By Sharron Luttrell

When the Blackstone Regional Animal Shelter saw an uptick in pet surrenders a few years ago, they took a closer look at why. What they learned wasn’t so surprising.

“People wanted to surrender (their animal) because they couldn’t afford food, they couldn’t afford litter. Some people were struggling with vetting expenses,” Blackstone Valley Regional Animal Control Officer Kevin Sullivan said.

Sullivan and fellow animal control officer, Susan Banner, had an idea that might help: A pet food pantry. They stocked their Blackstone facility with donations of pet food and other supplies and opened it to people in need. Older pet owners who have difficulty traveling to the shelter get their supplies delivered.

The extra support has helped keep people and pets together.

“We were able to slow that roll with people not being able to get their pets’ needs met,” Sullivan said.

The pet food pantry has proven so popular that the shelter is adding a standalone pantry. To fill the need during construction, they’re offering pop-up pet food pantries at the Taft Public Library on the fourth Thursday of each month, beginning tomorrow; and next to the Douglas Fire Station on the second Thursday of each month. Hours are 4-6 p.m. for both locations. Sullivan said they’ll continue the pop-up pet food pantries even after the permanent pantry opens.

“If you want to be able to have a pet and you’re struggling, you’re not going to be struggling forever. This is to help you in the meantime,” he said.

Blackstone Valley Regional Animal Control covers six towns, including Mendon. Donations of pet food and supplies can be dropped off at the shelter, located at the rear of the recycling center at 14 Chestnut St. Blackstone.