Pet Supermarket, a specialty pet supply retailer with over 200 locations throughout the U.S. Southeast, is actively supporting its Florida neighbors rebuilding their communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
On Friday, November 18, and Saturday, November 19, 2022, Pet Supermarket teamed up with Animal Welfare League of Charlotte Countyto distribute truckloads of food and care supplies directly to areas affected by the hurricane. Volunteers provided community members with bagged and canned pet food, toys, treats, beds, carriers, and gear for dogs, cats and small pets. Household items donated by Pet Supermarket employees, such as clothing and toiletries, were also distributed to families.
“This hurricane has wreaked havoc on our service communities along the Gulf Coast,” said Allen McClard, CEO of Pet Supermarket. “As a Florida-based organization, we’re proud to support our neighbors who’ve continued to care for pets in the face of heartbreaking loss.”
The 150-mile trek from Pet Supermarket’s corporate headquarters in Sunrise, Florida, to the Gulf Coast was made possible with the support of the retailer’s pet-industry partners, including Nulo, MidWest Homes for Pets, Petsport, Coastal Pet Products, Inc. and additional suppliers. Many of the donated food and care supplies came from these generous partners.
“After the recent hurricane devastation in Florida, we are happy to work with our community partners to deliver pet food into the neighborhoods that need it the most and bring peace of mind to pet parents knowing they will have nutritional meals for their dogs and cats,” said Michael Landa, founder and CEO of Nulo.
“Whenever a natural disaster impacts one of our communities, we are particularly struck by the plight of the pets and pet owners who endure loss, injury, displacement and a complete disruption to their lives,” said Tara Whitehead, director of marketing & communications at MidWest Homes for Pets. “We thank Pet Supermarket for making an impact and for providing the channels that allowed us to assist.”
In addition to the distribution event, Pet Supermarket supported pets and their parents by providing a truckload of food and care supplies to Gulf Coast Humane Society. The Fort Myers-based shelter is ensuring these donations reach community members through daily deliveries and events at its headquarters.
Pet Supermarket’s local communities joined the relief efforts, as well. From Thursday, October 13 to Monday, October 31, 2022, visitors to all Pet Supermarket locations showed their support for displaced pets and their caretakers by providing monetary donations of their choosing at checkout. Proceeds have been evenly split among four rescues and shelters along Florida’s Gulf Coast:
- Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County (Port Charlotte, Florida)
- Cape Coral Animal Shelter (Cape Coral, Florida)
- Gulf Coast Greyhound Adoptions (Tarpon Springs, Florida)
- Gulf Coast Humane Society (Fort Myers, Florida)
In addition to monetary donations, Pet Supermarket stores in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach collected bagged and canned pet food from generous customers that have since been provided to pet parents in need or Gulf Coast shelter partners.
The fundraising and relief efforts are part of Pet Supermarket’s Lend A Paw charitable giving initiative, which has raised over $750,000 in the last year for local rescues and shelters. For more information on Pet Supermarket, visit www.petsupermarket.com/hurricane-ian-2022.
ABOUT PET SUPERMARKET
Pet Supermarket is a one-stop shop offering a broad selection of premium pet food, supplies and services sold by trained professional staff who provide knowledgeable and friendly assistance. Pet Supermarket has over 200 locations equipped to provide pet parents with the convenience to shop locally in a community-oriented and welcoming environment. In addition, Pet Supermarket’s robust e-commerce experience includes standard and same-day delivery. To learn more about Pet Supermarket, visit www.petsupermarket.com.
