Food drives make a big difference for the dogs and cats. Not only for the pets staying in our shelter, but also for animals of low-income families in our community!

Foster Kitten Supply Drive

You can support our Foster Kitten Supply Drive February 10-26. Your donation truly saves lives and makes it possible for us to support hundreds of kittens this season. Click here to learn more. 

Currently our greatest need is: 

• Kitten items: Wet food (pate-style please), kitten dry food, Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR)
• Adult dog food (dry)
• Adult cat food (dry and wet)

You can donate any time at the Adoption Center. Find more information about our most-needed items by visiting our wish list.

Posters and graphics

Spreading the word about your food drive is important. Here are some easy, downloadable files that can help! You can add the dates of your drive, organization name, or just leave them blank. 

Poster
Handout
Graphic

FAQ

• What types of food do you accept?

  We feed the animals in our care high-quality foods which meet the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for complete and balanced nutrition. There are many brands of great quality foods available. Unsure? Check in with your local family-owned pet food store to see what they might recommend. 

• How do I start a food drive?

  There's no secret to it, you can just get started on your own. While we're happy to lend a hand, you don't need our permission to help out the dogs and cats!

  Successful drives have been hosted at banks, fast-food restaurants, summer education programs, state agencies, private businesses, and veterinary hospitals. It’s a great way to engage our community and an excellent project for kids who want to help.

• Where should I purchase the food?

  Great question! Check out our local partners - they'll be happy to help! Many of our partners are small or locally-owned businesses. When you purchase from them, you're supporting your community TWICE!

• Where can I donate?

  We have food barrels on the move around our community, but you can donate during business hours at the following locations in Vancouver:

  HSSW Adoption Center-Shelter and ReTails Thrift Store
  All Natural Pet Supply
  Columbia River Veterinary Specialists
  East Mill Plain Animal Hospital VCA

• Does all of the food get used for the dogs and cats and the shelter?

  Most of it does! When possible, we also provide food to families in need. As part of our CHOW program, limited amounts of food are made available to low income families.

  We also partner with Clark County Food Bank to provide limited supplies of pet food for distribution at local food pantries. We also provide food and supplies to support Animeals, a meals-on-wheels program for seniors and home-bound families. Both of these programs rely solely on donations from our community and are only available when supplies allow. 

• Are homemade treats acceptable?

  Food purchased from a reputable retailer is preferred. Unfortunately, we cannot accept homemade treats. 

• Do you accept pet items other than food?

  New or gently used items such as leashes, collars, toys, beds, etc can be a big support for our animals.

  We request that used items are clean and in good condition. Please, no soiled or damaged items. Not all items are appropriate for use in the shelter; donated items that are clean and in good condition may be sold in our thrift store (the proceeds of which support our animals.) 

• Do you accept medications or supplements?

  No. Supplements, treatments and medications should not be collected as part of a food drive.

  Washington State regulations prohibit HSSW from accepting donations of used medications. This includes anything in a prescription bottle prescribed to a particular pet. Responsible disposal of prescription medication is important. Improper disposal can be a hazard to humans, animals and our environment. For a list disposal sites in your area, please click here.

You're welcome to start your food drive on your own. Permission to host a drive isn't necessary. But if you have questions, we're here to help.

Sam Ellingson
Director of Communications and Marketing
360-213-2626 or [email protected]