Most of us either know someone personally, or know of someone, impacted by today's jagged economy. People are losing their jobs, families are losing their homes, and for many, it's getting harder and harder to put food on the table. And...in too many cases, an innocent animal is somewhere in the background, being negatively impacted by all of this and not understanding why. According to The Humane Society of the United States, thousands of family pets are now finding themselves at local pounds and rescues - or worse - simply because their families can no longer afford to take care of them.

Thinking about this was making me crazy. So I decided to do something. I've compiled a list of resources for people who are stuggling to keep their pets in spite of the nation's ecomonic turndown. From low-cost spaying and neutering services to free pet food, I've tried to find people and places that can help. And I hope to grow this list, by finding more resources myself and by readers like you letting me know about others. I believe it's vital for people to be able to keep their pets, especially during times of stress and uncertainty. And it's vital for pets to be able to keep their homes. I hope this information will help someone through a difficult time. I have added the actual web addresses for people accessing this information from someone who printed it off.

The first thing you should do, if you need help with pet food or medical care, is to contact your local humane society or animal control. Many of them have programs designed to help people afford good care for their pets. We have a good list of Florida humane societies to get you started.
http://www.floridapets.net/humanesocietieslinks.html

If you do not have a shelter in your area, contact The Humane Society of the United States for suggestions and some great "out of the box" ideas.
http://ow.ly/b5SP

Please read this first! You will need to qualify for the programs listed below. Please understand these are not places where you can give your pet away. These resources are to help you keep your pet. Please read or call for their qualifications before applying for assistance.

Pet Food

1. Central Florida Animal Pantry
http://www.animalpantry.org/
Temporary pet food, supplies, vet care, and other helpful resources for economically-challenged, disabled and elderly people in the Central Florida area.

2. The Pet Project
http://www.petprojectforpets.org/
A Florida non-profit group which helps people with disabling conditions afford pet food and medical care and also offers some hands-on assistance.

3. We All Love Our Pets (WALOP)
http://www.mowaa.org/Page.aspx?pid=326
This is a Meals on Wheels program to help seniors feed their pets as well as themselves. Contact your local Meals on Wheels or senior center for details. Not all areas offer this service. Some areas we know do have this program include:

*** Citrus County Pet Meals Program. For information, call (352) 527-5975.

*** Meals on Wheels for Pets Nassau serves homebound senior citizens with pets in Nassau County.

4. Feeding Pets of the Homeless
http://www.petsofhomeless.com/
This nonprofit organization reports the following Florida locations as distributors of free food for pets of homeless individuals. Soup kitchens, rescue groups and individuals who need food for pets can go to the following:

Brothers Keeper
2 W. Fort King St.
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 622-3846

Broward Meals on Wheels
(954) 731-8770

Helping Hands Clinic
(Also provides healthcare to the homeless)
419 NE 1st St.
Gainesville, FL
(352) 372-8523 ext. 17

Interfaith
435 W. 2nd St.
Ocala, FL
(352) 629-8868

Leesburg Food Bank Inc.
1305 Sunshine Ave
Leesburg, FL
(352) 326-5463

Saint Francis House Homeless Shelter & Soup Kitchen
413 South Main St.
Gainesville, FL
(352) 378-9079

The Salvation Army
639 E. University Ave.
Gainesville, FL
(352) 376.1743

5. Humane Society of Tampa Bay
http://humanesocietytampa.org/services/food-assistance-program/
Anyone who needs food for their pet can come to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay at 3607 N. Armenia Avenue during normal business hours and pick up food for their dogs or cats. Shelter hours are: Monday-Closed, Tuesday and Wednesday-Noon to 7:30pm; Thursday thru Sunday Noon-5:00pm. Administration hours: Monday thru Friday-9:00am-5:00pm.

6. Lost Our Home Furry Friends Food Bank
http://www.lostourhome.org/our-services/furry-friends-food-bank
This group can help if you are struggling to afford food for your pet. If you qualify, they can also help with purchases of litter and other items. For Phoenix, Arizona residents only.

7. Daffy's Pet Soup Kitchen
http://www.daffyspetsoupkitchen.com
Offers food, supplies, medical supplies and services, even a temporary foster program. These people have it all together and are promising to help those who want to start similar programs in their areas across the country.

8. Save the Pets Alliance
http://savethepetstoday.com
Several Florida animal groups are working together to provide food & supplies for financially strapped people with pet dogs, cats, birds and gerbils. Food is collected at 19 different area businesses and taken to the Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers, from where it is distributed to the public.

9. Lee County Animal Services
http://www.leelostpets.com/Pages/default.aspx
This organization organizes a Community Pet Pantry. Pet guardians who need help are asked to call 239-533-7387.

10. St. Seton's Orphaned Animals
http://www.saintseton.com/FoodBank.html
This group helps low income seniors feed their pets. For Virginia residents only.

