Pets at Home in Oxford are launching new community food donation points to help support pets and owners.

Collection points have been installed at the Oxford and the Oxford Cowley stores for those who wish to donate pet food to owners in need as part of a UK-wide rollout.

In partnership with national pet charity Blue Cross, Pets at Home is seeking donations of dog, cat, puppy, and kitten food, as well as food for small animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.

Donations will then be collected and distributed by Blue Cross to local food banks. 

James Donnelly, Pets at Home Oxford store manager, said: “We’re excited to launch the customer donation points in our store. I’m looking forward to raising awareness of the local causes we’ll be supporting, and we’re grateful for our customers giving whatever they can.” 

Lyssa McGowan, chief executive officer at Pets at Home, said: “Blue Cross and Pets at Home believe no-one should have to face the difficulty of struggling to feed their beloved pets, and we know that our customers are keen to help out wherever they can. This is why we have joined force to install pet food donation points across all Pets at Home stores, working together to make sure no pet goes hungry.”

Chris Burghes, chief executive officer at Blue Cross, said: “Pets are part of the family and we’re really proud to have partnered with Pets at Home on this scheme to have a positive impact on the local community in Oxford.”