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Dog shelter asks for public's help to get dog food it needs

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 18:42 GMT by ABC Kcrg 9
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Local Shelter Faces Critical Dog Food Shortage, Appeals to Community

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control (RCACC) shelter is facing a severe shortage of dog food, prompting an urgent plea to the public for donations. As of October 18, 2025, the shelter’s reserves are critically low, impacting their ability to adequately feed the approximately 75 dogs currently in their care. The situation has been exacerbated by recent increases in intake and a slowdown in food donations.

RCACC, serving Cedar Rapids and Linn County, relies heavily on community support to operate. While the city provides some funding, a significant portion of their operational costs, including animal feed, veterinary care, and enrichment activities, are covered through donations and fundraising efforts. The current dog food shortage represents a substantial challenge to this model.

"We're seeing an increase in surrendered animals, particularly dogs," stated Shelter Director Sarah Miller in a press release issued earlier today. "While we’re committed to providing the best possible care for every animal that comes through our doors, we simply can’t do it without the generosity of our community." The shelter has not released specific data on intake numbers but confirmed an upward trend over the past several months.

The types of dog food most urgently needed are dry kibble varieties suitable for all life stages and sizes. Wet food is also appreciated, though dry food is prioritized due to its longer shelf life and ease of storage. The shelter specifically requests that donors refrain from donating opened bags or homemade food, citing concerns about spoilage and potential health risks to the animals.

RCACC has established several avenues for donations. Monetary contributions can be made directly through their website [ https://www.cedar-rapids.org/government/departments/animal-care-control ], which allows online payments via credit card or PayPal. These funds are used to purchase food and other essential supplies at wholesale prices, maximizing the impact of each donation. Physical donations of dog food can be dropped off at the shelter’s main facility located at 3150 Wiley Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA during operating hours (Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM). A donation drop-off box is available outside the shelter for after-hours contributions.

The situation highlights broader challenges facing animal shelters across the country. Increased inflation has driven up the cost of pet food, making it more difficult for individuals and families to afford to feed their own animals, which in turn can lead to increased surrenders at shelters. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions experienced over the past few years have intermittently impacted the availability of certain brands and types of dog food.

RCACC has been actively exploring alternative sourcing options and negotiating with suppliers to secure more affordable food supplies. They are also working with local pet stores and grocery chains to organize donation drives. A partnership with Petco, mentioned briefly in a KCRG interview with Miller, is planned for next week; details regarding the location and timing of the drive will be released shortly on the shelter’s social media channels (Facebook: [ https://www.facebook.com/CedarRapidsAnimalCareControl ]).

The shelter emphasized that even small donations can make a significant difference. A single bag of dog food can feed several dogs for a week, and every contribution helps ensure the animals receive the nourishment they need while awaiting adoption. RCACC is also seeking volunteers to assist with various tasks, including sorting and stocking donated food. Information on volunteer opportunities can be found on their website. The shelter’s success in overcoming this current crisis depends heavily on the continued support of the Cedar Rapids community.

The KCRG report included a brief interview with local resident Emily Carter, who regularly volunteers at RCACC. Carter expressed concern about the impact the food shortage could have on the animals' health and well-being. "These dogs deserve to be cared for," she stated. "It’s heartbreaking to think they might not get enough to eat."