Local News

MSPCA-Angell appeals for help as pet food demand surges during SNAP hold

With SNAP benefits uncertain, the animal welfare group warns more families may struggle to feed their pets.

Kara Holmquist of the MSPCA holds Jellybean during a press conference at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, MA. (Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff)

By Beth Treffeisen

November 7, 2025

1 minute to read

With SNAP benefits on hold, more pet owners are facing an impossible choice: feed themselves or their pets. The MSPCA-Angell animal welfare nonprofit says requests for help have surged, prompting an urgent call for donations to keep families and their animals together.

“We want to make sure that people are able to feed their pets while they’re making impossible choices on incomes that were already limited before this shutdown,” said Alyssa Krieger, director of MSPCA-Angell Community Outreach, in a statement.

Funding for SNAP benefits ran out on Nov. 1, and it is unclear when it will be restored.

In response, the Outreach team is increasing the number of food pantries it is operating this month, including expanding operations in some of the hardest-hit communities, such as Lawrence and Boston.

However, Krieger said, the increased need has put a significant strain on the nonprofit’s resources and staff.

“No pet should go hungry during this shutdown, but for us to stop that from happening, we need help,” she said.

The Community Outreach team works to keep families together with their pets. MSPCA-Angell distributes an average of 275,000 pet meals per month and expects to increase that by 22,000 meals per week to meet demand. To reach that goal, it will cost roughly $6,000 extra each week.

Several emergency pop-up pet food pantries are happening throughout November, with the next scheduled for Nov. 13 at Nevins Farm in Methuen from 11 to 1 p.m.

“We really do need all the help that we’re able to get,” Krieger said. “Whether it’s a bag of food or a couple of dollars, we need support from animal lovers throughout our community to meet this need.”

People who want to donate can send pet food through the wish lists at mspca.org/wishlist or dakinhumane.org/shop.