Pet owners in economic strife can breathe a sigh of relief — as a local organization kicked… Pet owners in economic strife can breathe a sigh of relief — as a local organization kicked off its annual “Chow Wagon” last month at Pitt.

The program Pitt’s People for Pets assists people who are in tough economic situations by helping owners to feed their pets and in doing so, avoid worries about mistreatment or malnutrition.

Pitt spokesman John Fedele said the need for the program was brought to attention by Community Human Services, an organization that operates the Oakland food pantry.  

“They told us that a number of people who use the food bank share their food with their pets or, using the few dollars that they have, buy pet food instead of food for their own personal needs,” Fedele said in an email.

The organization behind the effort, Animal Friends, which promotes animal welfare and awareness through community outreach and education programs, according to its web site.

Animal Friends tries to make certain sure pets are nourished and get to stay with their owners. The program initially began when concerned food banks came to Animal Friends, informing them that people were using the food from the food banks to feed their pets.

The Chow Wagon is in its fifth year, but this year marks the first time Pitt is involved. Animal Friends spokeswoman Jolene Miklas said she has been pleased with the University’s involvement.

“Animal Friends has been running this program for several years, but this year Pitt approached us, and we are very grateful,” Miklas said.

The “Chow Wagon” began in June and will run through July. The program has many donation sites scattered across campus.

The drive came about through the brainstorming and planning efforts of many people involved with the University, including Renny Clark, vice chancellor for community initiatives and chief of staff for Chancellor Mark Nordenberg.

“Many of these people are older, single residents who have only the companionship of their pets, so we thought a special food drive for pets would be a positive way to help the Oakland food pantry and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank meet this unique but important need,” Fedele said.

Miklas said the program’s success is due to local food banks providing food as well as donations from concerned citizens.

“We have partnered with local food banks to provide food for our clients,” Miklas said. “1,300 local pet owners depend on the Chow Wagon to feed their pets.”

Over 90,000 pounds of food have been donated since the program’s inception.

Pitt students are encouraged to participate in the program by donating food, litter or treats at one of the many donations sites on campus, including the ground floors of the Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union.  

Matt McArdle, an English major, said that he liked the program.

“It’s a good idea, because pets are a good thing. I was a big fan of Pitt’s program of having [therapy] dogs in the Cathedral. Anything that helps people take better care of their animals is good,” McArdle said.