WORCESTER COUNTY—For Kanielys López, a devoted Worcester County pet owner, the monthly visit to Central MA Pet Pantry has become essential.
“Vet bills have gotten more expensive, and making sure my dog has all the right shots can be expensive too,” López said, echoing a challenge faced by hundreds of local families trying to care for pets amid rising costs.
The global pet food market is booming, valued at $130.8 billion in 2024 and projected to reach nearly $193 billion by 2033. “I believe the price of pet food has gone up because the price of human food has gone up,” said Fuzzy Pants Pet Stop in a statement to the Worcester Guardian.
Skyrocketing demand, stretched resources
Locally, Second Chance Animal Services in Southbridge reports a 484% increase in families needing help. In just four years, they’ve grown from supporting 3,495 pets in 2021 to serving over 16,000 across 20 pantries—more than 1,400 pets each month. To keep up, the nonprofit has launched a capital campaign to double the size of its pet food pantry.
With the ASPCA estimating the average annual cost of pet care at over $1,300 per dog and $1,100 per cat, the burden is real. “The number of people I have seen posting on social media looking for support in affording care for their animals is alarming,” said Worcester resident Cara Tsombakos-Mansfield. “I have had to budget very carefully for these expenses and have significantly less funds for my own needs/activities.”
Second Chance Chief Development Officer Lindsay Doray warned of a growing crisis. “Look what’s going on right now in Worcester, and it’s not even winter yet,” she said. “There’s a lot more animals being surrendered because of medical issues, and there’s no spaces in the shelters.”
Community support and hopes for Expansion
Local volunteers and donors are trying to fill the gap. “There’s a lot of organizations and different businesses in Worcester that have put bins at their place of business,” said Dee Bosma, a volunteer with Central MA Pet Pantry. “The Worcester refrigerators also accept donations and will contact us when they have something.”
Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato said partnering with human food pantries has helped distribute pet food more efficiently. “This is a great way to get the food to families already identified as in need,” she said.
Blancato added that the location of their Main South veterinary hospital was intentional: “There are many areas in Worcester and Worcester County that have higher rates of poverty. We know there is a great need in that area.”
Founded by Andrea Castinetti, Central MA Pet Pantry has grown from serving 200 pet owners per month to 600. “Pets are usually the last to be taken care of when people are struggling financially,” she said.
Inspired by the pantry’s success, López hopes to see more options across the city. “A lot of people are struggling with basic needs for pets,” she said. “I would love to open another pet food pantry on the other side of Worcester.”
Second Chance and Central MA Pet Pantry both hope to recruit more volunteers and expand their impact. Doray noted the work has benefits beyond just pet care. “This project is going to open up more opportunities for special needs groups,” she said. “It teaches job skills, life skills, and gives a sense of community.”
The need is urgent. Doray recounted one recent surrender: “They were devastated. They’d lost a job, were already behind on rent, and just couldn’t afford to feed her anymore.”
To donate, volunteer, or access assistance, Worcester residents can reach out to Second Chance Animal Services or Central MA Pet Pantry.
Matt Olszewski is a freelance content and news writer based in Boston, MA. In his free time, Matt enjoys running, hiking or skiing. Matt recently graduated with his MPH from Tufts University. He can be reached at mattoskier@gmail.com
