Chicago Free Pet Food Pantries: Dog & Cat Food Aid
No family in Chicago or Cook County should have to choose between feeding themselves and surrendering a dog or cat. Find local pet food banks, free dog and cat food pickup programs, litter assistance and basic pet supplies.
Need Free Dog or Cat Food Today?
Start with a program that has regular pantry hours, such as The Friendship Center, or call the closest organization below before traveling. Food, litter and pet-supply inventory changes with donations and some programs distribute only on scheduled dates.
Before You Go to a Pet Food Pantry
- Check the current hours or distribution date. Pet food programs may operate on a different schedule from the organization’s regular office hours.
- Bring identification or proof of residence if the program requires it. Requirements differ by pantry.
- Ask about registration or appointments. Some programs allow walk-ins while others require an intake form or scheduled pickup.
- Bring a sturdy bag or cart. Dry food and litter can be heavy, especially if you are using CTA or walking home.
Free Pet Food in Chicago
The Friendship Center Pet Food Pantry
2711 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625 — Lincoln Square / Ravenswood
Dog food, cat food and other pet supplies are available during the pantry’s regular shopping hours while supplies last.
- Hours: Mon 12–4 p.m.; Tue 3–7 p.m.; Thu 12–4 p.m.; Fri 12–4 p.m.
- Eligibility: Cook County residents; no ZIP-code or income requirement.
- Visits: Households may shop twice per month.
- Supplies: Pet food plus items such as litter, bowls, treats, toys or leashes when available.
PAWS Chicago Emergency Pet Food Bank
3516 W. 26th St., Chicago, IL 60623
PAWS Chicago provides emergency pet food assistance through its community-support programs. Availability and pickup arrangements can change, so contact PAWS before traveling.
- Hours: Varies; contact the program for current pickup availability.
- Phone: (773) 217-9113
- Food: Dog and cat food based on available donations.
- Access: Registration or scheduling may be required.
Anti-Cruelty Pet Food Pantry
Pet Resource Center, 519 E. 103rd St., Chicago, IL 60628
Anti-Cruelty offers free pet food pantry events and pop-up distributions with dog food, cat food and selected pet supplies while inventory lasts.
- Hours: Scheduled pantry and event dates vary.
- Schedule: Check Anti-Cruelty’s current events calendar before traveling.
- Supplies: Food and other basic pet items may be available.
Care for Real Pet Pantry
5840 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660 — Edgewater
Care for Real food-pantry clients can request dog or cat food at the Edgewater location. Pet food is generally available once per month and depends on inventory.
- Hours: Available during eligible pantry visits; check current distribution hours before visiting.
- Service area: 60626, 60640, 60645, 60659 and 60660.
- Pets: Clients register household pets; up to four pets may be added.
- Supplies: Dog food, cat food and selected pet items when available.
Nourishing Hope
Multiple Chicago food-pantry locations
Nourishing Hope distributes groceries and essential items at several Chicago locations and its current pantry protocols include pet food among items that may be distributed to clients when available.
- Hours: Vary by pantry location and distribution program.
- Pet food: Availability is donation-dependent and should not be assumed at every visit.
- Tip: Check the current pantry schedule and ask whether pet food is in stock.
North Side & Evanston-Area Pet Food Assistance
Evanston Animal Shelter Community Pet Pantry
2310 Oakton St., Evanston, IL 60202
The Community Pet Pantry provides pet food, kitty litter and toys or other supplies as available to eligible households in its service area.
- Hours: Scheduled pantry dates; check the current calendar before visiting.
- Eligibility: Proof of residence is required.
- Service area: Includes Evanston, Wilmette, Skokie, Rogers Park and Lincolnwood ZIP codes listed by the shelter.
- Phone: (847) 866-5082
West Suburban Pet Food & Supply Aid
Animal Care League — Pets & People Support Program
Oak Park, IL
Animal Care League provides pet-food and supply care packages to pet owners in Oak Park and surrounding communities through its Pets & People Support Program.
- Hours: Assistance is request-based rather than a regular walk-in pantry.
- Request limit: One assistance request per month.
- Timing: Supplies are typically distributed within two weeks of a request.
- Phone: (708) 848-8155
South Suburban Pet Food & Supply Aid
South Suburban Humane Society Pet Food Pantry
21800 Central Ave., Matteson, IL 60443
SSHS provides pet food and retention support through its Matteson Resource Center, outdoor pantry and mobile community events.
- Hours: In-shelter pantry is scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, 12–2 p.m.
- Appointment: Not required for the scheduled pantry.
- Supplies: Food, leashes, collars, tags and other items may be available.
- Phone: (708) 755-7387
Free Pet Food & Supply Pop-Ups
Tree House Humane Society Community Pop-Up Clinics
Rotating Chicago neighborhood locations
Tree House’s community pop-up clinics provide free veterinary services and may also distribute pet food, leashes and other pet-care supplies.
- Hours: Event-based; no regular walk-in pet-food pantry schedule is currently listed.
- Locations: Pop-ups rotate among Chicago neighborhoods.
- Food & supplies: Available at participating events while supplies last.
- Next events: Tree House says future community pop-up dates will be posted on its events calendar.