The number one reason pets get surrendered to shelters isn't behavior problems. It isn't allergies. It isn't moving somewhere that doesn't allow animals.
It's money. People who love their pets and want to keep them can't afford to feed them. So they give them up. The pet goes to a shelter. The family loses the one companion that was helping them get through a hard time.
The Pongo Fund was built to stop that from happening.
It's Oregon's pet food bank — free, high-quality dog and cat food for anyone in honest need. No income verification. No judgment. You need food for your pet, they get you food for your pet. They've served over 40 million meals and helped more than 244,000 animals stay home with families who love them.
The network they've built is extraordinary. Dozens of organizations rely on them — Oregon Food Bank, Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, Meals on Wheels, Central City Concern, the Union Gospel Mission, and many more. When you're a senior on a fixed income, or a veteran, or homeless, or unemployed, and you're trying to hold on to the dog that's keeping you sane — Pongo Fund is who these organizations call.
If you're not in Oregon, the site can still help. They maintain resources and referrals for pet food banks and assistance programs across the country. Search by your state and find what's available near you.
And if you're in a position to give — they accept donations, food drives, and volunteers. Every dollar goes directly to food. The overhead is minimal. The impact is documented and real.
Nobody should have to give up a pet because they ran out of money.
That's the whole idea.