After a surge in need following July’s devastating flood, Kerrville Pets Alive! says its free pet food pantry is running low and is asking the community to help.
KERRVILLE, Texas — When the July flood swept through Kerrville, the community showed up in a big way.
But months later, the need hasn’t slowed down, and now, Kerrville Pets Alive! says its shelves are nearly empty.
Since 2020, the nonprofit has operated a year-round free pet food pantry for Kerr County residents facing financial hardship. The goal is simple but powerful: help families feed their pets so those animals never have to enter the shelter system.
“Since the July flood, we have been inundated with new visitors and recently added 200 residents through an application process,” said Executive Director Karen Guerriero. “We rely entirely on donated pet food, and our supply has dwindled. We do not have the resources to purchase food for the pantry. We are the only organization that has kept our pantry open, and we do not want to have to close it.”
The pantry’s strain comes at a time when KPA! is already investing heavily in local animal welfare.
In 2025 alone, the organization invested more than $100,000 to impact over 1,000 cats and dogs at Kerr County Animal Control — the county’s only open-intake facility. That funding helps cover vaccinations, spay and neuter surgeries, adoption assistance and transportation.
KPA! also spent more than $361,000 this year assisting local pet owners with emergency medical needs, including trauma care, heartworm treatment and humane euthanasia when necessary.
For 2026, the organization has budgeted more than $300,000 for its Pet Emergency Medical Assistance program to help families facing unexpected veterinary bills.
All donor dollars stay in Kerr County.
“KPA! rescues Kerr County pets only,” Guerriero said. “Taking on problems from outside areas weakens our ability to make a difference here at home. We want our donors to know that the village right beneath our feet needs our help.”
How You Can Help
KPA! is urgently requesting pet food donations.
Community members can:
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Shop the organization’s Amazon and Chewy wish lists at kerrvillepetsalive.org under “Ways to Donate”
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Drop off pet food at 2102 Memorial Blvd., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Donate gift cards from HEB, Walmart, Chewy, Amazon, Tractor Supply, Ollie’s, Kerrville Ranch & Pet and other pet supply stores
Monetary donations can also be made online, through Venmo (@kerrvillePetsAlive), by mail, or by phone at 844-KPA-PETS.
KPA! also accepts donations of property, stocks and vehicles.
“It takes a village,” Guerriero said. “And right now, our village needs help.”
For families struggling to put food in the bowl, your donation could be the reason a pet stays home tonight. 💛