Orange dog trainer Deb Coleman founded Cause for Paws after a friend who distributes food to people in need revealed some of those clients also have pets.

With questions raised on how much meat such as mince goes to the clients and not their pets, Ms Coleman formed Cause for Paws to collect pet food for the charities to distribute in Orange with their regular food donations.

“A lot of times people find themselves in times that are tough and often it’s their pets that are the only things getting them through,” Ms Coleman said.

“I can just feel empathy on how the owners might be feeling if they cannot afford to feed their pets.” 

Although discussions on how to distribute the pet food are ongoing, collections started last month and will be stored at Mullion Produce Pets and Saddlery before being sorted.

They welcome bags of medium kibble three kilograms and up and pet food going out of date or bags that split.

Mullion Produce Pets and Saddlery employee Steph Medcalf said they were happy to help store the pet food and she wondered why no one had thought of such an initiative before Ms Coleman started Cause for Paws.

“Hopefully it’s a hit,” Miss Medcalf said.

Pet food donations can be dropped off at Mullion Produce Pets and Saddlery in Edward Street, Orange.