PetSmart Charities’ Initiative to Address Pet Hunger
PHOENIX – Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This year, PetSmart Charities is mobilizing support through its annual Pet Hunger Awareness Day on Sept. 29, which comes amidst rising food insecurity in the U.S., now at its highest level in nearly a decade. To combat this issue, the organization is directing $7 million in pet food to food banks nationwide, aiming to distribute over 44 million pet meals in addition to human food.
Key Highlights:
- Pet Meals Delivery Goal: PetSmart Charities is on track to deliver 480 million pet meals by the end of 2026.
- Food Insecurity Statistics: Nearly 48 million U.S. individuals face food insecurity, affecting about 30 million pets in those households.
- Public Awareness: A new survey by PetSmart Charities reveals only 31% of people are aware of pet hunger issues at home.
Program Collaborations
PetSmart Charities is partnering with Feeding America® and Meals on Wheels America to enhance food accessibility for pets and their families:
- Food Banks: PetSmart Charities has been routing pet food through existing food support systems, contributing 70 million pounds of pet food since 2017.
- Senior Support: The partnership with Meals on Wheels supports older adults by providing pet food, essentials, and veterinary care, having delivered 20 million pet meals to date.
Call to Action
PetSmart encourages the public to support the cause:
- Donations: Every $2 donation translates to 11 meals, offering substantial impact for pets in need.
- Support Options: Donations can be made online or at PetSmart stores.
For more information on PetSmart Charities and its initiatives, visit PetSmartCharities.org.
By addressing both human and pet hunger through collaboration with existing services and community support, PetSmart Charities aims to ensure that pets and their families stay together during challenging times.
