Senator Mattera And Long Island Cares Join Together To Help Protect Pets

New York State Senator Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District) is proud to join with Long Island Cares to help protect pets throughout our region. To assist the organization’s 12th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge, Senator Mattera’s district office will serve as a collection point for pet supplies to help the charity restock Baxter’s Pet Pantry to help ensure that Long Island families in need are able to care for their pets.

Long Island Cares, in partnership with the Animal Relief Fund Inc. (ARF), created Baxter’s Pet Pantry in 2009 to help pet-owning families throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties get the supplies they need. In addition to providing pet food, the Pet Pantry offers toys, pet clothes and other pet necessities.

From now until Wednesday, May 31st, Senator Mattera's Office will be collecting pet supplies for cats, hamsters, dogs, fish, birds, ferrets and others. To make it convenient, a donation box will be at Senator Mattera's District Office located at 180 East Main Street, Suite 210, Smithtown between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Long Island Cares has stated that its most needed pet items are:

• 5 or 10 pound bags of dog and cat food
• Canned food for dogs and cats
• Dog and cat treats
• Collars and leashes
• Food For all animals including birds, fish, ferrets and hamsters
• Fish food
• Cat litter
• Small new toys
According to the organization, all donated pet food must be unopened and in its original packaging.  For health reasons, the organization will not accept opened bags, ripped bags or loose pet food.

“Anyone who has a family pet knows that they are not just animals; they are a part of the family. When a family falls on hard times, as many in our community have in the past couple of years, it is difficult for them to provide for everyone – including pets. I thank Long Island Cares for their efforts and am glad to support their efforts to help ensure that pets can stay in their homes, with their families, where they belong,” said Senator Mattera.

Please click here for additional information on Long Island Cares or Baxter’s Pet Pantry.