Get Help

We understand the profound impact of connecting rescued food to pets in need. It’s how our mission began. Today, we proudly keep surplus pet food and supplies out of landfills – saving pets, supporting rescues, and strengthening communities. Every year we distribute millions of pounds of products to Pack members and families.

If you are a rescue or individual looking for support, read on for important participation guidelines and helpful resources.

A Helping Hand

for Rescues – and Pets – in Need

As a leading midwest pet food bank, we provide a cost-effective lifeline to 501c3 rescues in need of critical pet essentials. With our help – and through the generous donations of our partners – you can reallocate critical dollars to your core mission: finding loving homes for the dogs and cats in your care.

Pet food and supply shipping and handling fees vary, but our cost of goods is ~15¢ per pound. For example, 1,000 pounds of pet food would be $150. We often offer a variety of pet supplies for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

New in 2026: The Rescue Pack Medical Fund

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, the Rescue Pack Medical Fund was established to ease the financial burden of urgent, unexpected veterinary expenses for our active member rescues. We understand that organizations often face heartbreaking decisions when costly medical care is required, and this program ensures our members don’t have to choose between saving an animal’s life and staying within budget. By prioritizing cases with a reasonable expectation of recovery and adoptability, we aim to save more lives and improve the overall quality of care for animals in our partner network. Our goal is simple: We want to ensure that every dog and cat with a fighting chance actually gets one.

Requirements to Join Our Pack

Active 501c3 dog or cat rescue organization with a minimum of 10 cats or 10 dogs posted online (NOT social media) available for adoption at all times.
A 501c3 organization in good standing with 990-series forms published on IRS.gov.
Located in Illinois, Northwest Indiana, Southwest Michigan, or Wisconsin.
Established for at least one year from the date on the IRS determination letter.
Have appropriate, safe storage capability.
Review our complete Pack Member criteria before submitting an application.

Apply for Support

“Our adoptables could not be saved without Rescue Pack.”

Bonafied Rescue

Keeping Families Together

If you are struggling to keep food in your pet’s bowl due to health issues or financial hardship, you are not alone. We work closely with local community partners to support pet food pantries to ensure no pet goes hungry. Pets are beloved members of our families and having to decide to surrender them is devastating for all.

The following organizations provide free pet food and supplies to those in need of a helping hand. Keeping pets in their home packs remains an equally important mission for us at Rescue Pack.

Help For Families

The following organizations provide free pet food and supplies to those in need of a helping hand. Keeping pets in their home packs remains an equally important mission for us at Rescue Pack.