I need assistance, what do I do?

If you're in need of pet supplies because of hard times, please visit the pantry during distribution hours found on the SCHEDULE. You'll need to bring a photo ID and proof of address, a drivers license is valid for both. We'll ask you about your pets and once you sign the liability form, you'll get supplies same day. We ask that you only come in an as need basis. If you’d like to get a head start on the signing up, navigate to the CLIENT page and fill out the two forms.

What kind of pets does the pantry provide for?

The pantry mainly distributes donations for cats and dogs. However, we accept donations for other types of household pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, bird, etc.

We do NOT provide food for strays, "breeders", "rescues" or "sanctuaries", or pets that you are just watching.

I got a new pet, will my new addition be eligible for food?

The pantry is an as need program meaning we will assist when you are in need for pets you currently have when you sign up with us. If you are able to accept responsibility for a new pet, you are no longer eligible for pantry resources. We are a resource to help get you to the next paycheck, not to finance additional pets. We hope you understand.

Do my pets need to be spayed or neutered, aka “fixed,” to receive assistance?

The short answer is yes. As of Fall 2020 we are requiring all of our client’s pets be spayed or neutered. Proof can be brought to the pantry or uploaded on the CLIENT page using the document upload portal. New clients will have 30 days from sign-up to provide documentation showing the completed procedure or have a proof that an appointment has been made. Once completed, client will have until next distribution to show documentation.

If documentation has been misplaced or pet was spayed/neutered before ownership, just let us know! We can work with you to ensure our guidelines are met.

*If you need financial assistance to spay/neuter your pet(s), we have an application process through our program or can get you in touch with low cost resources!

What if I don’t want to spay or neuter my pet(s)?

If proof can be provided from a veterinarian that for medical reasons it is unsafe to do so, we will accept that.

If reason for not spaying/neutering pet is because of pedigree/breed/etc. and/or you plan on breeding, you will not qualify for assistance.

My pet is currently pregnant or just had a litter, what now?

Let us know ASAP and we will see how we can help! Animals can start mating as soon as they’re sexually mature, much younger than one might think! And they don’t discriminate - meaning they will mate with their siblings or other family members, yikes!

How can I help?

Share our posts on facebook, host a donation barrel at your business or place of work, hold a fundraiser, or make a donation. For more information on how to donate, please navigate our DONATE page.

We accept gently used pet supplies as well as new. If your pet outgrew or just doesn't like or use something, we'll gladly pay it forward to a pet in need.

Opened and expired food can be accepted on a case by case basis. If your picky eater didn't like their new food, send it our way!

What is a 501(c)(3)?

Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non profit organization. As an approved public charity by the State of Michigan and the IRS, donations are tax-exempt for us and tax-deductible for our donors. Having this approval is our promise to our supporters and donors that ALL of your donations go to supplies for the pantry.

If you've made a donation and need a receipt, please email us a request and information about your donation. Please do so in a timely manner, such as the date of donation, as we'll need to verify your request to insure accurate documentation.