Every full bowl is an act of love.
Helpful answers for families and supporters

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn how our food-only assistance pilot works, who we hope to serve, how capacity is determined, and how donors, sponsors, and community organizations can help.

90 daysInitial pilot period
3-6Pilot households
5-10Estimated pilot pets
Food-firstFocused launch model

About APP

What is Auntie's Pet Pantry?

Auntie's Pet Pantry is a Georgia nonprofit corporation created in memory of Dr. Bobbie Jeanne Henderson-Moore. Our mission is simple: Keeping pets fed. Keeping families together. APP is beginning with a small, food-only assistance pilot designed to help households experiencing a documented gap in their ability to purchase pet food.

What area does APP serve?

The initial service area is Greater Metro Atlanta. Any limited out-of-state participation would be part of a separately evaluated shipping test and would not represent routine nationwide service.

Is APP already a 501(c)(3) organization?

Auntie's Pet Pantry is incorporated as a Georgia nonprofit corporation. Federal 501(c)(3) recognition is being prepared and is not yet complete. APP will update this page when its IRS status changes.

Getting Assistance

Who will receive priority during the pilot?

The pilot is designed to prioritize seniors, fixed-income households, and families experiencing a short-term, documented gap in pet-food access. Participation is based on need, program capacity, location, and available funding.

What assistance does APP provide?

APP is launching as a food-only program. A standard planning allocation may include up to one 5-lb bag of pet food and, when funding and availability permit, one appropriately sized treat or dental-chew item. Every allocation is individualized according to the household's documented need, number and size of pets, food requirements, and available resources.

Does APP pay veterinary bills?

No. Veterinary care is outside APP's food-only launch program. When possible, APP may share public information or referrals to outside resources, but a referral does not guarantee services, eligibility, transportation, or payment.

Does submitting a request guarantee assistance?

No. Submitting an inquiry or intake form does not guarantee approval. APP reviews requests against current eligibility priorities, available inventory or funds, geographic reach, and monthly capacity.

Pilot, Capacity and Future Growth

How many households and pets will APP support during the pilot?

During the initial 90-day pilot, APP plans to assist approximately 3-6 households, generally 1-2 households per month. That represents an estimated 5-10 pets, although the actual number will depend on household composition and individual pet needs.

What is APP's estimated pilot budget?

APP's recommended self-funded pilot reserve is approximately $450. This estimate covers food, one treat or dental item, basic packaging, local fulfillment, and a modest price-change cushion for up to six households. Routine long-distance shipping and veterinary costs are not included.

What is planned after the pilot?

APP's preliminary post-pilot goal is to begin with approximately 3 households per month. After demonstrating consistent funding and fulfillment for at least three months, APP may responsibly grow toward 4-5 households per month.

How much could the post-pilot program cost?

Without sponsorships, donated products, or partner assistance, the estimated program budget is approximately $190-$315 per month, or $2,280-$3,780 annually, for 3-5 households per month. These are planning estimates and may change as APP documents actual food and fulfillment costs.

How will APP decide when to increase capacity?

Growth will be based on available organizational funding, household demand, actual average cost, fulfillment capacity, participant feedback, and measurable pilot results. APP will not promise a service level that available funds cannot sustain.

Donations and Support

What types of support can APP accept?

Depending on current needs and readiness, support may include unopened pet food, approved treats or dental items, retailer gift cards, financial contributions, fulfillment supplies, transportation assistance, and in-kind professional services. Please contact APP before purchasing or delivering products so we can confirm current needs.

Can someone sponsor a household or monthly allocation?

APP is developing household and monthly sponsorship options. Sponsorship availability, amount, and recognition terms will be clearly documented before funds are accepted for a restricted purpose.

Are contributions tax-deductible?

APP's federal 501(c)(3) recognition is not yet complete. Until APP receives its IRS determination, the organization will not represent contributions as tax-deductible. Donors should retain their records and consult a qualified tax adviser regarding their individual circumstances.

