Pet food bank demand spikes as costs rise

Some Winnipeg pet owners are skipping meals to feed their animals as rising costs put pressure on families and force more people to surrender their pets.

The Winnipeg Humane Society says its pet food bank continues to see high demand, with more than 300 clients accessing the service in September, roughly double the number of families it typically serves in a month.

Kendra Zielke, a member of the WHS’ community outreach food bank team, recalled one client telling her. ‘“I’ve been going without food for the last few days just to feed my cat.’

“People will put their pets before themselves.”

Pauline Dessault knows what it’s like to worry about where her pets’ next meals will come from. She first turned to the pet food bank after learning about the service while volunteering at another community organization.

At the time, she was caring for her border collie, Chewie, and her cat, Charlotte. Chewie died a few months ago at the age of 16, while Charlotte is now 13.

Dessault said there were occasions when she arrived at the pet food bank only to discover supplies had run out.

When cat food ran out, Dessault sometimes fed her canned tuna, the only thing Charlotte would eat.

Now she’s on the other side of the table. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she packages dry cat and dog food for distribution at the West End Resource Centre.

Dessault said people often line up before the doors open for the pet food bank.

“It hasn’t gotten any slower,” she said about demand. “Prices are up.”

Canned cat food often runs out before other supplies, she added.

For Dessault, making sure animals have enough to eat is important.

“Our pets are like our kids,” she said.

The WHS has been operating under an intake freeze since mid-August, when its holding areas reached capacity.

The shelter is only taking the most critically ill and injured animals.

WHS spokesperson Carly Peters said owner surrenders increased 3.6 per cent between April 1 and Oct. 31 compared with the same period last year.

“That’s 40 families that had to say goodbye to their pet,” Peters said in an emailed statement.

Roughly half of dog owner surrenders are related to the inability to afford veterinary care, with an even higher proportion among cats. Difficulty finding affordable pet-friendly housing is another leading reason.

Peters said that even before the intake freeze, the shelter was turning away 30 to 40 owner surrenders on particularly busy days.

The pet food bank is one way the organization hopes to reduce the financial pressures that can force families to give up their animals.

The WHS estimates its food bank helped feed and keep approximately 6,800 animals in their homes during its 2025-26 fiscal year, which ended March 31.

It distributed roughly 37,000 pounds of pet food during that period.

Between January and September, 556 new clients turned to the program for either one-time assistance or longer-term support.

The program provides monthly assistance for up to four pets per household for as long as a year. Applicants must complete an application and provide proof of income.

It has expanded to include three satellite locations: the WERC, North Douglas Women’s Centre and NorWest on Alexander Resource Centre.

Zielke said clients range from young adults to seniors, with no single demographic dominating the program.

“I think people are just struggling and they just need a little bit of extra help,” she said.

Demand fluctuates from month to month, making it difficult to pinpoint the reason behind September’s increase, said Zielke.

With the holiday season approaching, the WHS is bringing back its pet food hamper drive for a second year.

Last December, nearly 300 hampers were distributed in less than an hour at the WERC.

“The line was around the building,” Zielke recalled.

The hampers contain pet food and other supplies, along with holiday extras such as toys and treats.

The WHS hopes to distribute a similar number this year, or possibly more, depending on donations.

Zielke said donations have already started arriving, including hampers prepared by members of the public.

The organization accepts pet food donations throughout the year, including opened bags of food.

Holiday hampers can be dropped off at the WHS, 45 Hurst Way, until Nov. 30.

They will be distributed Dec. 8 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the WERC at 823 Ellice Ave., on a first-come, first-served basis.

kelly.riess@winnipegfreepress.com