Midland Animal Services announced the launch of a new pet food pantry during a press conference on June 12 to help residents provide food for their pets. The pantry will provide pet food to the public beginning June 13.
Midland Animal Services Manager Melissa Griffin-Hobson, who unveiled the initiative at the press conference, said the pet pantry will operate during animal shelter hours but close one hour before closing time. Food distribution will operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no registration required.
According to Hobson, the pantry is a part of a broader plan aimed at supporting pet owners, with additional programs slated for launch throughout the summer. "It's really important for us to be involved in the community because we take in so many pets,” she said. “This will provide an opportunity for people to keep their pets. For so many people, their pets are their family, so this program provides them with services and nutrition that their animals need so they can keep their pet in the house versus having to turn them over to us."
The food for the pantry is sourced from channels including community donations and Fix West Texas, a Greater Goods ambassador. Hobson said that Fix West Texas acquires a large amount of food, which is then made available to the Midland animal shelter at a low cost, enabling distribution to residents in need.
Regarding the quantity of food provided, Hobson said that allocations would be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the type and number of pets within each household. The shelter pledges to accommodate the needs of families to ensure sufficient support.
Hobson also announced the use of an online platform called Doobert, which will manage the program and maintain communication with recipients.
Hobson also offered tips during the conference to help pet owners manage their animals during firework noises on July 4, including seeking medication from their local veterinarians and securing their yards to prevent escapes.