11. Food Stamps for Horses
http://www.foodstampsforhorses.com
This rescue group may be able to help horses lovers keep and care for their companions during difficult financial situations.

Housing Issues

1. No Paws Left Behind, Inc.
http://nopawsleftbehind.org/paws/
This non-profit group's main goal is to keep people and pets together during threats of foreclosure. They provide information about foster care and humane society shelters and they also consider requests for help with pet deposits for those who qualify. This resource is for both people with pets needing help and for people who know of pets needing help.
2. Pet-friendly housing
http://www.floridapets.net/Housing.html
A few options we've found throughout Florida might be an answer if you find yourself needing to seek alternative living arrangements.
3. Have A Heart for Companion Animals, Inc.
http://www.haveaheart.us
This non-profit organization offers pointers for homeowners with pets who might be facing foreclosure.
4. Citizens for Pets in Condos
http://www.petsincondos.org
This non-profit organization is working to find options for people in foreclosure. They believe if people can find more affordable association-run housing where pets are allowed, there is potential to save a lot of companion animals.

Medication

1. Free Pet Prescription Discount Cards
To save up to 85% on most medications for your pets, ask your vet for a prescription, then go to Pet Prescription Card to download and print out your discount card to use at over 58,000 people pharmacies nationwide.

1. Publix.
This grocery store offers a free prescription program for one of seven oral antibiotics for both people and pets. When veterinarians prescribe one of the drugs, consumers can take the prescription to Publix where they can get a 14-day free supply of one of seven medications, including Amoxicillin; Cephalexin, generic of Keslex; Penicillin VK; Ciprofloxacin (excluding Ciprofloxacin XR); Ampicillin; Erythromycin (excluding Ery-Tab), and Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP).

2. CVS.
An official from CVS Pharmacy said they have a program where they provide certain antibiotic drugs for people or pets for no charge. Contact your area store for more information.

3. AAA.
http://www.aaa.com/Prescriptions
If you happen to have membership with the American Automobile Association, they have a Prescription Savings card you can use for yourself and your pet. Just ask your vet to write a prescription you can fill at one of the participating pharmacies in your area.

4. Humane Society of Tampa Bay
http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/services/flea-products
Affordable flea and heartworm preventatives are available at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Adoption Center Tuesday and Wednesday from Noon-7:30pm and Thursday thru Sunday from Noon-5:00pm. These products are also available at the Spay/Neuter Clinic Monday thru Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is located at 3607 N Armenia Avenue in Tampa.

Low Cost Spaying and Neutering

Why have we included this? Because spaying or neutering helps prevent cancer and other diseases in pets and that in turn helps the humans save money by not having to seek treatment for such afflictions.

1. Resources from all around Florida.
http://www.floridapets.net/lowcostspay.html

2. Love That Cat
http://www.lovethatcat.com/stfl.html
More low cost or free spay and neuter programs in Florida; this one's only for cats.

3. SPAY-USA
http://www.spayusa.org/search/default.asp
More low cost or free spay/neuter resources.

4. First Coast No More Homeless Pets
http://fcnmhp.org/
Various low cost programs for people with pets living in the Northeast Florida area.

5. Humane Society of Tampa Bay
http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/spay-neuter
It is the goal of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to offer high quality sterilizations at low cost. They are able to do this through modest fees and generosity of the many HSTB donors who support the program. To make an appointment, please call (813)870-3304 Monday thru Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm.

General Veterinary Care

1. The Pet Fund
http://www.thepetfund.com/
2. Help-A-Pet
http://www.help-a-pet.org/
For pet guardians with special needs.
3. In Memory Of Magic
http://www.imom.org/
4. Angels4Animals
http://www.angels4animals.org/
Has programs to help with veterinary expenses, including microchip installation.
5. St. Francis Animal Hospital
http://www.saintfrancisanimalhospital.org/
A Jacksonville-based veterinary practice that offers care to pet guardians needing financial assistance.
6.South Ocala Animal Clinic
http://www.southocalaanimalclinic.com/
3760 SE Lake Weir Avenue
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 622-5253
Dr. Kevin Stoothoff, of the South Ocala Animal Clinic, won a grant from Feeding Pets of the Homeless and will work with two area agencies, Brothers Keeper and Interfaith, to offer veterinary care, vaccinations, and food for pets of the homeless population in the Ocala area.
7. Pet Samaritan
http://www.petsamaritan.org/Medical/
Possible assistance for pets of people suffering extreme financial hardship; considered on a case by case basis.
8. HELP Animals, Inc.
http://www.helpanimalsinc.org
Provides funding for other groups to offer help to people with pets, including a monthly, low-cost shots clinic.
9. PetLuv Clinic
http://petluv.org
Located in Brooksville, this walk-in clinic offers low cost spaying and neutering, immunizations, heart worm testing, and flea protection products.
10. Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/spay-neuter/wellness-center/
The Wellness Clinic at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay offers affordable veterinary care to the public and provides the proper preventative treatment so pets can be protected from deadly diseases like distemper, parvo, rabies and heartworms. The Wellness Clinic is open every Saturday from 9:00am-3:00pm and is located in the Spay/Neuter Clinic at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay at 3607 N Armenia Avenue in Tampa. Please call (813)870-3304 Monday thru Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm to schedule an appointment.
11. Paws-2-Help
http://www.paws2help.com/
A small, privately run animal-services charity in West Palm Beach that offers affordable, routine vet care, including heartworm testing and preventative, dental services and more.

