By Stacey Dexter
The struggle is real: everywhere we turn these days, there are so many people anxiously trying to secure access to healthcare, affordable housing, and to have money left over to feed themselves.
Those are some of the most overwhelming stressors in our lives. Throw in the upcoming holiday season, and there’s just a tsunami of uncertainty.
Feeding ourselves is a priority, but so is feeding our pets. No matter if one has a bird or a bunny, a cat or a rat, a dog or a reptile, they all need to be fed and hopefully, with the same quality food that we would want for our human family members.
With food insecurity in the United States at an all-time high (Havard School of Public Health, October 2025), resources are needed more than ever…and not only for humans.
Our pets have become another mouth to feed and unfortunately, this has caused some to surrender their beloved companions because they cannot afford to feed them (The Economist, July 2025).
Those facts are heartbreaking. This is where I believe that pet owners can support one another by offering resources or gift cards.
If you know someone in your neighborhood or town who could use a hand feeding their pet(s), a gift card to a local or an online pet shop would be appreciated.
You could also pick up some dog/cat food and donate it to a friend in need, to one of the many local food pantries in our area(s), or the humane society.
The best thing we can do is to get the information out to our fellow pet guardians that they are not alone, and their pets do not have to suffer. Many of us would jump at the chance to support a pet in need!
With the holidays approaching, now is the purrfect time to make a holiday stocking for a furry friend and a few for the local shelter. Include fun items like treats and chew toys, catnip and collars.
New or gently used leashes, doggie sweaters, and blankets go a long way—we all know how chilly our winter nights get here.
This holiday season, consider donating some of the things mentioned instead of buying more stuff for others that they really don’t need. Please keep our vulnerable furry friends in mind during the next few months and do what you can to keep animals fed and with their guardians. They are all a precious part of our community.
Here are a few local organizations that offer free food for humans and our pets. There IS support out there with many loving folks who would like nothing better than to help you and your fur babies.
Don’t hesitate to reach out!
For Pets;
High Country Humane Society Flagstaff
United Animal Friends Community Pet Food Bank Prescott
Yavapai Humane Society Prescott
Free pet food, medical, foster placement and more.
For Pets & Humans: Manzanita Outreach: Cottonwood
Old Town Mission: Cottonwood
Project Rising Hope: Cottonwood
The Sedona Community Center
Serves Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. Offers Meals on Wheels, community lunches, Breakfast Bundles, and free pet food.
Sedona Community Food Bank
