Canadians have been feeling the pinch of food inflation, but now animal welfare groups are using the first-ever Pet Hunger Awareness Day to highlight food insecurity among their four-legged friends..According to an Angus Reid survey commissioned by PetSmart Charities of Canada, 77% of Canadian pet owners would forgo their own meals to make sure their pets have enough to eat if they were struggling with food costs..That’s why it has declared September 26 ‘Pet Hunger Awareness Day’ and committed $500,000 to help end pet hunger. More than half, $300,000, will go to Humane Canada to establish the country’s first national pet food bank network which it says will help 21,000 starving critters and animal advocacy groups such as the SPCA..So-called ‘pet food banks’ exist in several Canadian towns and cities, but this would be the first national organization. The group also helps match emotional support animals with rightful owners..According to its website, nearly 60% percent of homes in Canada now include pets, but roughly half of them don’t have access to basic veterinary care including preventative care, health exams and vaccinations. And food..In a news release, PetSmart Charities said it would help ensure fewer animals wind up in shelters.."We know that circumstances change, but we believe everyone deserves the love of a pet, even when times are tough," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. "We're eager and excited to draw attention to this important issue through Pet Hunger Awareness Day because when families face food insecurity, their pets often do too.".The remaining $200,000 will go to various animal welfare organizations across Canada to help keep pet food pantries stocked. The charity says 90 cents of every dollar donated helps pets in need.."We are so grateful to partner with PetSmart Charities of Canada to ensure families with companion animals can feed their pets and stay together," added Kathy Duncan, Director, National Programs at Humane Canada. "The pet food banking program helps so many vital organizations implement and maintain pet food pantries in animal shelters and human social services agencies across Canada."
