Better Neighbor Project Tackles Pet Food Insecurity During COVID-19
On Saturday September 12th, Michelson Found Animals Foundation partnered with State Senator Maria Elena Durazo and Central City Neighborhood Partners, to host our second Pet Pantry and Wellness Event. The event is part of our Better Neighbor Project, an MFA initiative that is tackling pet food insecurity in Southern California during the COVID-19 Crisis.
Michelson Found Animals believes that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deserves access to the joy of pets. That belief has become even more central to our mission since COVID-19 forced so many of us to stay home, see fewer friends and family, and deal with real financial struggles hitting large swaths of our community. The joy pets bring to their families is so important right now today, and we are excited to partner with local leaders to make sure families and their pets have what they need to stay together.
“It was a pleasure partnering with The Michelson Found Animals Foundation and other community organizations to provide families in our district with animal services during these challenging economic times”, said State Senator María Elena Durazo. “This community event provided much needed food, vaccines, spay and neuter services, and grooming, which for many families is out of reach at the moment.”
Our wonderful partners Home Dog LA, Bark Avenue Foundation, Downtown Dog Rescue, Spay-4-LA and The Pawlor were on-site with us to offer microchipping, vaccinations, wellness assessments, flea treatments, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, hair trimming, brushing, pet food pantry, surrender prevention services and other resources to communities in need in Downtown Los Angeles.
Together, we provided 157 pets with wellness services, and almost 200 families with pet food on this day alone.
Assemblymember Miguel Santiago also joined us at the event, reminding us that “pets are part of our families, we treat them like our kids. Events like this are critical during a pandemic. The need is absolutely out there, we want to make sure these events help the community”. Michelson Found Animals Executive Director Brett Yates also noted the significant demand – “For the second time in a row, we saw our pet wellness appointments fill up within hours of our announcing they are available. The community needs this service, and it is our privilege to help keep these families together.”
Since launching Better Neighbor Project Pet Wellness events in May, we have helped 6,972 families, with more families helped every week. For more information on upcoming community events, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for updates.
