strain — and the gap between need and available support is widening. In a July poll from No Kid Hungry, 51% of Virginia households earning between $47,000 and $97,000 reported going into debt to afford groceries, and 49% of families utilized a food program such as SNAP throughout the year. With the continued government shutdown threatening access to these crucial food programs—and with that 83% who would skip their own meals first in mind—the need for supplemental food assistance for both people and pets couldn’t be more immediate. In response, CASPCA’s Pet Food Pantry strives to remove barriers to assistance: we utilize a simple online application, are accessible by public transit, and require no proof of public assistance. As the needs of our community rise, however, the pantry’s need for support rises alongside them. 

 “Walking into the pantry and seeing empty shelves is hard, because it means that people in our community are having to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets,” says Delaney Jooris, CASPCA Community Programs Manager. “We’ll see large influxes of food after an ask or around the holidays, but you’d be surprised by how quickly the shelves empty. We know how difficult it can be to ask for help in times of crisis, and we want to make sure that when people find the courage to ask, help is there for them.”

 Transforming Generosity into Long-Term Support Systems

Pet hunger in our community is not an unsolvable problem, nor a reality we are willing to accept. With the help of an anonymous donor, our pet food pantry will be rebranding and expanding in 2026 — in recognition of the challenges faced by families across Virginia, and in loving memory of Junior, a tuxedo cat who was himself adopted from the CASPCA, who “lived for food, had the figure to show for it, and was determined to someday pull off a heist of the Friskies factory”. The donor wishes to give back to the both the organization that brought Junior into their family and give back to the community in a way that honored the happiness that Junior brought to his family every single day of his life:  the joy, laughter, and comfort that every pet brings to their respective homes as an integral members of their families.

We Do More Together

This act of generosity has planted the seed, but it will only grow and thrive with a shared commitment from our community. The need is great, but getting involved is easy, and there are countless ways to make an impact:

Donate:

The Pet Food Pantry is largely sustained by “in kind” cat and dog food donations from community members and businesses. Physical donations are accepted at the shelter 7 days a week, and our Amazon and Chewy wish lists are always full of needed items. Monetary contributions to our Pet Food Pantry Fund are tax deductible, and are specifically set aside for purchasing cat and dog food when pantry supplies run low. 

Partner with Us:

CASPCA is actively seeking Pet Food Pantry partners—local businesses, distributors, and community organizations who can help us create reliable pathways for consistent food donations. Overstock, short-dated inventory, or slightly damaged bags that can’t be sold at retail can still make an enormous difference for families and pets in need. If you or your business are interested in partnering with us, please contact Lauren Krohn, Development Manager by email at  development@caspca.org or by phone at  (434)-964-3320.

Participate in the Giving Tree:

For the second year in a row, CASPCA is partnering with local businesses to spread compassion through our annual Giving Tree program. Participating businesses receive decorative ornaments representing donation amounts or wish-list items for animals in need. Customers can select an ornament, make a contribution, and help fill bowls and hearts across our community. If you’d like to host a Giving Tree at your business or organization this season, contact Lauren Krohn at development@caspca.org to get started. Trees with ornaments will also be up in the SPCA shelter lobby and at the SPCA Rummage Store starting November 28th.

Other Ways to Help:

There are so many ways to make a difference for animals at CASPCA and in our community. Every event, fundraiser, and volunteer hour helps sustain our lifesaving programs.

Join us this November for several fun ways to give back:
• November 14: TigerWash Giveback – A portion of all car wash proceeds will be donated to CASPCA.
• November 15: Wreath-Making at Bellair Farm – Create something beautiful while supporting local animals in need.
• December 16: Pet Photos with Santa at The Graduate – Bring your furry friends for a festive photo and help fund shelter programs.