Most rescues, including us, would much rather see your pet stay with you than be surrendered, especially if the main difficulty is just affording food. If you’re having trouble feeding your pet, the pet food shelves below can help, and our rehoming guide covers help for vet bills, behavior and housing too.
Need Help From Rescue Network?
We’re happy to donate excess pet food to community members in need. Reach out at [email protected] if you’re struggling. Feeding a colony of outdoor cats? We don’t supply colony food, but the food shelves below can help, and our community cats page lists TNR programs.
Before you go: the details below come from each food shelf’s own website, checked in October 2026. Hours, rules and supplies change, and shelves can run low, so a quick call first saves a wasted trip. Where we couldn’t confirm something, the listing says Call first.
Need cat litter? Two listings say on their own sites that they hand it out: The Bond Between Pet Food Shelf in Minneapolis, and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society Pet Food Bank, which can’t guarantee it. Look for the Cat litter line on each listing.
Minnesota Pet-Specific Food Shelves
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Minneapolis, MNDog food, cat food and cat litter. This is the former People and Pets Together food shelf, which The Bond Between took over in 2021.
- Where
- 2501 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
- Hours
- Monday 11 am to 2 pm. Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 to 7:45 pm. Saturday 9:30 am to 1:45 pm.
- Who qualifies
- Minneapolis residents (by zip code) can shop once every 30 days, and people outside Minneapolis once every six months. It is an emergency resource for people in need because of low income, economic crisis or disability, or who are members of a First Nations Indigenous Band. Service is for one household member per address, for up to four dogs and cats in total.
- What to bring
- Evidence of need, which they ask of new and returning clients. Leave your pets at home (service animals excepted).
- Cat litter
- Yes, along with dog and cat food.
- Call first
- 952-322-7643, to ask what counts as evidence.
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Minneapolis, MNFree pet food and supplies once a month from My Pit Bull is Family, with a quick check-in about what your pets need.
- Where
- 2825 N 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55411 (its new location)
- Hours
- Tuesday and Thursday 5 to 8 pm. Saturday 11 am to 2 pm. Book an appointment, or walk in as time and supplies allow until 30 minutes before closing.
- Who qualifies
- Anyone experiencing financial stress. There are no income or residency requirements, and you can come once a month for as long as you need support.
- What to bring
- Nothing. Well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome. The visit is free, with a suggested donation that fits your budget.
- Delivery
- North Minneapolis residents who can’t get there can call or text 763-273-0710 to ask about delivery.
Minnesota Food Shelves That May Have Pet Food
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Elk River, MNElk River’s community food shelf. Pet food isn’t on its posted lists, so ask before you go.
- Where
- 12621 Elk Lake Road, Elk River, MN 55330 (use Door A)
- Hours
- By appointment. Monday and Wednesday 10 am to 1:30 pm. Thursday 4:30 to 6 pm. Friday 10 am to 12:30 pm. Appointments open 72 hours ahead, online or by phone.
- Who qualifies
- Anyone who needs it. You self-declare that your household meets the income guidelines, with no proof of income needed. One visit per calendar month.
- Call first
- 763-441-1020, to ask whether pet food is in stock.
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Princeton, MNPrinceton’s food pantry. Pet food isn’t on its posted donation list, so ask before you go.
- Where
- 120 N Rum River Drive, Princeton, MN 55371, at the back of Riverside Plaza (use the back parking lot and back door)
- Hours
- Monday 1 to 3 pm. Wednesday 3 to 5 pm. Friday 9 to 11 am. Closed when Princeton schools close for weather.
- Call first
- 763-389-7870, to ask who they serve and whether pet food is in stock.
South Dakota Pet Food Resources
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Sioux Falls, SDFree pet food for families facing financial hardship, so pets can stay home. No appointment needed.
- Where
- 3720 E Benson Rd, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- Hours
- The shelter is open Monday to Wednesday 11 am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 6 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. Closed Thursday.
