1 in 5 is too many older adults feeding their pets before themselves
The need behind this work is clear. More than 1 in 5 Meals on Wheels clients report going without food so their pets can eat, and half of seniors with pets say they cannot access preventive or emergency veterinary care, most often due to cost or transportation challenges. These pressures can be overwhelming for older adults who may already be coping with isolation or depression. Community based support can make all the difference — but the list of those waiting for help is long, and that’s why your support for PetSmart Charities is essential.
Your generous donations help older adults remain in the homes and communities they know while continuing to care for the animals they love. Because of this meaningful partnership, the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets program gives grants to local providers who support seniors living on fixed incomes, managing health challenges, or facing transportation barriers — like Sharon, who can no longer drive. These providers deliver pet food and connect older adults to essential pet care resources, including veterinary care, grooming, and supplies. This support eases burdens that might otherwise put both people and pets at risk.
When Kali Mae needed eye surgery, Sharon’s limited resources would have made it impossible to get her that critical care. But thanks to a grant through the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets, Sharon’s local provider, Meals on Wheels Waco, stepped in and connected her to the veterinary support Kali Mae required. Because of this help, the two remain together — happy, healthy, and safe. “I’m blessed,” Sharon says.
A shared vision for the future
At PetSmart Charities, we are proud of our partnership with Meals on Wheels America — proud of what it has already made possible and even more hopeful about what comes next. Together, we’ve set an ambitious goal: ensuring there is a pet program provider in all 50 states by 2028. Through this effort, our grant dollars will help more seniors with pets by supporting local providers that deliver pet services. We will continue working with the Meals on Wheels America team to strengthen and sustain existing providers, expand training, foster collaboration, and build networks that help these services thrive. We’ll also share our expertise in animal welfare and community partnerships to create resources, tools, and mentorship for new programs as they launch.
Every milestone reflects the generosity of donors and supporters who believe — as we do — that helping pets and people stay together strengthens entire communities. Supporting the human animal bond eases loneliness, preserves companionship, and helps older adults remain independent with dignity and love. That kind of impact is worth investing in, and it is only possible because caring people continue to show up for pets and the people who cherish them.
To support more moments of connection, care and hope for pets and the people who love them, visit: petsmartcharities.org/donate
- Research conducted by Meals on Wheels America with support from PetSmart Charities
Sidebar: Key Stats
- PetSmart Charities renewed its support for the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets grant program through Meals on Wheels America in 2026.
- Since the partnership began, more than 17.6 million pet meals have been delivered.
- The program supports seniors in communities across the country with a goal to reach all 50 states by 2028, including areas with high need and limited access to services.
