TE PUKE, NEW ZEALAND — Wishbone Pet Food, a subsidiary of New Zealand-based Addiction Foods, pledged more than 14,300 pet meals to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) International as animal welfare organizations and shelters face financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The donation includes 7,800 meals for dogs and 6,500 meals for cats, equaling more than 5,000 lbs and valued at over $20,000. The meals will be distributed to shelters in need in Michigan and New York, as well as Quebec and Nova Scotia, Canada.

“Because pets are family, Wishbone is dedicated to providing dogs and cats around the world with highly nutritious food from New Zealand,” said Warren Rickard, president of Wishbone’s United States division, headquartered in Seattle, Wash. “With so many animals in need during these uncertain times, we are honored to partner with SPCA International to ensure homeless dogs and cats are not overlooked.”

Shelters slated to receive the donations include the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), SPCA Ouest in Montreal, Putnam County SPCA in New York and Healing Animal Scars (HAS) in Canada. According to Wishbone, these organizations have experienced financial hardship and decreased volunteers as a result of the pandemic.

“These meals for dogs and cats will provide vital relief for organizations in desperate need of it in the United States and Canada,” said Meredith Ayan, executive director of SPCA International. “The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted animal shelters around the world, and we thank Wishbone for allowing us to help so many homeless pets at this time.”

In addition, the pet food company has increased its monthly donation to Marley’s Mutts from 2,500 meals to 4,800 meals. Marley’s Mutts is a no-kill dog rescue based in Tehachapi, Calif. Donations will help Marley’s Mutts support struggling pet owners in the Kern County area.

“During these trying times, we all need to work as a community and give as much support as possible,” Rickard said. “By working with Marley’s Mutts, Wishbone Pet Foods is committed to providing premium food to those who need it most.”

Read about other pet industry companies giving back to support people and pets impacted by COVID-19.