The "Passion For PAWS" pet food and supplies drive is ongoing across Yolo County through Dec. 31, supporting local food insecure seniors and their furry companions, as part of Meals on Wheels Yolo County's ongoing MOW PAWS - Pets and Well Seniors program.
"Pet food, like everything else, is expensive, but Chiquita is my baby," shared MOW Yolo meal recipient Frank Valenzuela, a widower from Woodland. "Even though the food is expensive. I will do anything for my baby Chiquita."
A part of MOW Yolo's annual "Season For Seniors" campaign, the "Passion For PAWS" drive is intended to advance MOW PAWS' year-round impact, recognizing the important role that a pet often plays in relieving isolation for mobility-limited, homebound seniors, as well as the fiscal burdens that can be incurred by these older adults to care for their pets.
If pressed to choose, MOW Yolo has discovered that many seniors will prioritize their pets' nutrition ahead of their own.
"More than 50 local seniors, such as Frank, and their 90-plus pets, such as Chiquita, currently depend upon the MOW PAWS program for pet food and supplies," MOW Yolo Programs Manager Kathy Tuel explained. "These deliveries are crucial not only for the pets' well-being, but also for maintaining the human-animal bond, which is essential for the social health and emotional support of these seniors."
Now available to MOW Yolo home-delivered meals recipients in Woodland, Davis, West Sacramento and Winters, expansion of the MOW PAWS program to serve isolated seniors and pets in rural Yolo County is planned for early 2026, according to Tuel, and will be possible with a successful "Passion For PAWS" food and supplies drive.
Donations of unopened dog and cat food and treats, leashes, collars and other essential supplies are invited, with drop-off locations available through the year's end in Woodland, Davis, Winters and West Sacramento. More details, as well as the opportunity to offer monetary gifts to accelerate "Passion For PAWS," are available at https://mowyolo.org/s4s (please scroll to the second half of the web page).
Additionally, if you operate a local business and are inspired to host a "Passion For PAWS" donation bin, please contact Tuel at [email protected] or 530-662-7035.
MOW PAWS initiated last February, thanks to founding sponsor Cat Tales Feline Health Center in Davis, with further support from Meals on Wheels America. To learn more about MOW PAWS, please visit https://mowyolo.org/nutrition-access/pets-and-seniors/ or call 530-662-7035.
Shelter seeks food donations
As many local families face financial strain and reductions of SNAP benefits, Yolo County Animal Services (YCAS) is launching a countywide pet food donation program to help ensure that pets stay healthy, fed and with the families who love them. The initiative will run through the end of 2025 and will distribute donated pet food to residents in need across Yolo County.
"Now more than ever, our community needs your support," YCAS Director Stephanie Amato. "No one should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets. Pet food insecurity is an often-overlooked part of community wellbeing.
"By coming together, we can make a real difference for our neighbors and their animals during these challenging times," Amato added. "Every donation, no matter the size, helps keep families together and ensures that local pets receive the care and nutrition they deserve."
Donation bins will be located in participating businesses throughout Yolo County. Current drop-off locations include PetSmart in Davis and Pet Supplies Plus in Woodland. Residents also may drop off donations directly at YCAS, located at 2640 E. Gibson Road in Woodland. Those who prefer to give online can donate through YCAS's Amazon and Chewy wishlists at www.YoloShelter.org/donate.
YCAS is also seeking volunteers to help collect donations from drop-off sites and support distribution to families and community partners.
Residents interested in volunteering this holiday season may email at [email protected]. Yolo County-based businesses interested in hosting a donation bin or participating in the drive are encouraged to contact [email protected].