Pet Pantry Program
Helping People Care for Their Pets at Home
In the spring of 2020, the Friends of the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter (FCCAS) recognized a growing need in our community: Many loving pet owners were struggling to care for their pets. Some individuals had lost their jobs due to the pandemic and needed support for a month or two to get by; others had become physically impaired and needed ongoing help. When pet owners cannot continue to care for their animals, intakes at Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter (CCAS) increase—and the dogs and their owners both suffer from the separation.
FCCAS launched the Pet Pantry to help these pet owners continue to care for their pets. What began as an all-hands-on-deck effort of six board members quickly grew with the support of volunteers and donors. Since 2020, the FCCAS Pet Pantry has helped more than 14,000 pets in the Cuyahoga County community.
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Give Help
How to Donate to the Pantry
We need your help to sustain the pantry for Cuyahoga County pets and their owners.
Make a monetary donation.
You can donate online, through our ongoing Facebook fundraiser, or through the mail, and our team will purchase the needed food items. Mail donations to FCCAS at P.O. Box 25684, Garfield Heights, OH, 44125.
Donate wet and dry dog and cat food.
You can have items sent directly to our pantry using the FCCAS Amazon Wish List or Chewy Wish List.
Hold your own fundraising event.
You can host a school or corporate pet food drive.
All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.
Get Help
Fill Out a Pantry Application
How It Works
We provide pantry clients with four weeks of pet food that can be picked up from CCAS once a month. Whether you are a new or returning client, you must submit an application each month to order your food.
- Submit your monthly request
- Select your pickup day and time
- Receive your confirmation
- Pick up your food
If you have any questions, email us or call our emergency pantry hotline at 216-706-9363.
The next pantry pickup is
Sunday, December 10, 2023
The deadline to request food is Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Any requests submitted after that time will be scheduled for the following month.
Pantry Rules
- Services only available for residents in Cuyahoga County.
- Pickups are offered on the second Sunday or Monday of each month only.
- Orders must be placed no later than the Thursday prior to the pickup.
- Confirmation will be sent once your order is scheduled.
- You must commit to a pickup date and time—late arrival or no-shows may result in suspension or removal.
- Pantry pickup is located at CCAS: 9500 Sweet Valley Drive, Valley View, OH, 44125.
FAQs
Important Details About the Program
These are some of the most common questions regarding using the pantry program. If you have a question that you do not see here, please email us at pantry@fccas.org or call us at 216-706-9363.
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What if I don’t drive (or have a car) to pick up food?
We still want to help you meet your pet’s needs. You will need to arrange transport through family or friends to pick up the pet food on your behalf.
Can I designate someone else to pick up food on my behalf?
Yes, except for your first order. As a new client you must be present with photo identification for your first pickup so we can verify your identity. If needed you can ride along with somone for that first pickup. After your identity is verified you can designate who will be picking up with your monthly order.
I am not available during the event pickup date/time. What are my options?
There is an alternate pickup date the following Monday after the event, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please let us know in advance if you will be picking up on Monday.
Will I be able to pick out my food when I am there for the pickup day?
Unfortunately no, we ask that you stay in your car during the event. Food orders will be pulled prior to the event based on your order information and loaded into your vehicle. Food distribution is based on what is available at the time.
Can I show up the day of the event and get food?
No, you will need to pre-order so we can ensure that we have enough food and your order is ready to go.
Can I pick up more than one month’s worth of food at a time?
At the current time, we provide enough food to accommodate pets for 4 weeks.
How many orders can be picked up at a time?
There is a limit of three (3) pickup orders per vehicle.
Can I order other items like treats, toys, litter, or flea treatment?
Our primary goal is to ensure your pet is not hungry. On occasion when additional items are available we will distribute on pickup day to everyone.
I missed my pickup window, can I pick up my food later?
Unfortunately due to the lack of space to hold food, it is restocked. You can reapply for food next month.
What if I run out of food mid-month?
We are only able to supply food once a month. The pet pantry is intended to be a supplement of food to help families and individuals during times of hardship.
Where at the shelter do I pick up?
For Sunday pickup is in the garage (look for the FCCAS flag). On Monday, come to the front shelter doors and ring the bell.
Do you have questions about how to give or receive help through the pantry? Please feel free to reach out to our team.