Hermitage No- Kill Cat Shelter just announced that through the Food for People's Pets program, it can provide pet food assistance to seniors, low-income or unemployed pet owners who can't afford food or cat litter.

Right now, knowing how people are stretching those budgets and love their beasts, too, this sounds like a great ideas. From the Hermitage press release:

"It's important that we do everything we can to help responsible, loving pet owners from having to surrender their pet or let their pet go hungry because of unfortunate circumstances," said Joe Sprague, Executive Director of The Hermitage. "There are pets that belong to the homeless as well, so we want to make sure those pets don't go hungry."

Pet owners must fill out an application and meet certain criteria to prove they need assistance. The "Food for People's Pets" program is part of The Hermitage's latest efforts to better serve the Tucson community and southern Arizona.

"With individual economic hardship at an all-time high, we're trying to boost our community outreach efforts and provide this free service to as many people in need as possible," said Lee Bucyk, marketing and media contact for the Hermitage. "Our pet pantry is loaded with not only cat food and litter, but dog food as well."

The pet food for the Hermitage's program is sourced from individual donors as well as branded pet food manufacturers. "We receive generous donations of food by large manufacturers such as Halo, Purina, Hills and Royal Canin," Bucyk said. "This past week we received over 800 pounds of Spots Stew as part of the Halo Holiday Kibbles Drop and in two weeks we're due to receive 5,000 cans of Friskies courtesy of Purina."

The Hermitage No-Kill Shelter accepts donations of food from individuals and manufacturers. If you'd like to donate, visit the shelter at 5278 E. 21st street during business hours, Monday-Friday 10 AM to 7 PM, Saturday-Sunday Noon- 5 PM. You can also find more information online regarding "Food for People's Pets."