Loudoun Pet Pantry: Helping Keep Furry Friends in Loving Homes

By Alycia Kent

Dear Pet Pantry Staff,
Thank you so much! I got laid off from my job. You are helping me to take care of my two cats and dog during these challenging times. Thank GOD for your generosity.
Forever Thankful, Michelle

We all love our furry friends to pieces. So, imagine how difficult it would be to surrender the family cat or dog because you suddenly found yourself unemployed. Because of the pandemic, this is exactly what some families in our community are now facing. Thankfully, the Loudoun Pet Pantry (LPP) is giving these pet owners a leg up during these uncertain times.

In 2013, the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC), partnered with Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) and Loudoun Hunger Relief (LHR) to create the Loudoun Pet Pantry. LPP provides families in need with kits of donated pet food. Over the last seven years, HSLC and LCAS have supplied the pantry with over 18,000 cat and dog food kits, allowing pets to remain in their loving homes.

Due to COVID-19, the Loudoun Pet Pantry has adapted its operation to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to meet a 30% increase in demand for its services. We are extremely grateful for the wonderful outpouring of community support that has helped meet this demand.

Following physical distancing guidelines, hard-working volunteers from the Humane Society of Loudoun County continue to collect, sort and transport food to the pantry. The shelter is closed to volunteers right now so only staff members are running the pantry itself. Talia Czapski, the LCAS Community Manager, notes that it has been difficult “Ramping up kit production and figuring how to make things work without our amazing volunteers! We certainly miss their help!”

HSLC President, Juanita Eaton is very proud of the program and its ability to further the organization’s goals. “Pet retention is an important part of our mission as our programs are based on the ‘No Kill Equation’. We don’t want a family to have to surrender their pet to a shelter or rescue simply because they can’t afford pet food.”

LCAS staff member giving two thumbs up to stocked pantry shelves.

This incredible program has helped countless families in Loudoun County over the years. But, it can’t continue to provide and expand its services without ongoing backing from the community. There are many ways to support the Loudoun Pet Pantry:

Thank you!