Animal rescues say more families are asking for help feeding their pets as paychecks are delayed.
WACO, Texas — As the federal government shutdown continues and paychecks remain on hold, most of the attention has centered on families struggling to make ends meet. But local animal rescues say pets are feeling the effects too.
The Pet Circle Regional Animal Center and the Humane Society of Central Texas are sounding the alarm, saying they’re doing everything they can to keep pets and their owners together during this uncertain time.
At the Humane Society in Waco, the phones haven’t stopped ringing — and the calls aren’t just about adoptions.
“Just this morning, I’ve had about 30 calls from people asking for help feeding their pets,” Carmen Cheek, foster coordinator for the Humane Society, said.
Cheek said the nonprofit’s pet food pantry has seen a major spike in demand since the shutdown began. McLennan County is considered a high-intake, low-resource area with only one public animal shelter, and some surrounding counties have no shelters at all.
“We’re in a high-intake, low-resource area. McLennan County only has one shelter, and some surrounding counties have none at all — so a lot of that need ends up here,” Cheek said.
On the other side of town, Pet Circle Regional Animal Center is seeing similar demand. The organization distributed nearly 1,000 pounds of pet food in October, up from 330 pounds in September. In just the first week of November, they’ve already handed out more than 230 pounds.
“We’re definitely getting more calls about people seeing animals roaming in neighborhoods and strays,” said Windy Leal, communications specialist for Pet Circle. “Our surrender appointments are booked out for months, and we’re seeing an influx of people needing help.”
Both rescues say they fear the problem could worsen if the shutdown continues.
“Sometimes people turn to bad choices, and that means an increase in dumping animals,” Cheek said. “We’ll see higher shelter intakes and fewer adoptions because families are struggling just to feed themselves.”
The Humane Society’s pantry operates out of Street Dog Café during regular business hours, while Pet Circle’s pantry runs from its animal shelter location. Both groups say donations of pet food, blankets, and supplies are accepted at all times.
“Every little bit helps,” Cheek said. “We just want to help families keep their pets at home, where they belong.”
How to Help:
Donations to the Humane Society’s pet pantry can be dropped off at Street Dog Café or directly at the shelter. Pet Circle also accepts food and supply donations during operating hours.
