Pet food companies step up as animal surrender rates spike

Today's economic pressures are creating unprecedented demand for animal rescue support, and with pet food costs remaining 23% higher than pre-pandemic levels, shelters are reporting surges in both surrender rates and requests for assistance.

According to John Hussey, founder and CEO of Cuddly, a platform connecting animal rescues with donors and corporate partners, the ripple effects of sustained inflation are putting severe strain on both pet owners and the organizations that serve them.

"Over the past year, even as inflation has cooled in some areas, the cost of pet food remains significantly higher than it was just a few years ago, nearly 23% more than pre-pandemic levels," Hussey explained. "That has put a real strain on pet owners, especially those already facing financial hardship, and shelters are seeing the ripple effect."

Shelters overwhelmed by dual crisis

The economic pressures are manifesting in multiple ways across the animal welfare landscape. Many shelters report being overwhelmed by demand for their pet food pantry programs, while simultaneously seeing an increase in pet surrenders from owners who simply cannot afford to feed their animals.

"Many are reporting an increase in requests for pet food assistance, with some saying they're overwhelmed by demand for their pantry programs," Hussey noted. "At the same time, more owners are surrendering pets simply because they can't afford to feed them."

This dual crisis has resulted in a noticeable increase in shelters and rescues reaching out to corporate partners for support, particularly seeking in-kind donations, logistical assistance and co-branded fundraising initiatives.

Pet food manufacturers can provide meaningful support to struggling nonprofits without overextending their budgets during economic uncertainty.Andrea Gantz

Strategic corporate partnerships fill critical gaps

With 76% of nonprofits reporting funding challenges during economic downturns, pet food manufacturers are uniquely positioned to provide meaningful support without overextending their own budgets during uncertain times.

Hussey advocates for companies to think beyond traditional one-time donations toward sustainable partnership models. Cuddly's flagship "Buy a Bag, Donate a Meal" program exemplifies this approach, connecting everyday consumer purchases to measurable impact for rescue animals.

"Pet food companies have a real opportunity to fill the gap when funding for rescues dries up, not just by donating products, but by becoming ongoing partners in the mission," Hussey says. "We've found that programs like this, along with co-branded drives, matching campaigns, and sponsored pantry events, are especially effective during economic downturns."

Beyond product donations: leveraging industry resources

Pet food professionals have numerous opportunities to support animal welfare organizations beyond direct product contributions, said Hussey. Supply chain relationships can be leveraged to secure discounted freight, storage or materials that help shelters stretch limited resources further.

Marketing support represents another powerful avenue for corporate involvement. "Helping rescues tell their stories, promote adoptable animals, or boost visibility for fundraising campaigns can drive real results," Hussey explained. "Even something as simple as co-hosting local events or volunteering expertise can strengthen the rescue community and build goodwill."

Technology platforms transform partnership models

Digital platforms are reshaping how corporate-nonprofit partnerships operate in the pet food industry, enabling more targeted and community-driven support initiatives. Crowdfunding and wishlist features allow brands to partner on campaigns that address specific shelter needs rather than broad, generalized donations.

"Platforms like Cuddly are shifting how companies and nonprofits work together by making support more direct, transparent, and community-driven," Hussey said. "Instead of broad, one-size-fits-all donations, brands can now partner on campaigns that meet specific needs."

This approach also creates opportunities for consumer engagement, allowing pet food customers to participate directly in supporting animal welfare causes. "Crowdfunding also opens the door for everyday consumers to get directly involved, whether it's chipping in for a bag of food or helping a specific shelter reach a goal," Hussey added.

Low-overhead initiatives, like in-kind food donations, can help pet food manufacturers support animal welfare while managing their own economic pressures.Andrea Gantz

Maximizing impact within budget constraints

For pet food manufacturers managing their own economic pressures while seeking to support animal welfare, strategic resource allocation becomes crucial. Low-overhead initiatives like in-kind food donations provide direct support for animal health while reducing shelter operational costs.

"With so many nonprofits facing funding challenges, pet food companies can still make a meaningful impact without overextending their budgets," Hussey said. "One of the most effective approaches is supporting low-overhead initiatives like in-kind food donations, which directly support animal health and reduce shelter costs. Even modest, consistent contributions can go a long way."

The key, according to Hussey, lies in thoughtful resource deployment: "It's about being thoughtful with resources and making sure every effort counts."

As economic uncertainties continue to challenge both pet owners and animal welfare organizations, the pet food industry's response could prove pivotal in determining outcomes for vulnerable animals. The companies that establish sustainable partnership models now may not only support critical community needs but also build lasting customer loyalty among the growing segment of consumers who prioritize animal welfare in their purchasing decisions.