Since 2020, the City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) has offered a quick and convenient way for residents to help animals – the AAMW Pet Pantry.
The AAMW Pet Pantry is located at the AAMW shelter (3501 S. Osage St.). The pantry, which includes shelves for free pet food and pet supplies, is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Amarillo community and several sponsors who have contributed resources.
“The AAMW Pet Pantry helps support citizens in caring for their pets, with the aim of preventing shelter surrenders based on financial hardship,” said AAMW Outreach Manager Kali Dennis. “Most of our recipients are folks who truly care about their pets and want to be responsible pet owners, so we want to do everything to keep these animals in their homes with the people who love them. Diverting shelter surrenders saves space in the shelter, saves taxpayer dollars and ultimately saves lives.”
So far this year, the AAMW Pet Pantry has distributed 1,323 bags of dog food and 482 bags of cat food – helping 537 citizens care for their animals.
The AAMW Pet Pantry exists because of donations – financial and directly in terms of pet food/supplies. Those wishing to help can bring monetary or pet item donations to the shelter during business hours (Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) AAMW also has an Amazon wish list for pets. For all the information and current AAMW needs, go to:
amw.amarillo.gov/adoption-and-resources/how-can-i-help/donations
Through the years, donors to the AAMW Pet Pantry include Chewy, Greg Lair Automotives, Amarillo Collegiate Academy (first grade class), Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and generous donations from citizens. Citizens needing assistance from the pantry can come to the counter at the Intake Office and a staff member will help. Availability is limited while supplies last.