Northland animal rescues expand support during SNAP pause

TWIN PORTS, Minn.– Animal rescues in the Twin Ports are stepping up to help pet owners, especially during the SNAP benefits pause.

The goal is to do everything they can to help prevent surrenders.

Both Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth and PJ’s Rescue in Superior are assisting the Northland.

Each organization keeps a stockpile of pet supplies to distribute to families in need.

The president of PJ’s Rescue said they helped more than 30 families just last month.

And once a week, Animal Allies make a trip to the Damiano center to hand out donations and supplies.

Despite the growing need, both organizations say they’re also seeing incredible support from the community.

“It’s really cool to see what an animal friendly community we have, and how supportive they are of not only the pets that are here in the shelter, but the pets that are out in the community and might need a little bit of extra help. I think that’s a little bit of something we all could use right now,” said Nicole Facciotto, adoption manager at Animal Allies.

Each organization said they’re mainly looking for cat and dog food.

But items such as cat litter, treats, and toys are also needed.

“Watching people come in October, it was really hard, like, you know, and not being able to stay on a consistent brand is also hard on the dogs. So, we were really grateful that people weren’t ashamed or embarrassed and just were able to come out and get food,” said Tina Marcella PJ’s Rescue.

Animal Allies accepts donations at their location.

And PJ’s Rescue collects donations at Jimmy’s Saloon and 4 Corners Store in Superior, as well as the Caddy Shack in Lincoln Park, and Dukes Towing in West Duluth.