Sick or Injured Care

1. Frankie's Friends Charitable Foundation
http://www.floridaveterinaryspecialists.com/giving/index.cfm?drill=charitable
The brainchild of Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa, this fund assists financially-challenged (and qualified) people with animals in need of specialized care, such as cancer. The fund also provides charitable care for injured wildlife.
2. Cody's Club
http://www.codysclub.bravehost.com/
This group provides funds to help offset cost of radiation treatment and a support hotline for people with dogs with cancer.
3. AAHA Helping Pets
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/
The benevolent arm of the American Animal Hospital Association. Your vet will have to contact them for you.
4. Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Programs
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
Financial assistance for people in need with cats in need.
5. Shakespeare Animal Fund
Assistance for elderly, disabled, and people who meet income limitations as designated on the web site, to obtain emergency pet care. http://www.shakespeareanimalfund.org
6. There are several groups that provide financial assistance for specific breeds and/or diseases. The list is pretty extensive, so if you have a particular need, please contact me for more information.
WebMistress@FloridaPets.net

Life-Threatening Emergency Care Only

1. In Memory Of Magic
http://imom.org/fa/
2. United Animal Nations
http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=28
Their Lifeline Grant Program helps with life-threatening situations.
3. The Mosby Foundation
http://www.themosbyfoundation.org
May be able to help with life-saving emergencies if confirmed by a licensed veterinarian by fax or phone.

Other Type Help

1. Dog Coats

A woman in Ocala has been making coats for dogs of homeless people or seniors living on fixed incomes having problems keeping their homes warm. If you can help sew the coats, provide material for the coats, donate money so material can be purchased, or just pass the word so those who need the coats can get them, please contact Yvonne for all the info.
yjjohnson@cox.net

Other Resources

1. Alley Cat Allies has excellent suggestions and financial resources for help caring for feral cat colonies, including food, shelter, spay/neuter, and veterinary services. (Note: Some resources listed may duplicate some of those listed above, so check carefully before submitting applications for help.)
https://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=649&srctid=1&erid=3785731

Help for People, Too!

I love both animals and humans. If you are sick (or know someone who is) and need financial assistance with medication and practical care, please contact me and I'll send you what information I've gathered:
WebMistress@FloridaPets.net

1. SNAP
SNAP (Suppplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a resource for people over age 60 to help with the expense of food and home-delivered meals. Actually, in Florida the program is called "SUNCAP." Most people over 60 will qualify if their net monthly income -after housing, medical and other costs - doesn't exceed $903 for individuals and $1,215 for couples. Check it out for you or someone you know!
https://www.aarp.org/snap

2. Prescription Drug Help for Americans
For anyone of any age, this program has income quidelines that, if met, can help provide life-time free or low-cost medications. There is a processing fee per prescription, but the potential savings, depending on what prescriptions you require, can be impressive.
http://www.freemedicine.com

3. Walmart Pharmacy
Now offers free home delivery, 90-day supply, of many medications for $10.
http://www.walmart.com/pharmacy?redirect_query=prescriptions

4. Dental Bills
If you have no dental insurance, but you or a family member is in pain, you may be able to get free or low-cost dental examinations and various treatments. I found these resources in the AARP Bulletin and hope they will be of assistance to someone in need.
a) Dental Schools
Find a dental school near you and perhaps let supervised dental students perform basic care at reduced rates.
http://www.ada.org
b) National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Find federally-funded programs by clicking the "Finding Dental Care" link.
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov
c) National Foundation of Denistry for the Handicapped
Contact these people if you are disabled and need dental care.
http://www.nfdh.org

5. Cleaning Services
Cleaning for a Reason
This is a cleaning service for patients undergoing treatment for any type cancer. This organization will clean your home at no charge to you, once per month, for 4 months while you are in treatment. Contact them for help for yourself or a friend.
http://www.cleaningforareason.org

More resources coming - please keep checking back...

If you are a company, organization or a member of the press, the above information has been compiled in a press release titled Aid for People and Their Pets. Please feel free to pass it along and help us get these resources out to those in need. Thank you!
http://www.prlog.org/10224648-aid-for-people-and-their-pets.html