Pets Are Whānau: The Life-Changing Work of Paws of Hope

Pets are whānau—family, support providers, protectors, and a source of unconditional love. For some, including those experiencing homelessness, their dog is not just a companion but also an early warning system, keeping them safe at night. These stories are real and heard daily by Paws of Hope and the foodbanks they support. In many cases, people are choosing to feed their pets over themselves.

Since gaining charity status just over a year ago, Paws of Hope has provided over 20,000 high-quality pet meals to foodbanks and community service providers across Aotearoa, including the Far North, Maungaturoto, North Shore, West Auckland, Waiuku, Cambridge, Ōtautahi Christchurch, and Waikouaiti.

One of Paws of Hope’s key partners is the Good Works Food Security Hub on Auckland’s North Shore. Manager Sophie Gray explains that people in crisis often prioritise their pets over themselves, as they may be the only source of affection or acceptance they have. Pets provide comfort, unconditional love, and emotional support. "Elderly people in particular will go without food so their pets can eat,” she says. “Others may unintentionally neglect their pets due to a lack of basic life skills—not a lack of love. The support from Paws of Hope helps bridge that gap.”

Circumstances can change quickly. One GWT client—a family of six with two dogs and two cats—fell into hardship when the primary earner, a self-employed carpet layer, saw his work reduce to just one day a week. A food parcel that included pet food was a lifeline. “Before Paws of Hope’s support, our ability to help with pet food was very limited. Now we can offer appropriate food for the whole whānau—pets included,” Sophie adds. “Our clients feel respected and seen when we treat their pet as a family member.”

Founder Nikki Marchant-Ludlow says the demand is relentless: “You can’t explain to a hungry animal why there’s no food. People are skipping meals so their pets don’t go hungry. But that has health consequences—both for the humans and the pets. Poor nutrition leads to illness, and sick pets mean vet bills, which people simply can’t afford.”

Paws of Hope provides nutritious food in practical bag sizes designed for people living in cars or temporary housing. By allowing foodbanks to offer pet food alongside human food, they can meet the needs of the whole family in one visit—supporting both the people and the organisations working alongside them.

Although the charity has responded to many one-off requests from individuals and agencies, its focus remains on providing a consistent, reliable supply to the organisations it currently supports. The charity is ahead of target and working toward expanding its reach across Aotearoa.

There are many ways to support Paws of Hope’s mission and help more pets and people in need. Find out how you can help here.