Pet Food Bank shelves nearly empty in Honolulu as Thanksgiving approaches

The Hawaiian Humane Society is seeking donations to restock its Pet Food Bank as its supplies of cat and dog food run low the week before Thanksgiving.

Launched in 2010, the Pet Food Bank provides assistance to pet owners who are struggling to feed their animals, but currently its cupboards are nearly bare. The bank has only 56 pounds of food on hand. On average, the Pet Food Bank distributes almost 2,000 pounds of food a month.

“We want every pet and person to have a happy Thanksgiving,” said volunteer and outreach coordinator Sharon Sagayadoro in a news release. “Donations to our Pet Food Bank are a great way to show aloha and help Hawaii’s animals in need.”

So far this year, the Pet Food Bank has distributed 18,607 pounds of food, feeding 3,746 pets and helping 1,033 people.

The Pet Food Bank seeks donations of unopened, unexpired bags and cans of pet food. While the greatest demand is for cat and dog food, donations are also welcome for birds, guinea pigs, rabbits and other small animals.

Donations can be dropped off day or night at the Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., in Moiliili and at Petco in Hawaii Kai, Kaneohe, and Kapolei.