Meals on Wheels Programs That Also Feed Your Pet

Most Meals on Wheels programs do not feed pets, but some local branches have started pet food programs or partner with animal charities to deliver both

The national Meals on Wheels Association does not run a single unified program — instead, hundreds of local agencies operate under the Meals on Wheels name in different cities and counties. Some of these local programs have added pet food delivery or work with local animal rescues to make sure homebound seniors and disabled adults do not have to choose between eating and feeding their animals. Whether your area has this service depends entirely on which local agency serves you.

The fastest way to find out is to contact your local Meals on Wheels branch directly and ask whether they deliver pet food or know of a partner organization that does. If your branch does not offer it, they often know which animal charities in your area do. You can also call your local Area Agency on Aging — they coordinate senior services and usually know what pet food programs exist nearby.

Key Takeaways

• Meals on Wheels is run by local agencies, not a national office, so pet food programs vary by city and county.
• Some local branches deliver pet food alongside human meals, while others partner with animal rescues or food banks that do.
• Your local Area Agency on Aging can tell you which programs serve your area and whether pet food delivery is available.
• Pet food programs usually require proof that you receive Meals on Wheels and that you have a pet, but do not charge a fee.
• If your area has no pet food program, some animal rescues and food banks will deliver pet food to homebound people separately.

How to find whether your local Meals on Wheels has pet food delivery

Start by searching "Meals on Wheels near me" or "Meals on Wheels [your city name]" to find your local branch's phone number and website. Call and ask directly: "Do you deliver pet food, or do you know of a program that does?" Many branches have added this service in the last few years, but it is not always listed on their website.

If your local branch does not offer pet food delivery, ask whether they partner with any animal rescues, food banks, or pet charities. Some branches coordinate with organizations like the Humane Society, local animal shelters, or pet food banks to make sure clients' animals are fed. The staff member you speak with will often know the name and phone number of the partner organization.

If you cannot reach your local Meals on Wheels branch or want a faster answer, contact your Area Agency on Aging. You can find yours by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visiting eldercare.acl.gov. They maintain a list of all senior services in your area, including pet food programs.

What you will need to provide to receive pet food

Programs that deliver pet food typically require proof that you already receive Meals on Wheels and proof that you have a pet. Proof of pet ownership can be a veterinary record, a pet license, or even a photo of the animal. Some programs ask for the pet's name, age, and type (dog, cat, bird, etc.) so they can deliver appropriate food.

You will not pay a fee for pet food delivery — these programs are funded by grants, donations, or the same government funding that supports Meals on Wheels. The food is delivered at the same time as your regular meals or on a separate schedule, depending on how the program is set up.

Types of pet food programs available through Meals on Wheels

Direct pet food delivery is the most straightforward option. Your Meals on Wheels volunteer or driver brings pet food along with your meals, usually once or twice a week. The food is typically shelf-stable dry kibble or canned food for dogs and cats, though some programs accommodate other pets.

Partner organization delivery means your local Meals on Wheels works with an animal rescue, food bank, or pet charity that delivers pet food separately. You may receive your human meals from Meals on Wheels and pet food from a different organization on a different schedule. Both organizations will have your address and delivery information.

Voucher or pickup programs are less common but exist in some areas. You receive a voucher to trade for pet food at a local animal shelter, food bank, or pet supply store, or you pick up pre-packaged pet food at a central location. Ask your local branch whether this option is available.

What to do if your area does not have a pet food program

If your local Meals on Wheels does not offer pet food delivery and has no partner organizations, contact your local animal shelter or humane society directly. Many shelters run their own pet food banks or emergency pet food programs for low-income homebound people, even if they do not work with Meals on Wheels.

You can also search for pet food banks in your area using the Pet Food Bank Directory at foodforthepets.org or by calling 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local services). Some food banks that serve people also have pet food sections or can refer you to an organization that does.

If you cannot leave your home, ask whether the animal shelter or pet food bank offers delivery or whether a volunteer can pick up food for you. Many organizations will work with you to find a solution if you explain that you are homebound.

How pet food programs work alongside your regular Meals on Wheels service

Pet food delivery does not change how your regular Meals on Wheels service works. You will still receive your human meals on the same schedule — usually five days a week, with meals designed for older adults or people with specific dietary needs. Pet food is added to your delivery or arrives separately, depending on the program.

If pet food is delivered by a partner organization, you may have two different delivery schedules to keep track of. Write down both delivery days and times so you know when to expect food for yourself and your pet. If you miss a delivery or need to reschedule, contact the organization that handles that delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get pet food if I do not receive Meals on Wheels yet?

Most pet food programs require that you already receive Meals on Wheels, but some animal rescues and pet food banks will deliver to anyone who is homebound and low-income, regardless of whether they use Meals on Wheels. Call your local animal shelter or search the Pet Food Bank Directory to find programs that do not have this requirement.

What types of pets do these programs feed?

Most programs deliver food for dogs and cats. Some also provide food for birds, rabbits, or other small animals, but this varies by program. Ask your local Meals on Wheels or animal shelter what pets they can feed before you sign up.

How much pet food will I receive?

The amount depends on the program and the size of your pet. Some programs deliver enough food for one week, others for two weeks. Ask your local branch how much they typically provide and whether you can request more if your pet needs it.

What if my pet has special dietary needs or allergies?

Tell the program about your pet's dietary needs when you sign up. Some programs can accommodate allergies or special diets, while others have only standard kibble available. If the program cannot meet your pet's needs, ask whether they can refer you to an animal charity that specializes in pets with medical diets.

Do I have to be a senior to receive pet food through Meals on Wheels?

No. While Meals on Wheels primarily serves people over 60, some local branches also serve younger disabled adults. Ask your local branch whether you may have access to for their service. If you do not, they may still know of pet food programs that serve younger homebound people.