Pet Pantry
(Operated by The Pet Project Midwest since April 1, 2010.)


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Who do we help?
  • Animals – by keeping them in their homes and out of shelters
  • People – by helping them keep the pets they love
  • The community – by reducing strain on government resources and saving 'rehoming' expense by shelters and rescues


Who are our typical clients?
  • People of all ages, races, marital status
  • Unemployed, temporarily
  • Unemployed, permanently
  • Underemployed
  • Alimony-deficient
  • Retired, living on social security or other limited income
  • Physically or mentally disabled
  • Homeless and/or nontraditional home (camp, etc.)



How do we help?
We provide up to 4 months' food and supplies to give the client time to get back on their feet. Food and supplies are donated by individuals or purchased at wholesale. This means we may not be able to match preferred brands. All the cat litter we give is clay. If a client has a pet with special food needs, they should make a note on their application and we will try to address the need if we can. Otherwise we give the food that we have.


Who are we?
We are animal lovers and all volunteers. We have no paid staff so we are not always available during 'normal business hours.' We try to be as responsive as we can but please understand and be patient should you call us. If you have computer access, you may get a quicker response by sending an email to petpantry@thepetprojectmidwest.org.


How do clients find us?
Clients can come to our office to apply for assistance, can access our forms on this website, or these agencies and organizations distribute our applications:
  • Animal Lifeline
  • DMARC 12 locations
  • JOPPA
  • Workforce Development
  • Other agencies


Where do clients pick up their supplies?
Once a client is accepted into the program, they have a number of options to get their supplies. After they choose a location, that is where their food will be sent while they're in the program, unless they make other arrangements ahead of time.

  • We provide supplies directly from the Pet Project office in the East Village.
  • We also distribute supplies through three DMARC pantries (see Locations).
  • On the second Saturday of the month, clients on the south side may pick up their food at Animal Lifeline.
  • On the third Saturday of each month, we have an offsite distribution for east side clients at the Experience Church.
  • On the fourth Saturday of each month, we have an offsite distribution at the parking lot of Primary Healthcare at 1200 University Avenue in Des Moines to serve our north central and Drake neighborhood clients.
  • Clients are called when their distribution are ready for pickup. Two missed pickups result in a client being dropped from active status so their food can be given to another needy household.


What does the application process involve? How long does it take to get help?
  • Clients must fill out the application form completely. Incomplete applications are not processed.
  • Clients must sign and date their applications. Clients are made active based on the signature date on their signed application. Undated applications are not processed.
  • Once the Pantry has the completed and sign application, the client is added to the processing list. Because we are all volunteers, it may take a month to six weeks to become active.
  • Emergency food may be available at the Pet Project office. Clients may receive emergency assistance once while they're submitted an application. Emergency supplies may be less or different than what a client will receive once they're active.
  • If you want to call to check the status of your application, please call no more than once. Repeated calls prevent our volunteers from doing the work that moves the process along.


Rules:
  • One applicant per household. All applicants must be 18 or older. Please write clearly.
  • Must provide photo ID and proof of address with application (photocopy acceptable with mailed applications).
  • A phone number or valid e-mail address is required on ALL applications. If you don't have a number, provide one for someone who sees you regularly.
  • Provide an e-mail address or alternate contact phone number so we can contact you if your primary number becomes inactive.
  • If we can't contact you, you will be dropped from the program.
  • Two missed pickups will cause you to be dropped.
  • Pets must have been owned by applicant for at least six (6) months. We provide food for animals listed on the original application only. No additional pets may be added after an application is submitted.
  • Animals added after the application is made may be cause for program termination. Our mission is to keep pets with their families by providing temporary financial assistance; clients should not knowingly add pets they are not able to provide for.
  • We will support no more animals than city limits allow, with a 6 pet maximum. Maximum of 50# litter per household per month.
  • All pets must be kept indoors at night, must not be chained, and must be provided with fresh water at all times.
  • Any suspected abuse will be reported.
  • We reserve the right to perform a home inspection and meet the pet(s).
  • If we find evidence of abuse or deception – lying about pets, selling or trading food, etc. – you will be immediately and permanently removed from the program.
  • The amount of food we give is based on veterinarian recommendations for the pet's breed, age and healthy weight.
  • Should inventory levels dip low, we will help more people by giving less food.
  • The Pet Pantry is meant to ease TEMPORARY financial stress. Participants may receive assistance for four (4) consecutive months.
  • If you no longer need assistance during your eligible period, please let us know so we can help another household.
  • Individuals with permanent, serious disability may be eligible for continued support (after verification of need). Documented service pets in need of assistance may be eligible for continued support (after verification of need and service pet status). All exceptions are on a case-by-case basis and will require a home inspection, medical and financial documentation, and may require veterinary recommendation.
  • We reserve the right to deny any application for any reason.


Locations, Contact Information and Addresses
Some locations only accept applications, and some accept applications and distribute food. See each location for details. Click on a location address for a map.




Forms

Fax: 515-727-4739

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