Colorado Pet Pantry

Background Statement

A Lifeline for Colorado Pets: The Growing Impact of Colorado Pet Pantry

“In a city that has ample resources for homeless and low income families, there aren’t many resources for their pets,” shares Colorado Pet Pantry client, Kelli. “They literally saved my dog Luv’s life by helping me feed her during my time of dire financial need.”

For many Coloradans, dogs and cats are more than companions — they’re family. But when financial hardship strikes, providing basic needs can become a challenge. Colorado Pet Pantry, a statewide nonprofit pet food bank, is working to ensure that no one has to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their beloved animals.

What began as a small operation in 2013 has grown into a wide-reaching network of more than 100 monthly pet food pantry locations across 35 counties in Colorado. Over the last year alone, Colorado Pet Pantry provided pet food to more than 125,000 dogs and cats for 30 days — supporting roughly 38,000 families in keeping their pets home, safe and cared for. By bridging this simple yet often overlooked gap, the organization helps prevent pets from ever entering overcrowded shelters. This resource helps to keep families intact during difficult times.

Colorado Pet Pantry operates on an exceptionally efficient model. One hundred percent of the pet food and supplies distributed through the program are donated by community members, retailers, and major pet food brands. These partnerships allow Colorado Pet Pantry to stretch every dollar further — turning a $5 donation into a full month of meals for a dog or cat. In the process, the nonprofit also redirects millions of pounds of pet food away from landfills each year, giving new purpose to products that would otherwise go to waste.

Beyond food, Colorado Pet Pantry expanded its impact in 2017 by launching the Animal Welfare Share Program. A behind-the-scenes supply swap that strengthens animal and human welfare partners across the state. Colorado Pet Pantry collects donated supplies — everything from collars and leashes to beds and crates — and stores them at their Englewood warehouse. Today, 103 nonprofit organizations rely on this shared resource. Shelters, rescues, first responders, and law enforcement agencies all have access to these supplies at no cost, freeing up their budgets for other urgent needs. The result is a more connected and efficient safety net for pets across Colorado.

Partnerships are also central to the organization’s mission to reduce the number of unwanted pets. By working with low-cost spay and neuter providers, Colorado Pet Pantry helps improve access to critical veterinary services that might otherwise remain out of reach. In the Denver metro area, for example, a collaboration with SpayToday offers low-cost procedures to pantry clients — an investment that benefits pets, families, and entire communities.

Behind this statewide effort is a small staff but dedicated staff, supported by a devoted volunteer team. More than 1,400 volunteers sort and transport donations, pack emergency kits, and distribute pet food at pantries in every location across the state. In the past 12 months, volunteers have contributed approximately 26,000 hours of service. Their commitment keeps the operation moving smoothly and ensures families can count on Colorado Pet Pantry as a stable resource.

As demand continues to rise, so does the need for community support — from donated pet food to volunteer time to the financial resources required for storage, transportation, staff and logistics. Even small contributions, whether an extra bag of kibble, a monthly recurring gift, or a few hours helping at a pantry, make a meaningful difference for families navigating financial uncertainty.

Colorado Pet Pantry’s goal is simple but powerful: to keep pets with the people who love them. Through collaboration, compassion, and community generosity, the organization is helping thousands of families stay whole — one beloved pet at a time.