Tacoma pet-food bank was set to close for lack of resources. Then 2 donors stepped in
After The News Tribune reported the Puget Sound Pet Food Bank would be closing its busy Tacoma location at the end of December after nearly 13 years in operation, its president said two donors offered to pay for the nonprofit’s rent and utilities for at least five months.
“One of our benefactors learned about us and our situation from your article,” DeeDee Howe told The News Tribune on Tuesday via text. “I had received another offer prior to his and contacted our landlord to make sure the owners would agree to allow us to stay. They did.”
In December, Howe said the nonprofit would have to close its 608 S. Washington St. location Dec. 28 because donations hadn’t kept up with community demand for free pet food and supplies. The Puget Sound Pet Food Bank offers dry and wet food for dogs and cats, in addition to items like toys, collars, leashes, crates and supplements. Howe said the bank also has items for small pets like gerbils, guinea pigs and birds.
As previously reported by The News Tribune, the Puget Sound Pet Food Bank served about 270 families every month in 2024, including more than 800 pets at its Tacoma location and another in Spanaway at 21006 Mountain Highway E. In addition, the nonprofit provides pet food to temporary emergency-shelter villages, senior centers and other food banks in the area.
Howe said Tuesday the nonprofit is looking for a new place that can accommodate its growth and provide space for two other animal welfare nonprofits, Noah’s Pet Project (which provides free wellness exams and vaccinations to low-income Pierce County residents) and Pasado’s Safe Haven (which provides spay and neuter services to low-income families). The nonprofit is accepting donations in person and online.
For now, operations at the Tacoma location are not changing, Howe said. It will be open on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, in addition to Monday afternoons from noon to 3 p.m.
“People are continuing to donate food and funds. The response from the community has been amazing!” Howe said. “With our rent and utilities now covered, and the donations, we can focus on helping new and existing clients!!”
