LOUDOUN PET PANTRY: A Community Effort Keeping Families and Pets Together

By Valerie Burton
February 20, 2019

No pet should lose a loving home due to a family’s unexpected financial strain. Unfortunately, it’s an all too common story. A family is hit with an unexpected job loss, medical bill, car repair, or other situation. The once financially-secure family now has barely enough money to buy food and pay the rent, let alone afford food and medical care for the family pet. Too often, sudden financial struggles lead to pets being surrendered to rescues and shelters.

In 2013, the Humane Society of Loudoun County, Loudoun County Animal Services, and Loudoun Hunger Relief formed a partnership—the Loudoun Pet Pantry—in an effort to prevent tragic circumstances from causing families to have to make the heart-wrenching decision to give up a pet. The goal of the Pet Pantry is to help keep pets in loving homes by providing food supplies. Donations collected at boxes throughout the county are distributed to families in need in order to enable them to hold onto their furry family members.

Shawn’s Story

One grateful recipient of assistance from the Loudoun Pet Pantry is Shawn, a lifelong resident of Leesburg who found herself struggling for every penny needed to take care of her beloved best friend, Brownie.

Shawn grew up as an only child in a family where animals were cherished. She never had children of her own. One day, her next-door neighbor brought home a Pomeranian named Brownie. This breed is often described as combining a tiny body with a big-dog personality—alert, intelligent, vivacious, and ideal for companionship. Brownie met this description, but unfortunately, shortly after getting her, Shawn’s neighbor had a stroke and could no longer care for a dog.

Shawn stepped in and adopted Brownie, who became the love of her life and the child she’d always wanted. After working for twenty one years as an accountant, Shawn became disabled. Unable to work, it became difficult for her to make ends meet, and when she found out about the Pet Pantry, it was a lifesaver. “Having free food for Brownie truly helped with an already tight budget,” she says.

Fortunately, Shawn’s situation was temporary, and she now finds herself in the position of being able to give back. “I donate when possible,” she says, and she encourages others to do so as well. “I understand the importance of not only the small differences to a household budget, but the gift in spirit of returning a favor. Thank God for Pet Pantry. A person’s pet IS a family member!”

Shawn’s story demonstrates the crucial role played by the Pet Pantry in helping families care for companion animals while going through difficult times. Collaboration from all in the community who care about the well-being of animals is critical to maintaining the ability to provide this essential support.

How You Can Help

Individuals can be involved with the Pet Pantry in a variety of ways. There are donation boxes located throughout the county—in Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Waterford, South Riding, and Purcellville. Please see our website for a complete listing: https://humaneloudoun.org/

HSLC is pleased to announce two new locations in Leesburg for collecting donations. Catoctin Veterinary Clinic (112 Dry Mill Road SW) has been an HSLC partner for several years. Providing a wide array of comprehensive services, their friendly staff makes every pet’s experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Happy Tails Animal Hospital is new to the area and offering a free office visit and exam for new patients. Happy Tails is located at 700 Fieldstone Drive in Leesburg.

The Loudoun Pet Pantry accepts cat and dog food (canned, any size; dry, 4-8 pound bags). Dry food must be unopened, unexpired, non-prescription adult food. We cannot use kitten, puppy, or senior food. For large pet food donations, HSLC can make arrangements for pick-up.

Other ways to help include donating funds or gift cards to help purchase supplies and hosting pet food drives. HSLC is glad to assist in organizing and arranging food drives. Please contact us for more information at petpantry@humaneloudoun.org or 703-777-2912.