Frequently Asked Questions

What primary services do you offer?

Lucy’s Pet Pantry’s food assistance program provides essential support to pets and their families in need. The primary services include:

Pet Food Distribution: Supplying donated and purchased pet food for families facing financial hardship. Helping ensure pets remain healthy and stay in their loving homes.

Pet Supplies Assistance: Providing essential items like collars, leashes, bedding, and toys, depending on availability.

Special Diet Support: Offering prescription and non-prescription diets when possible for pets with specific health needs.

Temporary Food Aid: Offering up to 5 months of food assistance to give families time to get back on their feet.

By keeping pets nourished and families supported, Lucy's Pet Pantry helps reduce the number of pets surrendered to shelters while strengthening the bond between people and their furry friends.

Who do you help?

Animals: By providing food and supplies, we help keep pets healthy, happy, and in their loving homes. We aim to reduce the number of pets surrendered to shelters due to financial hardships.

People: Families and individuals facing financial difficulties, including those who are: Unemployed (temporarily or permanently) Underemployed Retired or on fixed incomes (e.g., Social Security) Physically or mentally disabled Homeless or living in non-traditional housing (e.g., camps, shelters)

The Community: By keeping pets in their homes, we help reduce the burden on shelters and rescue organizations. We also promote responsible pet ownership through education and support, fostering a healthier community for both people and animals.

Who are your typical clients?

All Backgrounds: People of all ages (18+), races, and marital statuses. Our services are inclusive and available to anyone in need.

Financial Hardship Situations: Temporarily Unemployed: Individuals or families struggling due to a recent job loss or financial setback.

Permanently Unemployed: Those unable to work and in need of long-term assistance.

Underemployed:
Families or individuals working but unable to make ends meet.

Retired Individuals: Seniors on Social Security or other limited/fixed incomes.

Health-Related Challenges: People living with physical or mental disabilities who may have difficulty affording pet care.

Unhoused or Non-Traditional Living Situations: Homeless individuals or families living in shelters, camps, or temporary housing who wish to keep their pets.

Pet Owners with Special Needs: Clients who may need prescription diets or other specific pet care assistance due to health or dietary requirements for their animals. 

How do you help?

Pet Food Assistance:  We provide up to 5 months of food assistance to help families get back on their feet. Food is donated by individuals or purchased at wholesale prices, allowing us to meet the needs of as many families as possible.

Pet Supplies Beyond food: Collars and leashes Bedding Toys Bowls Supplies are based on donations and availability.

Special Diet Needs: If pets have specific dietary requirements, including prescription or non-prescription diets, we try to provide the necessary food whenever possible (not guaranteed).

Temporary Delivery Assistance: In certain cases, such as for elderly, disabled, or veteran clients, we offer delivery of supplies to make sure their pets get what they need.

Educational Support:  We promote responsible pet ownership through community outreach and education. This includes raising awareness about the importance of spaying/neutering and humane solutions for stray and feral animals.

How do clients find us?

Social Media: 
Follow us on Facebook: @LucysPetPantry
Follow us on Instagram: lucyspetpantry
Our social media is regularly updated with information on food distribution dates, events, and services like the Neuter is Cuter program.

Direct Contact:
Call Us: Clients can reach us at (641) 521-5892 for questions or assistance.
Email Us: We’re available at lucyspetpantry@gmail.com for inquiries, applications, and updates.

Community Outreach:
Flyers, posters, and announcements in local businesses, veterinary offices, and community centers spread the word about our services.

Word of Mouth:
Many clients hear about us through friends, family, or neighbors who have used our services. Our partnerships with local organizations and veterinarians help connect those in need with our services.

Events and Programs:
Clients often learn about us through events like food distributions, TNR initiatives, and community workshops. Our outreach efforts during events highlight our programs and how we can help.

Online Presence:
Information about Lucy’s Pet Pantry is available on our website and through search engines. Applications and service details can be requested online.

Where do clients pick up their supplies?

Designated Pickup Locations:
Supplies are distributed at different locations throughout Jasper County. Specific locations and times are announced one week prior to distribution on our Facebook page and through direct communication with clients.

Notification for Pickup:
Clients are notified via phone/text or email when their supplies are ready for pickup.

Delivery Options:
For eligible clients, such as the elderly, disabled, or veterans, delivery services may be arranged to ensure they receive the supplies they need.

Missed Pickups:
Clients must attend their designated pickup day to receive their supplies. Missing two consecutive pickups may result in being dropped from active status to allow us to assist other families in need.

What does the application process involve?

1. Requesting an Application
Applications can be:
Requested by phone at (641) 521-5892.
Requested by email at lucyspetpantry@gmail.com.
Downloaded directly from our website.

2. Filling Out the Application
Clients must fill out the application completely and provide accurate information. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

3. Required Documentation
Clients must include the following with their application:
Photo ID and Proof of Address: A photocopy is acceptable for mailed applications.
Phone Number or Alternate Contact: In case their primary number becomes inactive.
Proof of Spay/Neuter: Documentation from a veterinarian (if applicable).
Special Needs Documentation (Optional): If the pet requires special diets, include veterinary notes or proof.

4. Submitting the Application
Completed applications can be submitted via:
Email: lucyspetpantry@gmail.com
In person during designated intake events (as announced).

5. Signing and Dating
Applications must be signed and dated by the client. The application date determines when clients become active in the program.

6. Processing the Application
Once the completed application is received, it is reviewed by our team. Clients are added to the waiting list if immediate assistance is not available.

7. Emergency Assistance
Clients may be eligible for emergency food assistance while on the waiting list. Emergency supplies are limited and may differ from regular distributions.

8. Follow-Up and Contact
Clients may call once to check the status of their application. Repeated calls can delay processing, as our volunteers are working hard to assist everyone.

Important Notes
Two attempts will be made to contact clients by phone/email regarding their application. If unsuccessful, the client will no longer be eligible and must reapply. Lucy’s Pet Pantry reserves the right to inspect homes or meet pets before accepting an application.

How long does it take to get help?


·        Once Lucy’s Pet Pantry has the completed and signed application, the client is added to the waiting list.

·        Emergency food may be available, call if you have an emergent need.

o   Clients may receive emergency assistance once while they’re on the waiting list.

o   Emergency supplies may be less or different than what a client will receive once they’re active.

·        If you want to call to check the status of your application, please call no more than once.

o   Repeated calls prevent our volunteers from doing the work that moves the process along.