Pet Food Karma Boxes Partnership

SPCA of Northern Nevada (SPCA-NN) is proud to collaborate with Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) and Res-Que to increase access to free pet food for local families. By combining our resources and expertise, we’re able to support more pet parents in keeping their beloved companions happy, healthy, and at home—especially during times of need.

This partnership is one more way we’re working together to build a stronger, more compassionate community for pets and the people who love them.

How It Works

Thanks to a strong community partnership, this program turns donated pet food into direct support for families in need. Here’s how we work together to make it happen:

  1. Collect & Deliver

    SPCA of Northern Nevada gathers donated pallets of pet food and delivers them to WCRAS.

  2. Repackage

    WCRAS staff and volunteers sort and rebag the bulk food into smaller, easy-to-carry portions.

  3. Pick Up & Stock

    Res-Que volunteers collect batches of these bags (about 20 at a time) and stock them in their handmade Karma Boxes.

  4. Access & Support

    Pet parents in need find a nearby Karma Box (see map below), take what they need, and keep their pets fed and healthy.

This collaboration expands access to pet food for even more pets and families in need throughout our community. Together, we’re ensuring more pets stay fed, healthy, and with the people who love them.

Pet Karma Box Locations

Looking to find a Karma Box near you? This map from WCRAS shows the current locations of Res-Que’s handmade Karma Boxes, where free pet food is available to those in need.

FIND A KARMA BOX NEAR YOU

Shelter Feeding Program

At SPCA of Northern Nevada, we believe every pet deserves a full belly and a chance to thrive. That’s why we created the Shelter Feeding Program—a vital resource for our rural shelter partners. Each week, we distribute donated pet food to help these shelters care for homeless pets in their communities.

Partner organizations visit our Adoption Center to pick up the food they need most, ensuring the pets in their care receive consistent, nutritious meals. For many, this program is a lifeline, providing food they wouldn’t otherwise have.

By sharing the generosity of our community, the Shelter Feeding Program strengthens the animal welfare network across northern Nevada and beyond. Together, we’re making sure no pet is left hungry.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our food provider partners—including Walmart, PetSmart, and Petco—who supply the majority of the food we share. Scratched or dented boxes, torn bags, and surplus stock that might otherwise go to waste are now helping feed pets at more than 40 small shelters and rescues. Their support is vital in making this lifesaving work possible.

How You Can Help

Your support makes the Shelter Feeding Program possible. Here’s how you can get involved:

  1. Donate Pet Food: Drop off unopened bags or cans of pet food at our Adoption Center.
  2. Make a Financial Contribution: Your donations help us transport, store, and distribute food to our partners.
  3. Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends and family to help us grow our impact.

How You Qualify

To become a partner in our Shelter Feeding Program, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Nonprofit Status: Your organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
  • Focus on Animal Welfare: You must operate as a shelter, rescue, or other animal welfare group serving homeless pets.
  • Location: Your organization should be located in northern Nevada or surrounding rural areas.
  • Demonstrated Need: You must show that donated food will directly support homeless pets in your care.

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

When we work together, we can ensure that every pet has access to the care and nourishment they deserve. If you meet these qualifications and would like to participate, have any additional questions, or want to see how you can help, please contact Sean at sean@spcanevada.org. Thank you for being a part of this life-saving effort!