Pets at Home has launched new community food donation points selected stores across the UK to help support pets and owners as the cost of living continues to rise. 

Six Pets at Home stores, four of which have in-store Vets4Pets practices, will trial community collection points for those who wish to donate pet food to pet owners in need. 

In partnership with national pet charity Blue Cross, Pets at Home is seeking donations of dog, cat, puppy and kitten food, as well as food for small animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.  

Donations will then be collected and distributed by Blue Cross to local food banks. 

The new initiative marks Pets at Home’s decade-long partnership with Blue Cross, which has seen the charity receive £471,703 through the retailer’s VIP Lifelines scheme.

Pets at Home plans to expand the donation service to even more stores later this year and will keep it in place for as long as it is needed. 

Lyssa McGowan, Pets at Home chief executive officer, said: “As the UK continues to experience a rapid rise in the cost of living, we know that pet owners will do everything can to ensure their pets don’t miss out, but we also understand that some owners will be facing difficult choices as their finances become stretched.  

“Blue Cross and Pets at Home believe no-one should have to face the difficulty of struggling to feed their beloved pets, which is why we are joining forces to deliver this community donation service – to make sure no pet goes hungry and to help keep them at home where they belong, with their families.”