PetFest debuts amid rising demand at Animal Food Bank

Frey says they usually get 20 to 30 requests for help each month but are approaching 40 right now.

“We typically see demand rise in September regardless of what’s going on because of back to school and the upcoming holiday and so we’re witnessing that and I’m only expecting it to get worse before it gets better. This is normally the time of year that we start ramping up a little bit of a stockpile to meet that demand,” she says, adding she believes the rising overall cost of living is magnifying the issue currently.

She asks anyone who attends PetFest to bring a donation for the Animal Food Bank.

Dry dog food is the biggest need right now, says Frey, but they’ll accept any pet-related donations and will make use of everything they get. She says there’s no donation too small. She says they can even take opened bags of food as long as it’s in the original packaging and will take used leashes, harnesses, collars and crates.

“We’re also asking for toys. There will be a toy drive coming from Animal Food Bank for Christmas because it stresses me out if pets don’t have gifts and so toys are also welcome,” she says.

PetFest will feature a pancake breakfast for dogs, a puppuccino bar, a pet market with 30 vendors, a kids’ zone, and a silent auction and door prizes.

It’s also the last chance to support the Fill the Truck Drive which has been happening at Big M Ford for the past two weeks.

“Please bring your pet because I must pet all the dogs and please bring your children,” says Frey.

PetFest is on Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fry hopes to make it an annual event.

by Chris Brown

PetFest debuts amid rising demand at Animal Food Bank

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