Food, litter, bedding, and other everyday supplies represent a significant and ongoing expense for animal shelters and rescue organizations.
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Through VFHS’s partnership with Gleaning for the World’s Pet Relief program, participating member organizations can access pallets of pet food and supplies at deeply discounted prices. VFHS then covers 50% of the pallet cost, helping members stretch their limited resources even further.
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That means more food available for animals in shelters and foster homes, more support for community pet pantries, and more organizational funding preserved for medical care, transportation, staffing, and other lifesaving needs.
A Valuable Benefit for VFHS Members
Pallets available through Gleaning for the World typically cost approximately $200 to $350, depending on their weight and contents.
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For participating VFHS Organizational Members, VFHS pays up to 50% of the cost.
1. Join VFHS
The additional 50% subsidy is available to current VFHS Organizational Members participating in Gleaning for the World’s Pet Relief program.
2. Apply through Gleaning & Access Discounted Pallets
Approved organizations can obtain pallets containing pet food, litter, and other animal-care supplies through Gleaning for the World.
Enrollment Notice: Gleaning for the World is not currently accepting new Pet Relief organization partners. New partner enrollment is expected to reopen in 2027. This pause is determined by Gleaning for the World and does not affect currently approved organizations.
3. VFHS Covers Half the Cost
VFHS pays 50% of the pallet cost, further reducing the amount paid by the member organization.
4. Put the Savings to Work
Members use the food and supplies in shelters, foster programs, rescue operations, pet pantries, and other community assistance programs.
Questions about the program? Email Gleaning for the World today to learn more
What May Be Available?
Inventory changes depending on current donations and shipments, but pallets may include:
Food and Feeding Supplies
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Dry and wet dog food
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Dry and wet cat food
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Treats
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Bowls
Shelter and Foster Supplies
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Litter and litter pans
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Crates, kennels, and carriers
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Beds, blankets, and towels
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Collars and leashes
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Toys
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Grooming and cleaning supplies
Supplies for rabbits, birds, reptiles, fish, and other companion animals may also be available. Gleaning for the World works with Greater Good Charities’ GOODS program to provide low-cost food and supplies to approved animal welfare organizations and pet pantry programs.
The impact of this program extends beyond shelter walls.
VFHS members may use available food and supplies to support:
Shelter and Rescue Animals
Affordable food and supplies reduce routine operating expenses and allow organizations to redirect more funding toward veterinary treatment, behavior support, transport, and placement.
Foster Programs
Food, litter, crates, and other supplies help reduce the financial burden placed on foster families and make fostering more accessible.
Community Pet Pantries
Food assistance can help families experiencing financial hardship continue caring for their pets rather than surrendering them to an animal shelter.
Emergency and Outreach Programs
Bulk supplies help organizations respond to cruelty cases, hoarding situations, disasters, emergency intakes, and other sudden community needs.
Gleaning for the World reports distributing 1.2 million pounds of pet food, supplies, and litter to more than 60 approved organizations since 2020.
Help Keep This Benefit Available
VFHS’s contribution is made possible through charitable support.
Donations to the Pet Relief program help VFHS continue covering half the cost of pallets purchased by member organizations. Every gift helps food and essential supplies reach shelters, foster homes, rescue programs, and pet owners across Virginia.
A contribution can help one organization feed more animals, preserve more of its operating budget, and provide support to more families in its community.