The MCHA Pet Food & Supply Pantry provides support to families experiencing temporary financial difficulties while ensuring no pet goes hungry. MCHA is deeply committed to keeping pets with their families and reducing the number of animals surrendered. By doing so, we aim to foster a community where every pet is valued, cared for, and safe in their homes. This program is designed to give extra help alongside your pet’s usual food, not to be the only food they rely on for nutrition. 

Since 2023, MCHA has consistently distributed more than 12.5 tons (25,000 lbs of food) of pet food to our community. The following eligibility requirements and conditions are in place to address this growing need and ensure that we can support as many pet owners as possible. 

Located at the Animal Care Campus

791 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47403

Eligibility: 

• Monroe County residents only, with one applicant per household. 
• Proof of financial hardship is required for program eligibility. Click here to view the benefit and income qualifiers. Once verified, this approval lasts for six months. To renew, you will need to provide updated documentation of financial difficulty. 
• All pets must have current rabies vaccinations, per Indiana law. Low-cost rabies vaccinations are available at MCHA Mobile Vaccine Clinics each month. Documentation is required  
• Proof of spaying/neutering for pets is required within four months unless medically inadvisable. Spay/Neuter Assistance Vouchers for PetsAlive are available: $20 for cats, $40 for dogs. 
• MCHA reserves the right to deny service to anyone under any circumstances, or to make exceptions based on individual needs. 

Conditions: 

• Support available for up to 3 animals per household. 
• Food will be dispensed in a reusable container provided by MCHA. This container should be returned clean monthly. Replacement containers cost $5. 
• Participants must not adopt additional pets while using this program. 
• Pets are to be treated as companions, not used for breeding, fighting, or any illegal activities. Any suspicion of abuse may lead to contacting authorities and banning from the program. 
• Participants commit to daily care – providing exercise, food, fresh water, and shelter for all pets. 
• The type and quantity of food provided are based on donations, so brands may vary, potentially causing stomach upsets for some pets. 
• Reselling food from MCHA will result in immediate program termination. 
• Canned food allotment can be doubled if dry food is declined. 

Additional Supplies: 

We sometimes have specialty veterinary equipment. If you need specialty items, like dog wheelchairs, ramps, pet pads, diapers, or exotic animal cages, please email us. Prescription pet food is limited and requires a doctor’s note. 

Food Allotment: 

Cats:  

2.5lbs dry, 4 cans wet per cat/household. 

Dogs: 

Small (<25lbs): 4lbs dry, 2 cans wet. 

Medium (26-50lbs): 7lbs dry, 3 cans wet. 

Large/XL (>51lbs): 10lbs dry, 3 cans wet. 

Note: Please be aware that due to the nature of donations, food allotments might vary based on available supplies. 

Pantry Hours: 

Monday: 10 AM – 4 PM 

Tuesday-Thursday: 10 AM – 6 PM

Why is it important to spay or neuter my pet? 

Spaying and neutering pets play a crucial role in both the well-being of the animals and the community at large. When pets are not neutered, behaviors such as urine-marking in dogs and spraying in cats are more common. These behaviors can be significantly reduced or even eliminated by timely spaying or neutering. Additionally, these procedures can help curb other unwanted behaviors such as aggression, roaming, and excessive barking. Beyond behavior, the financial benefits of spaying and neutering are also considerable. The cost of treating diseases related to the reproductive system, like reproductive system cancer or pyometra in pets, can be exorbitant compared to the more affordable spay or neuter surgeries. 

Spaying and neutering pets are critical actions that address more than just the health and behavior of individual animals; they also tackle a pressing community issue: the overpopulation of pets. Unwanted litters often result in animals that end up in shelters, putting a strain on community resources and leading to higher numbers of pets without homes. By ensuring pets are spayed or neutered, pet owners can play a direct role in reducing this overpopulation. It’s a responsible step that not only enhances the quality of life for their pets but also contributes to the broader effort of reducing the influx of animals into shelters, helping to ensure that every pet has the chance to find a loving home. 

Why is it important that my pet receive a rabies vaccination? 

In Indiana, it is a legal requirement to vaccinate your cat or dog against rabies annually, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. This vaccination is crucial for the health and safety of your pet, protecting them from a deadly virus and also safeguarding public health by preventing the spread of rabies to humans and other animals.