C.A.R.L. Opens Pet Food Pantry to Assist Ventura County Residents

Ventura, CA – Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) announces the opening of its pet food bank, which will distribute food at no cost to residents. The Ventura-based C.A.R.L. Thrift Store, located at 2750 E. Main Street, Suite B, will serve as the hub for the pet food pantry. Its hours of operation will run from noon to 2 p.m., while supplies last, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

C.A.R.L. Governance Board President Claudia Hoste decided to launch a pet food pantry after attending an event that featured a local food bank. "I thought, 'We need to do the same to support our animal community.'" Hoste has also seen several posts on social media, where people discussed how the rising cost of dog and cat food has challenged them to keep their beloved pets.

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"We saw a need in the community to launch the pet pantry, which can reduce owner surrenders," Governance Board Vice President Lupe Flores said. Flores noted that the rescue received a sizeable donation from the Santa Paula Moose Lodge (#2097) as organized by Lodge member Milo Bustillos. C.A.R.L.'s volunteers and donors have also given dog and cat food and treats to the pantry since its soft launch on September 8.

"At C.A.R.L., we have focused on adoption, education, and outreach so dogs can find their forever homes, and by extension, we want dogs to stay in these homes, regardless of their families' financial situation," said Executive Director Sharon Clark. "The food pantry will serve as an important resource for those who might not be able to commute to other parts of the county to get pet food at a reduced or at no cost."

In addition to providing cost savings for families, pet food pantries allow them to continue the human-animal bond. Pet ownership offers proven benefits, including anxiety and stress reduction, and it motivates people to exercise, which in turn can lower the risk of various types of cancer and heart disease.

"For 30 years, we have served Ventura County, and we want to continue to save more dogs in our community. The pantry is another way to keep dogs with their families," Hoste said.

C.A.R.L. will continue to work with its constituents to stock the pet food pantry. If you are interested in donating unopened cat or dog food or helping dogs in need, please visit carldogs.org.

About C.A.R.L.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit all breed, no-kill dog rescue and adoption organization. Since 1996, C.A.R.L. has rescued and placed thousands of unwanted, sick, abandoned and homeless dogs. Dogs in our adoption program are placed in pre-screened, loving and secure homes. We make a lifetime commitment to all of our dogs.