Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) has opened a pet food pantry that will distribute food at no cost to local residents. The Ventura-based C.A.R.L. Thrift Store, at 2750 E. Main St., Suite B, will serve as the pantry’s hub. It will be open from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, while supplies last.
C.A.R.L. Governance Board President Claudia Hoste decided to launch the pantry after attending an event that featured a local food bank.
“I thought, ‘We need to do the same to support our animal community,’” Hoste said.
Hoste said she has also seen social media posts from people discussing how the rising cost of dog and cat food has made it difficult to keep their pets.
“We saw a need in the community to launch the pet pantry, which can reduce owner surrenders,” said Governance Board Vice President Lupe Flores.
Flores noted that C.A.R.L. received a sizable donation from the Santa Paula Moose Lodge No. 2097, organized by lodge member Milo Bustillos. C.A.R.L. volunteers and donors have also contributed dog and cat food and treats since the pantry’s soft launch Sept. 8.
“At C.A.R.L., we have focused on adoption, education and outreach so dogs can find their forever homes, and by extension, we want dogs to stay in these homes, regardless of their families’ financial situation,” said Executive Director Sharon Clark. “The food pantry will serve as an important resource for those who might not be able to commute to other parts of the county to get pet food at a reduced or no cost.”
In addition to helping families with the cost of pet food, pantries can help people keep their pets in their homes and maintain the human-animal bond. Pet ownership has been associated with a variety of health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety and increased physical activity.
“For 30 years, we have served Ventura County, and we want to continue to save more dogs in our community. The pantry is another way to keep dogs with their families,” Hoste said.
C.A.R.L. will continue working with community members and donors to stock the pantry. Those interested in donating unopened dog or cat food or helping dogs in need can visit www.carldogs.org.
