A PET charity has teamed up with a foodbank to provide aid to owners struggling to feed their animals.

Blue Cross has partnered with Andover Foodbank to provide food to pet owners who might not be able to afford to feed their animals due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The pet charity’s shop on Andover’s High Street is seeking donations of dog, cat and kitten food, as well as food for small animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters which will then be distributed to needy families through Andover Foodbank.

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Shop manager Paula Plain said: “Here at Blue Cross we’ve heard stories of owners going without food themselves to cover the cost of feeding or caring for their pets and are aware that for some people their pets are their only companions and link to the outside world.

“No pet should have to go hungry, and no one should have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets.

“Pets are part of the family and that’s why we’ve teamed up with our local foodbank to help people to keep their family together.

“Your donations will help families who have nowhere else to turn.”

Andover Foodbank manager Jenny LeLean said: “The current economic situation means many local people are having to make difficult decisions as to whether to heat, eat or miss paying important bills.

“For some, to continue caring for a pet as well will seem like an impossible option, yet pets can be so important for their well-being, especially when times are hard. 

“Your donations will mean that people won’t have the worry about how to feed their pet too, thank you.”

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Cllr Iris Anderson added: “This is an excellent idea for people to be able to keep their pets as they are our best friends and a great companion to the elderly people.

“So please donate if you can; every little makes a difference to someone owning a pet that is able to keep them.”

Donations of pet food can be dropped off at the Blue Cross charity shop.

For more information or to make a donation online, visit bluecross.org.uk/GivePetFood.

If you need support from Andover Foodbank, you will need to get a referral from one of its partner agencies, such as Test Valley Citizens Advice which can be contacted on 01264 723641.

For other options and more information, visit the Andover Foodbank website at andover.foodbank.org.uk.