Pet Food Pantry Application Rules

Our Pet Food Pantry helps local families care for their pets during tough times. Please read these rules carefully before applying. Following them helps us make sure we can keep helping as many pets as possible.

Top 3 Things to Know About the Pet Food Pantry

1. Follow the Rules About Pets: You must live in one of these North Carolina counties: Wake, Johnston, Franklin, Harnett, Durham, Chatham, or Granville. You can only get food for your own pets – up to 3 cats and/or dogs that you own when you apply.
   • • No adding new pets while you’re in the program.
     • All pets must be spayed or neutered within 3 months of joining.
2. Keep Up with Appointments: You need to make an appointment every month to pick up food.
   • • If you can’t make it, call or email to cancel.
     • After 3 missed appointments without notice, you may be removed from the program.
3. Reapply Every 6 Months: You have to renew your application twice a year to stay active.
   • • This helps SAFE Haven make sure we have the right info and can plan supplies fairly.

Who Can Apply

Where You Live: You must live in one of these North Carolina counties: Wake, Johnston, Franklin, Harnett, Durham, Chatham, or Granville. We have a list of cities you may live in that are included in the program. If you live outside these areas, check out this list of other helpful programs.

Income: How much money your household makes each month must be at or below the amounts listed in the chart below. Income includes Social Security, Disability, or any other money you receive, even if it doesn’t come from a job.

Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply.

Application: Each household can send in one application. Don’t worry: your personal information will not be shared.

Renewal: You’ll need to reapply every 6 months to stay in the program. This helps us keep our records up to date.

QUALIFYING CITIES INCLUDE:

🐾 Franklin County

• Bunn
• Franklinton
• Louisburg
• Youngsville

🐾 Johnston County

• Benson
• Clayton
• Four Oaks
• Kenly
• Princeton
• Selma
• Smithfield

About Your Pets

Personal Pets Only: We can only give you food for your own cats or dogs. We can’t give out food for rescue organizations, feral or community cats, or breeders.

Number of Pets: We can help with food for up to 3 pets per household. If you have more pets, we cannot provide more food.

No New Pets: We base food amounts on the pets you have when you apply. If you add new pets later, we can’t give you extra food, and you may be removed from the program.

We can’t give food or supplies to people who are in the process of adopting a pet.

Spay/Neuter Rule:
All cats and dogs must be spayed (females) or neutered (males) within 3 months of joining the program. If this isn’t done, you will be removed from the Pet Food Pantry.

Need help? SAFE Haven may be able to cover surgery for up to 3 cats through a special grant. Email us at: SHFC-PFP@safehavenforcats.org.

For dogs, here are some great low-cost options:

• • SPCA of Wake County Saving Lives Spay/Neuter Clinic in Raleigh, NC: spcawake.org/home/fix or (919) 772-0211
  • SPCA Wake’s Spay/Neuter Voucher Program, with vets in Cary, Durham, Holly Springs, Raleigh, and Wake Forest: https://spca-wake-voucher-program.myshopify.com/
  • Friends of Wake County Pit Stop Spay Neuter Assistance Program (only for Pit & Pit mix dogs): friendsofwakeanimals.org/pit-spayneuter
  • DEGA Mobile Veterinary Care: degamobilevetcare.org
  • Five County Spay & Neuter Clinic in Zebulon, NC: fivecountyspayneuter.com or (919) 269-4564
  • Paws for Life SNIF (Spay & Neuter in Franklin County): pawsforlifenc.org/spay-neuter-snif
  • AnimalKind’s Spay/Neuter Resources: animalkind.org/spaync-resources-nc or call their SPAY NC Helpline at (888) 623-4936; email: spaynchelpline@animalkind.org
  • Canine Community Outreach of NC: helpncdogs.org

Food & Supplies

Limited Supply: All food is donated, so brands and types may change each month. We’ll always do our best to share what’s available.

Supplemental Help: This food is meant to help stretch what you already have. It’s not meant to replace your pet’s full diet.

No Medications: We cannot provide medicine, flea/tick prevention, or prescription food.

Appointments & Pickups

By Appointment Only: You must have an appointment to pick up food. If you come without one, we might not have supplies ready.

Please don’t share the appointment calendar. Only approved clients may schedule pick-ups.

Pickups: You or a friend, family member, or support worker must pick up the food. We don’t offer delivery. You can come once per month.

Stay Outside for Pickups: For everyone’s safety, please stay outside the Pantry. Our team will bring your pet food to you.

Appointments & Cancellations

If You Need to Cancel: We understand that life happens! If you can’t make your appointment, call us at (919) 341-4103 ext. 4008 or email SHFC-PFP@safehavenforcats.org.

No-Show Policy: If you miss an appointment without calling/emailing:

• For the first two missed appointments, you will get a written warning
• Three missed appointments will cause your removal from the program

Spay/Neuter Appointments: If you miss a spay/neuter appointment without calling 919-872-7730 or emailing clinicinfo@safehavenforcats.org, you’ll get one warning. If you miss two spay/neuter appointments without calling, you’ll be removed from the program.

SAFE Haven for Cats may deny or stop services at any time if needed.

How to Apply >>