"We are welcoming them to come, if they are struggling to feed their pets right now," said Justina Calgiano of Providence Animal Center, which is hosting a walk-up food pantry for dog owners.
The event is designed to help the pet community which she said is definitely feeling the effects of the pandemic, through job loss family members recently diagnosed with COVID-19.
"We've seen it most with people who are in need of pet food because they can't afford it," Calgiano said, "and also in need of low-cost surgeries and low-cost wellness care, because they can't afford the normal rates at private practices."
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In addition to the food pantry, Calgiano said PAC is also helping dog owners by providing affordable surgeries, and most recently helped a family suffering a job loss and facing a costly operation for its dog.
"Looking at a bill like that, sometimes the other alternative is to give up a pet because you can't afford the care of it," she said. "We're able to provide them with the service at a complete fraction of the cost."
The walk-up food pantry is on a first-come, first-serve basis and offers 6-foot social distancing. Face masks are required.
The event kicks off June 30 at Chester City Hall from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., and any pet owner is welcome to attend.