When families hit hard times, the family pet is usually the first to go. A group of local volunteers at Pet Buddies is providing the help families need to keep their four-legged friends at home.
Heather Koehler of Pet Buddies says they stock all kinds of pet food for kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs.
In the same way that food pantries help feed people who are going through a rough time, Pet Buddies is a food pantry for pets.
"We donate to families that have fallen on hard times, and also to seniors and veterans that are really considering giving up their pets," said Dee McGowan of Pet Buddies.
The volunteers at Pet Buddies don't just help with food, but supplies and vaccinations too. To qualify, families have to show proof of income eligibility.
The goal is to keep pets out of shelters and home where they belong.
"A lot of these people, this is their only family, are their pets. And if we can help keep those families together and out of local shelters in Atlanta, then we've done our job," said McGowan.
