Margie's Pet Food Pantry

Margie's Pet Food Pantry at the Vanderburgh Humane Society provides pet food to needy families who are having a temporarily difficult time feeding their pets through a request and pick up system. This helps to ensure that fewer pets in our community suffer from hunger or end up in shelters from a lack of available resources.

How it Works:

  1. Read through rules below to ensure you are eligible
  2. Apply through link below (Be sure to include all pets in the household)
  3. Once approval email is received, email [email protected]

    • Include first & last name listed on application
    • Include type of food you need (wet cat food, dry dog food, etc)

  4. You will receive an email with details once your order is ready for pick up.

Please note: Orders are fulfilled within 72 business hours (Tuesday-Saturday). Orders must be picked within 10 days of fulfillment.

 Rules:

  • Food assistance is never provided for litters of puppies or kittens or to anyone who breeds animals intentionally. If your dog or cat has a litter, we can assist you in bringing them to the shelter to be adopted.
  • Owners must provide a valid photo ID.
  • Only one (1) individual from every household/address may receive assistance, and the individual must be at least 18 years old.
  • Owners may not request specific types or brands of food. All food is donated. Please be aware that a sudden change in food may upset your pet’s stomach. VHS staff & volunteers are not responsible for this.
  • Food is distributed on a first-come first-served basis. Cat food in particular runs out very quickly.
  • You will be notified if we are out of food. Although you can request them, we often do not have items like litter and treats-food orders will be fulfilled without them.

By accepting supplies, you are agreeing with the above rules and terms for assistance.

VHS volunteers and staff reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. Our decisions are final and disrespect will not be tolerated.

The public can donate any brand of dry dog or cat food for the Pet Food Assistance program Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturdays 12:00-6:00 pm in our front lobby!

Pet Food Pantry Application

Who is "Margie?"

Margie Cox was a critical volunteer at the VHS for more than 23 years, alongside her daughter Cheri. When we look back at our recent history, it’s very difficult to imagine without Margie. In fact, she and Cheri were there the day that we moved into our current facility in June of 2004, helping move the dogs & cats in.

Margie volunteered in a variety of capacities over those years. She and Cheri fostered hundreds of litters of puppies & kittens (and their moms!) who wouldn’t have had a chance otherwise, in their personal home. 

Margie helped at events, unloaded transports, and cleaned cages when times were tough. One staff member said after she passed, “Margie was the most giving, caring, and dedicated person - she spent so much of her time focusing on things to help others. I wish I knew the number of animals that Margie & Cheri have helped us save, because it would be astronomical.”

And lastly, she was an integral part of the VHS’ pet food bank. For more than 2 decades, on the third Monday of the month, Margie was there…. Passing out pet food to our most vulnerable community members.

Now, since she passed away in February of 2024, the pet food program has been rebranded in her memory. The font in the logo is modeled after her handwriting; the dog in the logo is a Dachshund (her favorite); and the blue coloring represents the denim shirts she wore a lot. Margie was a wonderful volunteer who loved the VHS, the food bank program, and most importantly, helping people & their pets. We are proud to be able to honor her memory in this way.

Click here to make a monetary contribution to Margie's Pet Food Pantry.

Food for the pantry can be donated at the VHS front desk, no appointment needed, Tuesday-Friday 9-6 or Saturday 12-6 at 400 Millner Industrial Drive, Evansville, IN 47710.