The Pet Pantry serves Greater Des Moines Metro area residents who are struggling to afford food for their pets. The program is open to one applicant per household. Your pet must be at least eight months old, and you must have owned your pet for at least six months. Your household can have no more than six pets total (following Des Moines city limits). You'll need to fill out an application before receiving food.
Fill out a basic application with your contact and pet information, and bring a photo ID. You can come in person on a Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 4944 Franklin Ave., Ste. N, Des Moines. The online application is currently paused, so visiting in person is the way to get started. After you apply, you'll receive food that same day while your application is being reviewed. If you're approved, a volunteer will call you the Wednesday before your next scheduled Saturday pick-up.
The Pet Pantry provides five consecutive months of pet food. After your application is approved, pick-ups are scheduled approximately once per month on Saturdays.
The amount of food you'll receive is based on your pet's breed, age, and ideal weight. Food and supplies come from community donations, so specific brands or flavors can't always be guaranteed. If your pet has special food needs, you'll need a note from your veterinarian; special requests are fulfilled based on available funds. Your pet must show proof of spay or neuter by the second month of the program. If you miss two pick-ups, you'll be removed from the program.
The Pet Pantry provides dry and wet dog and cat food, as well as cat and dog treats. Supplies like beds, crates, and leashes may also be available on occasion.
Come to the office on a Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Volunteers will fill your pet food order and carry it to your car.
Households that have completed the full five-month Pet Pantry program and still need help may qualify for Paws for Life, which provides food and supplies for the life of the pet for qualifying applicants. Contact The Pet Project to learn more.
The AniMeals program partners with WesleyLife Meals on Wheels to provide one week of pet food delivered alongside a Meals on Wheels meal to homebound participants. If you or someone you know receives Meals on Wheels and has a pet, visit the WesleyLife website to learn more.
You can make a one-time or monthly financial donation by PayPal or credit card. You can also purchase items directly from The Pet Project's Amazon Wish List.
To donate or host a pet food drive, accepted items include adult dry dog and cat food (new or opened), adult wet dog and cat food, and cat and dog treats. Smaller bags are preferred. Drop off donations on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the office. Note that the office is closed some holiday weekends. Reach out at info@tppm.org or (515) 727-4738 with questions or to borrow a donation barrel.
The Pet Project is run entirely by volunteers. Opportunities include Saturday pantry help (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2 to 5 hours), office support on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m., scanning and organizing applications, fundraising and event planning, grant writing, transporting donated food, leading a workplace pet food drive, and tech support. To apply, fill out the Volunteer Application online or email info@tppm.org for more information. A criminal background check is required for all volunteers.
See something missing or wrong?
Suggest an updateThe Dream Center Des Moines Food Pantry is open to families and individuals in the community. It operates as an equal opportunity provider, and there are no stated eligibility restrictions.
Any family in need of food is welcome here, regardless of income. There are no income requirements or eligibility restrictions. Visitors can walk in during open hours without an appointment.
This pantry is open to everyone in the greater Des Moines area. There are no income or residency requirements, and no appointments are needed. Just show up during open hours and you'll be welcomed. Br
Love INC Des Moines serves families and individuals who live in Des Moines or attend one of their partner churches. To get started, call the Connection Center at (515) 244-1701 Monday through Thursday
All households in Polk County are welcome. Income limits apply for some items, but no one will be turned away. You'll need to bring a photo ID to receive food.