This Saturday, the Potter League for Animals will hold a drive-thru pet food pantry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The drive-thru will provide free supplemental cat food, dog food, and cat litter to pet owners who may need assistance.

The Potter League previously partnered with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport on a mobile pet pantry, explained Kara Montalbano, director of marketing and community relations. “We have a lot sitting there, and we feel like we saturated Aquidneck Island with our mobile pantry so we figured we’d share with other locations,” she said.

The pet pantry was created about five years ago to address a growing need. “Especially in the last couple of months and year, we’ve seen an amplified need. There’s always a need,” said Montalbano. “Some people lose their jobs and we don’t want people to give up their pets over something small like pet food. Pets can get expensive and add up quick. It’s just another way for us to keep pets in their homes.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, Montalbano said the league saw an influx of foster and adoption requests, as well as an influx in calls to the pet behavior helpline. “We usually get around 300 calls per year, but last year it was over 550.” Montalbano attributes this to the fact that people are home more and noticing more of their pet’s behaviors.

The league also doubled their donations back to the community during the past year with 8,000 pounds of pet food returned to pet owners in need.

To Montalbano, pets are the “heroes of quarantine” for providing companionship, comfort, and someone to talk to.

The Potter League is always accepting donations, especially for medical or veterinarian prescribed pet food. Donations can be dropped off at the Animal Care and Adoption Center in Middletown or the Potter League Spay & Neuter Clinic in Warwick.

Saturday’s distribution will take place at the Potter League Spay & Neuter Clinic at 235 Elm Street. Masks are required and visitors are asked to remain in their cars the entire time. Staff will place the items directly into the car’s trunk. Donations of pet food and cat litter will also be welcome at the drive-thru.