Local animal shelters say they are struggling to keep up with growing demand as their pet food supplies run dangerously low.<\/p>\n
LEAGUE CITY, Texas \u2014 With SNAP benefits cut<\/a> as the government drags on, many Houston-area families are struggling to pay the bills, keep food on the table and cover the cost of pet food.\u00a0<\/p>\n Houston-area animal shelters say it’s been tough to keep up with growing demand as their pet food supplies run dangerously low. More families are asking for help feeding their pets, and donations are not keeping pace with the need.<\/p>\n League City Animal Care, a municipal shelter, provides free pet food to families in need. Community outreach coordinator Leo Humphries said the shelter has seen a sharp increase in families coming for food in recent weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a lot busier these last few weeks,\u201d Humphries said. \u201cUsually, our shelves are more full, but now they\u2019re empty.\u201d<\/p>\n The shelter says it used to give out entire bags of dog food, but now staff must ration smaller portions.<\/p>\n Humphries said many pet owners have had their animals for years, but after covering their own food costs, they often do not have enough left to pay for food for their pets.<\/p>\n Shelter staff worry that some pet owners may be forced to make difficult decisions.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople don\u2019t really want to give up their animals,\u201d Humphries said. \u201cWe want to give them the resources to keep their animals.\u201d<\/p>\n Friends for Life in the Heights also gives out free pet food, but their supplies are running low as well.<\/p>\n \u201cOur front desk has the difficult task of telling people we don\u2019t have food for them,\u201d founder Salise Shuttlesworth told KHOU 11.<\/p>\n In these tough economic times, shelters rely on community support.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we can help an animal stay in a home, that is a win for everyone,\u201d Shuttlesworth said.<\/p>\n If you would like to donate to League City Animal Care, you can visit their website.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n