Human World for Animals Provides $100,000 in Grants to Support Pet Food Programs

Earlier this year, we highlighted a heartbreaking story of a man who had to give up his dog because he couldn’t afford the veterinary treatment she needed. This man isn’t alone: Many Americans are currently facing compounding socioeconomic challenges-and what affects people affects their pets. Since then, these struggles have only intensified, as the recent crisis related to the government shutdown and SNAP benefits showed.

Approximately 20 million pets in the U.S. experience poverty with their families, while millions more hover just above the poverty line. Across the U.S., families are struggling to afford necessities for their animals, including veterinary care, pet food, and supplies.

That is why we have committed $100,000 in grants to support local pet food support programs. After the government shutdown ended, food assistance payments resumed, but the delays still have a lingering negative impact. These payments cannot be used to help recipients seeking food and supplies for their pets. We’re pleased to allocate additional funding to pet food pantries across the country that work with Humane World for Animals’ Pets for Life program.

These grants are in addition to our year-round distribution of pet food and supplies to underserved areas around the country. So far in 2025, Humane World for Animals has provided over $27 million of pet food to communities across 43 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.

The grant recipients are the Humane Society of Greater Dayton in Ohio, the Massachusetts SPCA in Boston, Companions Animal Rescue in Oklahoma City, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Key takeaways

• Millions of American pets are experiencing poverty alongside their families.
• The recent government shutdown exacerbated existing financial struggles for pet owners.
• Human World for Animals is providing $100,000 in grants to support local pet food programs.
• In 2025 alone, Humane World for Animals has distributed over $27 million worth of pet food.