Record Number of Pets to Benefit from Holiday Donation Program

The Marin Humane Society’s annual collection of pet food for pets of low-income seniors is facing a tougher challenge this holiday season—a higher volume of requests than ever before. Donations of pet food, toys and treats from the public will be used to fill gift bags for the Humane Society’s SHARE (Special Human-Animal Relationships) program clients as well as for local human needs organizations.

The Society’s SHARE program provides a variety of services with the common goal of keeping good friends — people and their companion animals— together. This year, MHS is providing continuing support to a record number of companion animals throughout Marin. More specifically, 228 low-income seniors and their more than 300 companion animals (175 cats, 115 dogs and 16 birds) have ongoing access to pet food, veterinary care, home visits, and emergency boarding. The SHARE program also provides one-time assistance to an additional 20-30 people every month.

“Requests for pet food and supplies have risen steadily over the last several years,” says Annie Humphrey, SHARE program coordinator. “We now average more than 200 calls for assistance every month. With the public’s help, we can make the holiday season brighter for hundreds of less fortunate companion animals, and keep our supply of pet food, toys and treats well-stocked for months to come.”

Donations may be delivered to the Marin Humane Society (171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato). Financial contributions are also welcome and will be used to purchase additional gift items. Holiday deliveries will be made in mid-December, but donations for the SHARE program are accepted year-round. Financial contributions can be made by mailing a check to the address above, online at MarinHumaneSociety.org or by calling 415.506.6259.