Bloomington begins holiday pet drive

The annual Bloomington Holiday Pet Supply Drive began on Thanksgiving and will last until New Year’s.

The City of Bloomington Animal Shelter is asking for donations of cat litter, bedding, toys, treats and canned food. Treats and toys for cats, dogs and rabbits are accepted, animal shelter intern Chelsea Alexander said.

“We would be more than happy to take any towels, blankets, sheets or rugs. Those are really great to put in the kennels,” Alexander said.

The donation boxes were delivered last week to numerous locations including three Kroger stores, T&T Pet Food Supply, City Hall, Bloomingfoods east, American Rental, the IU Biology Department, the Dog House, White River Co-op and K-Mart east.

“We care about all members of our community, and that includes our animal friends,” Tom Zeta, Bloomingfoods East store manager, said. “A lot of our customers care about the animal shelter and our animal friends, and it makes us a good fit.”

A wish list of the requested items is attached to the donation boxes at their various
locations.

The animal shelter feeds the animals a specific diet. However, they still accept donations of pet food for their food bank program, which is available to those who can’t afford food for their pets.

Donations can be dropped off at any donation locations or at the animal shelter during regular business hours.

The Holiday Pet Supply Drive is important for various reasons, Alexander said. The shelter goes through some supplies fast, such as blankets and bedding, so it always needs more.

“It’s a way to ensure we get this next year ready for a good start,” Alexander said.

Alexander said this program helps make sure the shelter has enough supplies to take care of the animals.

“It’s usually just a good time to do it because around Christmas season is when people are really more motivated to get involved with things like this,” Alexander said.

— Mary Hauber