In the summer of 2017, Bailing Out Benji founded the first pet food pantry in Story County, Iowa in order to keep pets with their families when times get tough. Since then, we have been able to keep thousands of pets with their families and out of the animal sheltering system.
Each month our pet food pantry hands out food and other supplies to approximately 250 pets. That number has been steadily increasing each month.
We cannot do our important work without the support of people like you!
* Physical donations can be dropped off or shipped to our office: 2521 University Blvd Suite 123. Ames, Iowa 50010
Items we are always in need of include: dry dog food, grain-free dry dog food, small dog food, dry cat food, cat food for urinary issues, cat litter, leashes, collars. Items we also hand out include rabbit food and guinea pig food.
Additional Ways to Help
* Volunteer- We are in need of volunteers each month to help us organize the donations and hand out food at our events. If you are a person or a business that wants to get involved, please contact us through the form below
* Pet Food Drive- If your business or organization wants to help us keep our shelves full, we welcome you to host a pet food and supply drive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there a cost to use your pantry?
There is no fee to receive food from our pantry. However, this program operates solely through donations and we do ask that you make a donation that fits within your budget, if you are financially able to do so.
How often can I pick up pet food & supplies?
You can visit the Ames Pet Food Pantry once a month for pet food and supplies for as long as you need assistance. We do our best to provide you with a month’s supply of pet food – however, you may need to supplement what is provided.
How can I schedule an appointment to pick up food?
You can fill out the form at the bottom of the page or email us directly at petfoodpantry@bailingoutbenji.com .
Do you offer a delivery option?
Under extreme circumstances we can make pet food deliveries. However we do ask that our neighbors try to meet at our office during our scheduled hours to pick up food.
Can I adopt a pet or surrender a pet to you?
No, we are not an adoption agency. If you are in need of placement for your animals, we suggest contacting the Ames Animal Shelter, the Story County Animal Shelter or the Boone Area Humane Society.
Do you accept donations?
Yes! We accept unopened & not expired pet food. We also accept new & gently used pet supplies. Donations can be dropped off during our hours of operation or dropped off in our donation bin in between our building and the clinic next door.
Have a large supply donation to make or additional questions?
Email petfoodpantry@bailingoutbenji.com
Please note:
We do not provide pet food or supplies to community members that are actively breeding their animals. We can help you find low-cost spay/neuter options in order to prevent animals from multiplying within your home.
We reserve the right to terminate relationships with any client at our discretion.
Please follow our efforts on Facebook. You can find us through the Ames Pet Food Pantry Page.
If you are in need of pet food assistance or want to make an in-person donation, please contact us through the form below.
There is no fee to receive food from our pantry. However, this program operates solely through donations and we do ask that you make a donation that fits within your budget, if you are financially able to do so.