Partners and Sponsors

Does APP work with community organizations?

APP is building relationships with animal-welfare organizations, veterinary providers, retailers, community groups, corporate sponsors, and individual supporters. These connections may help families access food, referrals, wellness information, transportation resources, or other services outside APP's direct food-only program.

How does APP describe prospective relationships?

An organization is described as a partner or sponsor only after the relationship is confirmed. Before confirmation, APP uses language such as "prospective partner," "community connection," or "building relationships with." Names and logos are displayed only with appropriate permission.

How can a business or organization support APP?

Potential support includes pet-food donations, retailer gift cards, financial sponsorships, referral coordination, transportation assistance, volunteer support, outreach, and in-kind professional services. Contact hello@auntiespetpantry.org to begin a conversation.

Product Safety and Responsibility

What products will APP accept and distribute?

APP accepts and distributes only products that meet its current safety and program guidelines. APP may decline products that are opened, expired, recalled, damaged, contaminated, improperly labeled, or unsuitable for available storage and distribution. Acceptance of a donation does not guarantee that a specific product will be distributed to a particular household.

Does APP guarantee that a product is suitable for every pet?

No. APP does not manufacture pet food or treats and does not provide veterinary, medical, nutritional, or dietary advice. Product availability does not represent a guarantee that an item is appropriate for a particular animal. Pet owners remain responsible for reviewing labels, ingredients, feeding directions, expiration dates, and warnings and for consulting a licensed veterinarian when a pet has allergies, medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or a history of adverse reactions.

What should a household do before using an item?

Recipients should inspect every package before use; confirm that seals are intact; review the ingredient list, expiration or best-by date, feeding directions, and manufacturer warnings; and store the product according to its label. Do not use an item that appears damaged, spoiled, contaminated, mislabeled, or subject to a recall. Stop using the product and contact a veterinarian if a pet experiences a concerning reaction.

What happens if a product is recalled?

APP will not knowingly distribute a recalled product. If APP learns that a previously distributed item may be affected by a recall, APP may make a reasonable effort to notify the recipient using the contact information on file. Recipients are also responsible for monitoring manufacturer and government recall notices and following the manufacturer's disposal, return, or refund instructions.

What responsibility does a recipient accept?

By accepting assistance, the recipient acknowledges that products are provided as available and are intended only for the recipient's household pets. The recipient assumes responsibility for product selection after reviewing the label, safe transportation and storage after receipt, proper preparation and feeding, monitoring the pet, and obtaining veterinary care when needed. Products may not be resold or exchanged for cash.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, APP is not responsible for losses or injuries caused by a recipient's failure to inspect, store, prepare, or use a product according to its label; use after notice of a recall; unauthorized resale or transfer; or use for an animal with undisclosed allergies, restrictions, or medical needs. Nothing in this notice excludes responsibility that cannot legally be waived.

Does this website notice replace a participant agreement?

No. This page provides general program information and is not a contract or legal advice. This website notice does not replace any separate acknowledgment, consent, release, safety agreement, or procedure required by APP. Recipients, donors, volunteers, and fulfillment partners may be required to complete documents appropriate to their role.

Safety comes first: APP may refuse, substitute, delay, or withdraw any product when there is a concern about condition, labeling, recall status, storage, transportation, suitability, or program capacity.

Privacy and Contact

How does APP protect participant information?

APP collects only the information reasonably needed to review requests, coordinate assistance, document outcomes, and improve the program. APP will not share identifying information, photographs, or testimonials beyond the permission selected by the participant.

How can I contact APP?

Email hello@auntiespetpantry.org. Please do not send sensitive personal documents through ordinary email unless APP specifically requests them through an approved process.

Please note: Program details, service capacity, and eligibility may change as APP completes its pilot and evaluates funding, community demand, and participant feedback.

Still have a question?

We would be glad to point you in the right direction.

Email Auntie's Pet Pantry