TUCSON, Arizona – According to the Consumer Price Index, pet food prices increased 24% from 2021 to 2024.

As the cost of living continues to be affected by inflation, pet owners in Tucson are also faced with rising pet food prices, leaving many struggling to afford the cost of caring for their furry companions.

In response, the Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) has increased its support for local pet owners, ensuring that pets remain in loving families despite financial difficulties.

The organization offers community outreach events at various locations throughout the city, providing free pet food and other supplies to pet owners in need.

“People who would otherwise unfortunately have to give up their pet or keep their pet really just need a little help like food or supplies,” said Hayleigh Murdock, spokesperson for PACC. “So we try to keep these pets with their families.”

Murdock spoke about the need for such events in times of inflation.

“Pet food is expensive right now,” she said. “Having pet food can make the difference between having to wait longer for the next paycheck or not.”

PACC’s sister organization, Friends of PACC, funds the entire project and ensures that food, supplies and staff are available for the events. All food and supplies are funded through donations.

“We can only run these programs because of our community’s help,” Murdock said. “The more help we get, the more we can do.”

On a sunny Friday morning, a line of people with their pets formed around the corner from Flowing Wells Assembly of God, one of PACC’s regular community outreach events.

Tucson resident James Goodson, who attended the event, expressed his gratitude for the program despite rising costs.

“I come here to buy pet food, which is pretty expensive in the store right now,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to give them the food, and in return they give you the emotional support and love that a human being can use.”

Another attendee, Wiz, said events like this are important for people like her who are on a fixed income. She talked about her deep bond with her Chihuahua-Pug mix, Wettle.

“He is my life,” she said. “Depression, everything, sadness. You just have to look at a dog. I look at him and he makes me happy,” she said.

For PACC, the events serve a dual purpose, benefiting both the organization and the pet owners.

“It’s really important to us as an organization that the pets stay with these families,” Murdock said. “Both to keep them out of the shelter and to keep them with the people who love them and will take the best care of them.”

The events are held regularly, every first Friday of the month at the Flowing Wells Assembly of God and every first Tuesday of the month at Freedom Park on the south side of 29th Street.

Anyone who would like to help can purchase items through PACC’s Amazon wish list or donate to “Friends of PACC” on the website.

Food and material donations can also be dropped off directly at the PACC headquarters at 4000 N Silverbell Road.

Anyone needing help with their pet can contact PACC’s Pet Support service or stop by the main office to pick up food and supplies.