Pet Pantry Closure Q&A

1. Why are you closing the Pet Pantry when people in the community need it?
We understand how important the Pet Pantry is to members of our community, which is why this was such a difficult decision. Unfortunately, unforeseen construction challenges and needs have significantly reduced the safe and accessible space around our Kitchener Centre, and we no longer have an appropriate area to manage Pet Pantry pickups.

The safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff must come first. We recognize the impact this closure may have on the people and pets who rely on additional support, and we are actively exploring alternative ways to provide this program.

2. Wasn't this something you should have planned for before construction started?
We understand why you might ask that. The reality is that we were running out of space in our current building before construction began, which is one of the reasons the Community Outreach Centre is so important.

As construction has progressed, changing weather, including heavy rains and storms, have expanded the area of the construction project requiring additional space of our already limited property. This has reduced available parking and left us without a safe and suitable area to manage Pet Pantry pickups.

We explored our options before making this decision, and we certainly didn't make it lightly. We are actively looking at other ways to provide this support and will keep our community updated.

3. Aren't pets going to suffer because you've closed the Pet Pantry?
We understand this concern, and it's something we deeply care about. The Pet Pantry was created to assist those in transition or between jobs in caring for the pets they love, so we recognize how disappointing and concerning this temporary closure may be for those who need additional food for their animals.

Unfortunately, we cannot continue operating pickups when we don't have a safe and adequate space to do so. That's why we are exploring alternative ways to deliver this program and will share information with the community if a new solution becomes available.

4. How can you call it a Community Outreach Building when you're taking a community program away?
We understand why this may feel frustrating, but the growing need for programs and services like the Pet Pantry is exactly why the Community Outreach Centre is being built. We have outgrown our current space as the needs of our community have continued to grow rapidly.

During construction, the project has continued to expand, requiring additional space around our already limited property. As this construction footprint has expanded, it has further reduced available parking and the safe outdoor space we use to manage Pet Pantry pickups.

Unfortunately, that means we can no longer safely operate the program at our Kitchener Centre at this time. This was a difficult decision and not one we made lightly. We remain committed to supporting pets and the people who love them and we are actively exploring alternative ways to provide this service.

5. Why can't you find another space on the property for Pet Pantry pickups?
Unfortunately, we simply don't have the available space. Our Kitchener Centre was already operating with significant space limitations, which is one of the reasons we are building the new Community Outreach Centre.

Construction now requires additional space around the property, further limiting parking and the areas available for programs like Pet Pantry pickups. With an active construction site, we also need to ensure that any area used by the public can be accessed with safety in mind.

We wish we had another suitable space on-site, but right now we don't. That's why we're looking at alternative ways to deliver the program.

6. How long will the Pet Pantry be closed?
At the moment, we don't have a firm timeline, which is why we've described the suspension as being until further notice. Construction conditions, weather, and available space will continue to change as the project progresses.

In the meantime, we are exploring alternative ways to provide this support rather than simply waiting for construction to be completed. We will let the community know as soon as we have an update.

7. What are people who rely on the Pet Pantry supposed to do now?
We understand how difficult this change may be for people who may need to access the Pet Pantry for supplemental food to help ease the burden of cost, and we are truly sorry that we aren't able to offer pickups at our Kitchener Centre at this time.

We are actively exploring alternative ways to provide this support to our community. As soon as we have information about another option, we will share it through our regular communication channels.

8. I'm really disappointed that you're doing this.
We completely understand your disappointment, and we share it. This was a very difficult decision and not one we made lightly. Unfortunately, the space available around our Kitchener Centre has become increasingly limited as construction needs have grown and expanded, and we no longer have a safe and suitable area to manage Pet Pantry pickups.

We know how important this program is to our community, and we're actively exploring alternative ways to provide this support. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding.

9. Why start a construction project if you don't have enough space for the programs you already offer?
That's actually one of the reasons we're building the Community Outreach Centre. As our community has rapidly grown, so has the need for our programs and services, and we have outgrown our existing space.

The challenge we are experiencing right now is temporary. Construction requires significant space on our limited property, which means we have less room available while the new centre is being built. Once complete, the Community Outreach Centre will provide much-needed space to better support animals and people in our community for generations to come.

Please know that we recognize the importance of the Pet Pantry and are exploring alternative ways to provide this program for those who rely on it.

10. Can we will drop off pet food donations?
Absolutely. The temporary suspension of Pet Pantry pickups does not change the need in our community. We are actively exploring alternative ways to provide this support and, when a solution is in place, we will need pet food to help make it possible.

We are incredibly thankful to everyone who continues to donate. Your generosity will help ensure we are ready to provide support when we are able to resume the program.