Foodbanks given a boost to help Portsmouth pets

Plans are being developed to extend this support but alongside that foodbanks reported they were unable to help many residents struggling to pay for pet food and products. This aligned with research from the Dog’s Trust showing more people struggling to meet their dog’s needs and record numbers looking at giving up their dog.

As a result money from the Portsmouth and Southsea Car Boot Sales is being donated to provide animal products to foodbanks and support Streetvets to provide some free veterinary treatments.

The car boots run as non-profit events and each year any money generated from operating the events is given to local community projects and charities. This year £4,000 was raised and will go towards this new initiative.

To make the money go even further the council approached Jollyes pet shop in North Harbour which agreed to offer a generous discount on animal food and products as well as donating stock from three other stores in the Portsmouth area. These items will now be distributed to foodbanks and pantries through HIVE Portsmouth.

Cllr Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture said: “We’ve done a lot to support people through foodbanks and pantries and the feedback we’ve had is pet products are something they would find very helpful. As a dog owner I understand just how much pets mean to their owners, they really are part of the family and vital companions for people who live alone. I am so grateful to Jollyes and the other local charities for helping us to ensure that people don’t have to make the horrendous decision to give up their pets during the cost-of-living crisis.”

Details of Portsmouth and Southsea Car Boot Sale returning for 2023 will be announced soon.

ENDS