Allegheny County

Organization holds drive-thru pet food distribution to help during COVID-19 outbreak

PITTSBURGH — Officials with Animal Friends held a drive-thru pet food distribution Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Animal Friends said many families are struggling to feed themselves and their pets during this coronavirus pandemic. Their Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank has seen an increase of five times the typical number of requests for help. The facility is distributing 200-400 pounds of pet food every day now.

Cars started lining up at Animal Friends on Camp Horne Road about three hours before it started Saturday morning.

The distribution was a no-contact drive-thru pick up, and individuals were asked to stay in their cars as food was loaded into their vehicle by Animal Friends’ staff members and volunteers. For the safety of all involved, staff and volunteers wore a face mask and gloves at all times. Those who picked up food were also asked to wear a face covering of some kind.

According to officials, almost 1,600 pets were served during the distribution, and anything that was left from today will go to their 32 food pantry partners.

Animal Friends asks those individuals who are able, to consider making a donation so that their Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank can continue to support the pets and people of our region who need it most. You can also purchase items from their Amazon Wish List or drop off donations at the no-contact donation drop located on their Ohio Township campus.