Pet brands strengthen communities through charitable initiatives

Philanthropy is a core pillar for many pet food companies’ missions, fueling their desire to give back to their communities. While each has its own cause close to heart, they all aim to make a meaningful impact on both pets and people.

CUDDLY helps overwhelmed animal shelters

Today's economic pressures are creating unprecedented demand for animal rescue support, and with pet food costs remaining over 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels, shelters are reporting surges in both surrender rates and requests for assistance. CUDDLY's flagship "Buy a Bag, Donate a Meal" program is designed to connect 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," said John Hussey, founder and CEO of CUDDLY. “Helping rescues tell their stories, promote adoptable animals, or boost visibility for fundraising campaigns can drive real results. Even something as simple as co-hosting local events or volunteering expertise can strengthen the rescue community and build goodwill."

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."

PremieRpet

PremieRpet invests in community infrastructure

As executive vice president of PremieRpet, a São Paulo, Brazil-based pet food manufacturer operating across several small Brazilian towns, Fernando Maluf has witnessed firsthand how strategic philanthropy strengthens the fabric of rural communities where his company maintains its largest presence.

"Our company operates in several small towns with populations ranging from 3,000 to 11,000, and we're proud to be one of the area's largest employers, supporting not just our team but many local businesses as well," Maluf explained. "Giving back to our communities is a natural extension of that responsibility."

PremieRpet's philanthropic strategy focuses primarily on education and healthcare infrastructure, two pillars Maluf believes are essential for community vitality. The company contributed approximately $500,000 to renovate and improve Dourado's municipal school, creating enhanced learning environments for local students. Additionally, PremieRpet invested around $300,000 in the local hospital, upgrading critical diagnostic equipment including new X-ray and ultrasound machines to improve patient care accessibility.

"By supporting education, wellbeing and quality of life, we help build stronger communities, attract and develop talent and make a positive impact on the places where our employees and their families call home," Maluf said.

Yumwoof offers digital dog food pantry for families in crisis

Yumwoof has established the first digital dog food pantry to provide pet food assistance to families facing financial hardship and disaster situations. Founded by Jaron and Ana Lukas, the charitable program emerged from the company's 2023 Maui wildfire relief effort, during which Yumwoof donated $30,000 worth of air-dried dog food to feed thousands of displaced dogs following the disaster.

The Yumwoof Dog Food Pantry aims to prevent families from choosing between feeding their pets and meeting other essential needs during tough times, particularly as climate-related disasters increase. The program targets families who have lost their homes or face critical financial situations.

"We created this program to help in a meaningful way," the founders stated, citing concerns about the wealth gap and growing climate crisis as driving factors behind the initiative.

Gott Pet Products
Gott Pet Products donates to state humane society

Based in St. Francis, Wisconsin, Gott Pet Products, the company behind Charlee Bear dog treats and Hound & Gatos pet food, partners with shelters and rescues across the country through its online donation request program, which allows them to easily request product donations.

The company also has a longstanding relationship with the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS), supporting their events, providing product donations and serving on their board to help guide the organization’s future. Most recently, Gott Pet Products helped sponsor Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s first public downtown dog park, creating a welcoming space for dogs to run, play and connect with their community.

“At Charlee Bear, we recognize that our success is closely tied to the communities that support us,” said Peter Gottsacker Jr., supply chain director. “Giving back is our way of expressing gratitude and contributing to a cause that aligns with our values. Pets are at the center of family life, and families form the foundation of strong communities. That’s why we remain dedicated to supporting organizations that nurture and strengthen the bond between people and their pets.”

Petsense marks milestone with shelter donations, veteran support

Petsense by Tractor Supply celebrated its 20th anniversary in September with nearly $1 million in donations to local animal shelters and a new partnership with K9s For Warriors, which provides service dogs to veterans with PTSD.

"From day one, Petsense by Tractor Supply has been part of the communities we serve, helping families care for their pets and partnering with local shelters and organizations to find them the loving homes they deserve," said Neil Tenzer, senior vice president of Petsense by Tractor Supply.

The celebration included "20 Deals for 20 Years" promotions throughout September, with discounts on pet food and supplies, weekly in-store giveaways, social media contests and local adoption events at participating locations.

RAWZ

RAWZ donates all profits to charity

For RAWZ Natural Pet Food, philanthropy is the foundation upon which the company was built. The decision to donate 100% of profits stems from deeply personal experiences that transformed how the founding family viewed both business and giving back.

"Giving back has been at the heart of our company since day one," explained Janet Scott, owner. "After selling our previous company, Wellness, and following the life-changing accidents of both our sons, our family wanted to create something that would truly make a difference. That is why we founded RAWZ in 2015 to give back while providing the highest quality nutrition for dogs and cats."

The company's unique business model directs all profits, after taxes and reserves, toward four primary charitable causes that reflect both the pet food industry's mission and the founders' personal journey. RAWZ supports cat and dog rescue organizations, provides funding for service dog programs, and contributes to spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury causes.

Veterinary FormulaVeterinary Formula supports shelters, animal welfare

For SynergyLabs, the parent company behind pet care brands Veterinary Formula and Dental Fresh, corporate philanthropy centers on active engagement with animal welfare organizations through product donations, financial support, volunteer work and direct community involvement.

"At SynergyLabs, giving back is about more than business – it's about doing right by pets and the people who love them," said Hayley Campbell, community and social media manager for Veterinary Formula.

Supporting shelters, rescues and community initiatives represents the company's commitment to ensuring more pets receive opportunities for healthy, happy lives. "It's not just about products – it's about showing up, lending support, and building stronger pet communities," she said.

SynergyLabs has donated funds and products to shelters, rescues and crisis relief efforts, ranging from wildfire and flood relief to local adoption drives. Team members have volunteered in-person at facilities like Abandoned Pet Rescue, where employees cleaned kennels, upgraded facilities and spent time with animals awaiting adoption.

The company also sponsors community events including the VCA Walk for the Animals, Woofstock and school fundraisers that connect communities while raising awareness for pet health. Additionally, SynergyLabs provides direct resources to shelters, including veterinary equipment donations that improve daily care capabilities for animals.

"Everything we do is rooted in the belief that healthier pets lead to happier homes,” Campbell said. “We want to make that possible for as many families as we can.”