To keep pets with their families, we had to start “Thinking Outside the Shelter.”
Our “Thinking Outside the Shelter” program sprung up to ensure that animals could stay with their families and avoid coming into any animal shelter (not just ours).
If someone called and said they needed to surrender their pet because they just couldn’t feed them right now, we’d ask “Well… if you had food for them, would you be able to keep them?” and a lot of times the answer was a resounding “Yes!” Temporary income insecurity shouldn’t be a barrier to loving and caring for a pet, so we decided to eliminate that barrier.
Instead of putting the animal, their owner, and the shelter system through strain, we figured it’d be easier to just… give them the food they needed right now. Seems simple, right? We thought so. So we started doing it in 2008 and haven’t looked back.
Today, the things we do that fall under our “Thinking Outside the Shelter” program continue to keep animals in their homes with the families that love them. It’s a win-win-win for everyone.
How it works:
- Fill out the Pet Food Bank × Mini Clinic Request form, and if you have any questions, call us at 713-863-9835.
- A member of our team will follow up with you via phone to get your scheduled.
- Bring some form of ID so we can log the service.
- We do not require proof of income or residency to receive pet food from the food bank or services from the mini clinic. ‘Need’ isn’t zip code or income based, so we aren’t either.
- When you arrive for your pre-scheduled appointment, call our team to let them know you’ve arrived.
- If you’re animals aren’t spayed/neutered (fixed), show us that you’re making an effort to have the procedure done (and let us know if you need help with getting them fixed!).
REALLY IMPORTANT NOTE!
All food bank distribution and mini clinic services are provided by APPOINTMENT ONLY!
Please don’t come to the shelter without having an appointment as we may not be able to get you in.
If you need assistance, fill out the form online so we can get you scheduled for an appointment. If you have any questions please call us (713-863-9835).
Pet Food Bank
The Friends For Life Pet Food Bank opened officially in 2008, making it Houston’s longest-standing pet food bank.
It is not only our mission, but our honor, to be a part of the community. Over the years, this pet food bank has kept thousands of animals in their homes and averted them from coming into any shelter (not just ours!). Over the years, we’ve distributed more than 70 tons of food. Because, let’s face it, sometimes we all need a little help from our friends. We have learned that help can make all the difference in keeping a family together.
Our pet food bank is entirely donor funded by the generosity of the #FFLArmy.
We accept any brand, size, style, etc. of food into the food bank. (We do not accept open or expired food.)
Mini Clinic Wellness Services
The Friends For Life Mini Clinic provides at-cost vaccinations and preventatives to owned pets. The program is designed to keep animals healthy and cared for when traditional veterinary resources are inaccessible.
The Mini Clinic offers:
- FVRCP Vaccine (Cats)
- FIV/FeLV Test (Cats)
- DA2PP Vaccine (Dogs 6+ weeks old)
- Bordetella Vaccine (Dogs 2+ months old)
- Heartworm Test (Dogs 6+ months old)
- Round and Hookworm Treatment (Cats and dogs)
- Flea Preventative (Cats and dogs)