When SNAP Benefits End, Pets Are at Risk: How to Find Resources & How to Help
When families rely on SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to buy groceries, they often budget down to the dollar. So when those benefits are delayed or cut, it doesn’t just affect people. It affects their pets, too.
Across the country, animal shelters and food banks have already seen the impact of past SNAP disruptions. When families struggle to put food on the table, their pets often go hungry right alongside them.
Why SNAP Changes Affect Pets
Here’s the tricky part: SNAP benefits can’t be used to buy pet food or supplies. According to the USDA’s official list of eligible items, pet food is specifically excluded. That means even if someone’s benefits are restored, they still can’t use them to feed their pets.
When assistance pauses or runs out, people do everything they can to keep their pets fed — sometimes sharing their own meals or skipping meals themselves. A Greater Good Charities report found that pet-food banks across the U.S. see immediate spikes in demand whenever SNAP benefits are delayed.
The result? Shelters see more surrender requests, food banks run low on supplies, and families face heartbreaking choices about whether they can afford to keep their animals.
What Happens When Pet Owners Can’t Afford Food
More pet surrenders: Shelters across the U.S. report a noticeable rise in owner surrenders when benefits are paused or reduced. In Chicago, for example, local nonprofits teamed up earlier this year to create pet-food pantries for families affected by SNAP cuts.
Greater strain on rescues and shelters: Groups like the Humane Society and Best Friends Animal Society often step in to help, but these organizations depend on donations to keep up with demand.
Health risks for pets: When families can’t afford pet food or vet care, pets may go hungry or miss checkups, leading to preventable health issues.
How Pet Owners Can Get Help Right Now
If you or someone you know is struggling to feed a pet due to lost or reduced benefits, there are several ways to find help immediately:
Use local assistance directories: Pets.FindHelp.com is a national directory that lists free or low-cost pet-food programs, vet care, and temporary pet housing. Another good resource is Pet Help Finder.
Contact your local humane society or shelter: Many shelters have community pet-food pantries or one-time emergency funds, even if they’re not widely advertised.
Ask at local food banks: Many Feeding America partners now offer pet food alongside groceries.
Apply for emergency assistance: Nonprofits like RedRover and Feeding Pets of the Homeless provide grants, supplies, and vet help for families in crisis.
Talk to your vet: If you’re struggling, some vets offer payment plans or know about local aid programs.
How You Can Make a Difference
Even if you’re not directly affected, you can still make a huge impact in your community:
Donate pet food or money to your local animal shelter or a national group like PetSmart Charities.
Organize a pet-food drive at work, school, or your neighborhood grocery store. Many shelters list what they need most on their websites or Amazon wish lists.
Volunteer your time with local food banks or rescue groups — many need help packaging and distributing pet food.
Spread the word on social media. Sharing links to pets.findhelp.com or Pet Help Finder can connect struggling families to life-saving resources fast.
Advocate for inclusive support programs. Many animal-welfare advocates are urging lawmakers to integrate pet food into broader food-assistance plans, recognizing that pets are part of the family.
The Bottom Line
When government food assistance runs out, pets are often the silent victims. They’re family, and losing them — or watching them go hungry — adds emotional pain to an already stressful situation.
By supporting local shelters, spreading awareness, or donating even a single bag of kibble, you can help make sure no pet goes hungry when SNAP benefits are delayed or reduced.
If you or someone you know needs help right now, visit pets.findhelp.com to find free pet-food pantries and other assistance programs near you.
