The ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States organize second lifesaving delivery of pet food to dogs in isolated Alaska Villages impacted by COVID-19

NEW YORK CITY AND WASHINGTON (June 10, 2020) – The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ®) and the Humane Society of the United States collaborated on the urgent delivery of a second shipment of 8,000 pounds of dog food to remote Alaska Native villages that are in dire need of food for hundreds of dogs. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact food supply in Alaska, the community is close to depleting their dog food supply since first receiving an emergency shipment from the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States in April 2020.  

Just as the team organized for the delivery in April, the ASPCA arranged a flight from Seattle to Bethel, Alaska, to transport and deliver the additional five pallets of food to the dogs in need. The Humane Society of the United States purchased the food from Firstfruits Feeds in Redmond, Washington, which agreed to order and sell the pet food at cost, and owner Tim Matts delivered the second shipment of approximately 8,000 pounds of dog food directly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. From there, the lifesaving food was loaded onto a flight funded by the ASPCA and flown to Bethel, where Bethel Friends of Canines will distribute it to remote villages.

The community receiving the pet food is part of the Humane Society of the United States’ Pets for Life program, which brings veterinary services, pet food and supplies to underserved communities, and the ASPCA’s Northern Tier Shelter Initiative, which works to improve the quality of life for companion animals by addressing the immediate needs of the region’s vulnerable animal populations through consultations, trainings and grant funding.

Bethel Friends of Canines is the Pets for Life mentorship partner operating the program locally. The villages they serve are in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and are accessible only by plane or boat. Delivering pet food has been particularly challenging during the COVID-19 outbreak due to limited supply and dwindling transportation options. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the ASPCA again to deliver life-saving food to these remote villages. The pandemic makes access to pet food even more challenging in isolated areas,” said Amanda Arrington, senior director of Pets for Life at the Humane Society of the United States. “Providing support to Bethel Friends of Canines during these difficult times so that they can serve the people and pets in the region is something we are very happy to be able to do.”

“As the disastrous pandemic continues, so do the needs of communities to protect their animals, especially in distant hard-to-reach locations,” said Lou Guyton, vice president, Relocation & Placement, Shelter Outreach for the ASPCA. “We’re very proud to collaborate again with our partners on bringing vital pet food to remote Alaskan villages that rely on their animals for comfort and support.”

About the HSUS
Founded in 1954, the Humane Society of the United States and its affiliates around the globe fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals. Together with millions of supporters, the HSUS takes on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries, and together with its affiliates, rescues and provides direct care for over 100,000 animals every year. The HSUS works on reforming corporate policy, improving and enforcing laws and elevating public awareness on animal issues. More at humanesociety.org.  

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