The MCHA Pet Food and Supply Pantry supports families facing temporary financial challenges for up to six months so their pets stay fed and at home. MCHA is committed to keeping pets in homes and out of shelters. In 2025, MCHA distributed more than 30,000 pounds of pet food across our community.

Program requirements allow MCHA to help more families, keep pets healthy, and prevent unwanted litters.

Pantry Hours & Location

Monday: 10 AM – 4 PM 

Tuesday-Thursday: 10 AM – 6 PM

791 South Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47403

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Monthly Food Allotment Per Pet

Cats:  

3lbs dry, 6 cans wet. 

Dogs: 

Small (<25lbs): 6lbs dry

Medium (26-50lbs): 9lbs dry 

Large/XL (>51lbs): 12lbs dry

Note: Food Allotments are for up to three pets in the household. Please be aware that due to the nature of donations, food allotments might vary based on available supplies. 

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Eligibility and Program Requirements

• Must be a resident of Monroe County.

• Must be experiencing a temporary financial hardship and in need of short term support. Assistance is available for up to six months. After six months, proof of financial need is required to continue receiving support.

• All pets must be up to date on rabies vaccinations as required by Indiana law.

• Pets must be spayed or neutered. If not, compliance is required within six months.

• Assistance is limited to up to three animals per household. The pantry is intended to supplement food needs and is not the primary food source.

• No additional pets may be adopted or acquired while receiving assistance through this program.

• Food type and quantity depend on donations. Brands may vary and could cause stomach upset. Special or prescription diets are not provided under this program.

• Pets must receive daily care, including exercise, food, fresh water, and shelter.

• Pets may not be used for breeding, fighting, or any illegal activities. Evidence or reasonable concern of abuse or neglect will result in notification of authorities and removal from MCHA programs and services.

• Food and supplies provided by MCHA may not be resold.

• All information provided must be accurate and truthful.

• Failure to follow these requirements and conditions may result in removal from the program.

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Additional Supplies

We sometimes have specialty veterinary equipment. If you need specialty items, like dog wheelchairs, ramps, pet pads, diapers, please email us. Prescription pet food is not available through the pet food pantry program. 

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Urgent Food Pantry Access Locations

Individuals with urgent needs outside of MCHA’s pantry hours may pick up food at the locations below. These sites offer prepackaged cat and dog food in 3 pound bags, limited to one bag per person. This food is intended for short term use and to bridge the gap until enrollment in MCHA’s Pantry Program can take place.

Bloomington Animal Care & Control/Bloomington Animal Shelter
3410 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401

Community Kitchen
1100 W 11th Street, Bloomington, IN 47404

Pantry 279
3609 IN-46, Bloomington, IN 47404

Van Buren Trustee
352 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47403

Bloomington Trustee
924 W 17th St, Suite C, Bloomington, IN 47401

Owen County Humane Society
2014 W Romona Rd, Spencer, IN 47460

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Why is it important to spay or neuter my pet? 

Spaying and neutering pets play a crucial role in both the well-being of the animals and the community at large. When pets are not neutered, behaviors such as urine-marking in dogs and spraying in cats are more common. These behaviors can be significantly reduced or even eliminated by timely spaying or neutering. Additionally, these procedures can help curb other unwanted behaviors such as aggression, roaming, and excessive barking. Beyond behavior, the financial benefits of spaying and neutering are also considerable. The cost of treating diseases related to the reproductive system, like reproductive system cancer or pyometra in pets, can be exorbitant compared to the more affordable spay or neuter surgeries. 

Spaying and neutering pets are critical actions that address more than just the health and behavior of individual animals; they also tackle a pressing community issue: the overpopulation of pets. Unwanted litters often result in animals that end up in shelters, putting a strain on community resources and leading to higher numbers of pets without homes. By ensuring pets are spayed or neutered, pet owners can play a direct role in reducing this overpopulation. It’s a responsible step that not only enhances the quality of life for their pets but also contributes to the broader effort of reducing the influx of animals into shelters, helping to ensure that every pet has the chance to find a loving home. 

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Why is it important that my pet receive a rabies vaccination? 

In Indiana, it is a legal requirement to vaccinate your cat or dog against rabies annually, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. This vaccination is crucial for the health and safety of your pet, protecting them from a deadly virus and also safeguarding public health by preventing the spread of rabies to humans and other animals.

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