- Who qualifies
- Any pet owner in the Sioux Falls area facing economic hardship. Once every 30 days, with food for up to four pets per household. Brands aren’t guaranteed, help depends on what’s on the shelves, and there is no delivery.
- What to bring
- A photo ID. Leave your pets at home.
- Cat litter
- Sometimes. Its site says it can’t guarantee litter will be available.
- Call first
- 605-338-4441, to confirm food bank pickup times and stock.
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Kyle, SDDog and cat food for community members on the Pine Ridge Reservation who can’t otherwise afford food for their pets. The Oglala Pet Project is run entirely by volunteers.
- Where
- 19980 BIA 2, Kyle, SD 57752, serving western South Dakota
- Call first
- 605-455-1518, or use their contact form. No hours are posted.
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Spearfish, SDTemporary food and supplies for families facing financial hardship, health challenges or emergencies, so pets can stay in their homes.
- Where
- 324 Industrial Dr, Spearfish, SD 57783
- Hours
- The shelter is open 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, closed Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Call first
- 605-642-1576 or [email protected], which is how they ask you to get started.
National & Search Tools
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NationalEnter your zip code to find the food banks near you and the pantries they supply, then ask those pantries whether they stock pet food.
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NationalPet food and emergency vet care for pets of people experiencing homelessness, and for veterans who need help caring for a pet.
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NationalA map of pet food and supply providers across the country. They recommend calling first to make sure supplies are on hand.
For Rescues and Food Shelves
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Maple Grove, MNNot open to the public. Approved nonprofits (rescues, shelters, sanctuaries and food shelves with 501(c)(3) status) apply for donated pet food through its GOODS program. There is a waiting list, food is picked up in the Minneapolis area, and nothing ships.
Other Places to Check
- Your local food shelf. Many will offer pet food when supplied. If they know there’s a need, they can sometimes get supplies.
- Local humane societies and rescues. Many will gladly part with excess pet food when community members need it.
- Veterinary clinics. Some keep prescription food samples or can connect you with manufacturer assistance programs.
Pet Food Shelf Questions
What is a pet food shelf?
A pet food shelf, sometimes called a pet food bank or pet pantry, gives free dog and cat food, and sometimes litter and supplies, to people who are struggling to afford it, so their pets can stay home with them.
Where can I find a pet food shelf near me?
In Minneapolis, The Bond Between Pet Food Shelf and the North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center are both just for pets. In South Dakota, try the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, the Western Hills Humane Society in Spearfish or the Oglala Pet Project on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Anywhere else, ask your local food shelf, or search Feeding America’s food bank finder and the Pets of the Homeless locator.
Where can I get free cat litter?
The Bond Between Pet Food Shelf in Minneapolis hands out cat litter along with dog and cat food. The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society Pet Food Bank says it can’t guarantee litter, so call 605-338-4441 first. The other shelves on this page don’t mention litter on their own sites, so ask when you call.
Do I need to prove my income?
It depends on the food shelf. The North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center has no income or residency requirements, and CAER Food Shelf asks you to self-declare. The Bond Between asks for evidence of need, and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society asks for a photo ID.
How often can I get pet food?
Many of the shelves on this page allow one visit a month. The Bond Between serves Minneapolis residents once every 30 days and people from outside Minneapolis once every six months, and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society helps each household once every 30 days.
Can Rescue Network help with pet food?
We’re happy to donate excess pet food to community members in need. Email [email protected] and tell us what you need.
What if I can’t keep my pet?
Talk to us before you surrender. Our rehoming guide covers help for vet bills, behavior and housing, and our financial assistance page lists help with vet costs.
Can I donate pet food?
Yes, to the shelves themselves. The North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center takes unopened, unexpired pet food in a donation bin in its parking lot during open hours, and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society takes unexpired dog and cat food in the original bag. To help Rescue Network’s animals, use our Amazon and Chewy wishlists.