x
Breaking News
More () »

Pearland nonprofit offering free pet food to government workers during shutdown

A local nonprofit organization is offering free pet food to government employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown.

PEARLAND, Texas — At the Pearland Animal Shelter, there's always dogs waiting for new homes. 

"The idea is to get pets out of the shelter and not into the shelter," said Dorian Strickland, director of local nonprofit Pearland Pets. "That's what we're trying to do here."

The government shutdown is now in Day 26 and the fear is that impacted families going without pay will feel forced to abandon their pets as budgets tighten.

"Due to the shutdown, people are struggling financially, and they've got to make decisions," said Strickland. "We're trying to make decisions easier to keep your pet. Let us help you."

Pearland Pets is offering to provide government workers with a 30-day supply of food for each of their pets. All you have to do is apply on their website and then show your government ID. It'll be by appointment only. 

The application process just opened on Tuesday.

"As of today, we started getting the requests for help," said Haley Greenway. "They're coming in like 1 family every 15 minutes."

"That level of need is far greater than we expected this early in the process," said Strickland. 

Back during Harvey, Pearland Pets distributed nearly 100,000 pounds of pet food for needy families. This time they're turning to the public again for help with donations.

"Anything pet related is what we need right now." said Greenway.

Donations are already coming in. They're accepting them at these seven locations across Pearland:

  • Pearland Animal Shelter – 2002 Old Alvin Road, Pearland (If you are dropping off donations here, please specify your donations are for “government workers
  • Pearland Animal Hospital – 1601 N. Main St, Pearland
  • Pearland Pet Health Center – 10525 Hughes Ranch Rd, Pearland
  • Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital – 2556 E. Broadway St, Pearland
  • Veterinary Clinic – 2014 N. Main St, Pearland
  • Silverlake Animal Hospital – 10015 Broadway St, Suite G, Pearland
  • Pearland 288 Animal Emergency Clinic – 10100 Broadway St, Pearland (Available to drop-off donations AFTER 6pm on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends)

"We're going to do whatever we can to help them get through these tough times," said Strickland.

To apply for assistance or for more information on how to donate: www.pearlandpets.com/assistance 

Before You Leave, Check This Out