Free Pet Food Assistance for Jackson County

When finances get tight, pets shouldn't be the first thing to go. CHS's Pet Food Pantry program provides free supplemental pet food to Jackson County residents facing financial hardship — because keeping a family together often just takes a little help.

How the Pet Food Pantry Works

The Pet Food Pantry is available to Jackson County residents who qualify based on financial need, and it runs entirely on food donations from our community. Monthly pick-up is on the first Saturday of every month from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at CHS, located at 1515 Carmen Drive in Jackson. Because the program relies on donated inventory, we cannot guarantee specific brands or that all food types will be available every month. The program is designed to supplement your household's pet food supply — not replace it entirely — so that CHS can extend help to as many families as possible. Please do not bring your pets to CHS for this program; it does not feed stray animals or feral cats.

Eligibility and Application Terms

To participate, you must be a Jackson County resident experiencing financial hardship, and your pets must be spayed or neutered before your first pick-up. Bring a valid form of identification and documentation of financial need — a WIC card, Bridge card, SSD card, Medicaid card, or other qualifying document — each time you come in for food. Proof of spay/neuter from a licensed veterinarian is also required.



  • One application per household; coverage includes a maximum of 2 dogs and 2 cats — no animals can be added during the 6-month eligibility period
  • Once approved, you may pick up supplemental food once every 30 days for 6 months, after which eligibility is reviewed
  • Participants in the Pet Food Pantry program are not eligible to adopt from CHS for a period of six months after discontinuing program use
  • Proof of Jackson County residency is required at enrollment, and proper identification must be presented at every pick-up
  • Participation may be revoked at the discretion of CHS

How to Support the Pet Food Pantry

This program exists because of donations from people in Jackson County who want to help their neighbors keep their pets. CHS accepts donations of any brand of dry or wet pet food and cat litter in its original packaging. Food donations are collected from Pet Supplies Plus, Target, Walmart, and the general public — if you'd like to contribute, drop off donations at 1515 Carmen Drive during open hours or consider a monetary donation to help fund future purchases.

Donate Food

Donate dry or wet dog or cat food in its original, unopened packaging — any brand is accepted

Donate Litter

Donate cat litter in its original, unopened packaging

Monetary Donation

Make a monetary donation through our Give page to help CHS purchase food when donated inventory runs low

Lost & Found Questions, Answered

  • What should I do first if I find a stray animal in Jackson County?

    Check the animal for ID tags and contact the owner if information is available. If there are no tags or you can't reach the owner, call Jackson County Animal Shelter at (517) 788-4464 to file a found report and contact CHS at (517) 787-7387 or adopt@chspets.org. Getting the animal scanned for a microchip is also a critical early step — CHS, the county shelter, and most local vets can perform the scan. The more reports you file and the faster you file them, the better the chances of a reunion.

  • Does Cascades Humane Society pick up stray animals?

    No. CHS does not pick up stray animals. If you've found a stray and cannot locate the owner, you can drop the animal off directly at the Jackson County Animal Shelter at (517) 788-4464. You should also file a report with CHS so we have a record on file in case the owner reaches out to us.

  • Where should I look if my pet is missing in Jackson, Michigan?

    File reports with CHS and Jackson County Animal Shelter immediately, then visit the county shelter in person as frequently as possible — animals come in daily and a phone call is not a substitute for a visit. Post to Facebook groups including Lost and Found Pets of Jackson, For the Love of Louie Michigan, and Jackson Police Scanners, and put flyers up throughout your neighborhood and at local veterinary clinics, pet stores, and grocery stores. If you live near a county line, contact neighboring county shelters as well.

  • Can a microchip help reunite me with my lost pet?

    Yes. A microchip is one of the most reliable tools for reuniting lost pets with their owners. CHS, the Jackson County Animal Shelter, and most local veterinarians can scan a found animal for a microchip at no charge. If your pet is not yet microchipped, CHS offers microchipping for $25 at the time of a SNAP surgery appointment.

  • How long should I keep looking for my lost pet?

    Don't give up. Pets have been found months after they first went missing. Keep your flyers up, continue visiting the county shelter regularly, and stay active in local Facebook groups. When your pet is found, remember to take down your flyers and notify CHS and Jackson County Animal Shelter so they can update their records.