Food Stamps For Pets? New Organization To Aid Pet Owners In Need

An organization in New York City is working to make sure that no animal goes hungry by issuing food stamps for pets.

According to ABC, there are nearly 47 million Americans eligible to receive food stamps from the government. The food stamps cannot, however, be used to purchase pet food. The organization is hoping to solve that problem.

Pet Food Stamps, which is currently seeking non-profit status, would provide food stamps for pets through private donations and grants. Applicants would have to verify their financial status before being approved for additional food stamps.

The organization writes:

“The Pet Food Stamps program … has been created to fill the void in the United States Food Stamp program which excludes the purchase of pet food and pet supplies. In these rough economic times, many pet owners are forced to abandon their beloved pet to the ASPCA, North Shore Animal League or other animal shelters due to the inability to pay for their basic food supply and care … As more families struggle with difficult choices like paying the rent or buying food, some have to choose between keeping their pet and putting food on the table.”

News Max reports that the program was started by Marc Okon two weeks ago. Okon has already received 12,000 requests.

Okon said:

“The love of a pet, the therapeutic ability of a pet and things like that are impossible to measure. It gives us a special feeling of pride to be able to help people like that and we’re happy to do it.”