Providing Food, Supplies, and Essential Services to Keep Families and Pets Together
The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF Hamptons) is expanding its outreach through new partnerships with local pantries to ensure families across the East End have access to pet food, collars, toys, and essential supplies for their cats and dogs. This effort is made possible through the generosity of Wally Zeins and Andy Sabin and a developing partnership with PetSmart, supporting ARF’s mission to help families care for the pets they love.
A Heartfelt Look at Seasonal Challenges
The winter season brings joy for many, but it also ushers in a period of quiet hardship for countless households. Rising heating costs, holiday expenses, childcare pressures, and higher food prices can stretch families to their limit. For those already facing financial uncertainty, even basic pet care can become difficult, despite the deep bond they share with their animals.
Pets often provide emotional comfort during tough times, offering stability, companionship, and a sense of normalcy when life feels overwhelming. Yet the cost of food and supplies can weigh heavily on families struggling to balance essential expenses.
“We know how hard this time of year can be,” said Kim Nichols, Executive Director/CEO of ARF Hamptons. “Families rely on their pets for comfort and connection, especially when things feel uncertain. Our goal is to make sure no one has to choose between their own needs and caring for their animals. We want to lift that weight, even just a little.”
Ensuring Pets Stay with the Families Who Love Them
Through these pantry partnerships, ARF regularly distributes:
- Pet food for cats and dogs
- Collars, leashes, and harnesses
- Toys and enrichment items
- Essential pet supplies
A generous donor helps underwrite a portion of the cost of food for animals in ARF’s care, allowing more donated items to be shared directly with the community. These resources help prevent pet surrender during times of financial strain, keeping pets where they belong: at home with the families who love them.
Support ARF by Shopping Local
Community members can join this effort by shopping at the ARF Thrift & Treasure Shop, where every purchase supports ARF’s programs. The shop features:
- A variety of pet supplies
- A clearance sale on Halloween pet costumes
- Clothing, home goods, and unique finds
Your purchases directly help animals in need and support ARF’s community outreach initiatives.
A Safety Net for Pets and Their Families
In addition to pantry partnerships, ARF offers essential low-cost services designed to support community wellness year-round:
- Low-cost vaccine clinics every Monday and Friday
- Community spay/neuter appointments
- Affordable training services
- Humane education programs for all ages
“ARF is committed to being a dependable source of support,” added Nichols. “Whether through essential supplies, affordable medical care, training, or education, we’re here to help families and pets stay healthy, safe, and together.”
Photo: East Hampton Food Pantry picking up food and pet supplies at ARF to stock their shelves in time for the holiday by Tess Pintchik.