CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10) — With the government shutdown now in its 23rd day, federal employees are continuing to work without pay while also struggling to meet their families’ needs. A Capital Region pet center is helping federal employees with pets in need by distributing pet food to local pet owners.
Benson’s Pet Center in Clifton Park is helping federal employees with the cost of pet food through its pet food pantry. Anyone looking to use the Benson’s Pet Center pet food pantry can make an appointment by calling (518) 373-1007.
Starting as a Meals on Wheels pet pantry, the pet center has seen an increase in pickups during the shutdown. Benson’s Pet Center Creative Coordinator Michelle Vitti said they’ve seen roughly 20 more people than they do in a normal week.
Vitti said the center offers both wet and dry dog and cat food, small-animal food, carriers, crates, bowls, toys, and more. Vitti said if as many people as they have been seeing keep returning, they’ll be running out of resources.
“We do have donation bins at eight of our locations, and we do accept gently-used items as well as unopened pet food, toys, and things of that nature,” Vitti said.
Over the weekend, Benson’s Pet Center is hosting a fundraiser for the pet food pantry, where 25% of dog and cat toy sales will go towards the pantry. Customers can also round up their purchases at checkout, where the donations help the pantry buy pet food at discounted and bulk rates.
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