Pet 'soup kitchens' are becoming more popular in order to establish a cheap, community-based means of supporting pet owners in need, according to an  article  on www.zootoo.com .

It's part of a movement to keep pets with their families, and out of overloaded animal shelters -- a mission that has now been lent a helping hand by  Best Friends Animal Society's  new program,  First Home, Forever Home .

"There are so many things that pet owners have to consider, like spay/neuter, boarding, and other types of vet care, but we are seeing that food is the primary concern," said Ellen Gillmore, Best Friends campaign coordinator, in the article. "There is such an immediate need for it that it jumps to the top of our list."