The mission of AniMeals is to keep pets in their home regardless of the logistical or financial challenges faced by our clients which include homebound and low-income elderly, disabled veterans and the homeless. AniMeals coordinates individual pet food packaging and delivery to those in need.
You can also help by checking out our list of drop-off locations!
Our program needs donations of any brand of dry and canned cat and dog food. We only ask that it is unopened, unexpired and non-prescription. We also use Ziploc Freezer quart and gallon bags for packing food up in weekly portions. Dog and cat treats are a wonderful donation as well! You can help us by dropping off donations at Helen Woodward Animal Center or one of our other donation drop-off locations.
If you have an office, school, church or temple group, Scout Troop, charity organization or social group that would like to lend a helping paw, you can hold your own AniMeals pet food drive! Pet food drives are highly successful and have a huge positive impact on our program! Your donations will help us to continue our mission of keeping seniors with their pets without sacrifice.
In addition to dog and cat food, monetary donations are always greatly appreciated to help with costs associated with the program, such as fuel and packaging. Every dollar counts, and there is no amount too small.
All donations are tax deductible! Help people in need care for their companions and reduce your taxes. Everybody wins!
Overwhelming research has shown that pets are a real health benefit for their elderly owners. Compared to non-pet owners, those with four-legged friends at home have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, have a better sense of security, are more active, experience less depression, and even live longer. Unfortunately, the cost and ability to acquire pet food can often prove to be insurmountable obstacles for homebound senior and disabled individuals. The AniMeals program strives to remove these obstacles and keep our clients together with their pets for their physical health as well as their emotional well-being. Please consider making a donation to the AniMeals program today.
In 1984, a volunteer with the Meals-on-Wheels program discovered one of her clients was sharing her delivered food with her cats. Realizing the woman was sacrificing her own health in order to keep her furry companions, the volunteer brought the problem to Helen Woodward Animal Center and the AniMeals program was created, initially serving just 10 clients. Today, AniMeals has grown exponentially and feeds more than 850 pets every month owned by homebound seniors, wounded veterans and people with disabilities. We also partner with Feeding San Diego to provide pet food at their large distribution sites around the county. A dedicated group of approximately 40 volunteers works to package and deliver food to 13 distribution centers ranging from Chula Vista to Escondido.
Individuals needing assistance will need to be added to our routes through one of these organizations.