Long Island Cares And Senate Majority Leader Flanagan Join Together To Protect Local Pets

New York Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) is once again joining forces with Long Island Cares to provide assistance with the organization’s annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge.  This yearly event helps restock the organization’s pet pantry to assist struggling Long Island families care for their pets.

Baxter’s Pet Pantry, which was created by Long Island Cares in partnership with the Animal Relief Fund Inc. (ARF) in 2009, helps provide pet owners throughout Long Island with access to the supplies their animals need.  The pantry collects pet food, toys, pet clothes and other supplies for all types of family pets including dogs, cats, fish, birds and others.

As part of the pet food drive, Senator Flanagan’s office will serve as a collection site for Long Island Cares through Friday, April 27^th.  Residents can drop off pet supply donations at Senator Flanagan’s Smithtown district office, which is located at 260 Middle Country Road, during normal business hours.

According to Long Island Cares, the most needed items are:

• 5 or 10 pound bags of dog and cat food – though they do accept larger bags as well
• Canned food for dogs and cats
• Kitty Litter
• Dog and Cat Treats
• Collars and Leashes
• Food for all pets – including reptiles, fish, ferrets, hamsters and more
• Fish Food
• Small Toys

Long Island Cares requests that all pet food be unopened and in its original packaging.

This year, in an effort to make it more convenient for residents to donate, Long Island Cares has started a Virtual Pet Food Drive Challenge to accept donations electronically.  This initiative allows donors to shop and make purchases online, with all items then being shipped directly to Long Island Cares for distribution.  Please click here to visit the Virtual Pet Food Drive Challenge and make a donation.

“In many local households, pets are an important part of the family who will not be abandoned during times of crisis.  Baxter’s Pet Pantry is an essential resource that helps families provide for their pets during times of crisis.  This yearly drive helps provide the pantry with the supplies it needs, and it our privilege to once again partner with the men and women of Long Island Cares in their ongoing effort to help our region’s families,” stated Senator Flanagan.