Free in WNY / Free or cheap resources for pets

Owning a pet can be an expensive proposition. Last year alone, the American Pet Products Association estimates that owners spent $69.36 billion. When cutbacks are necessary, studies show people will spend money on pet food rather than on dining out.

Pet owners looking for help feeding their animals should check out episcopalwny.org. There are free pet food pantries available at:

St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church

13021 West Main St., Alden

11 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month

716-937-6922

Ascension Episcopal Church

96 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo

3 to 4 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month

716-833-1151

St. Matthias’ Episcopal Church

374 Main St., East Aurora

1 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month

716-652-0377

Grace Episcopal Church

100 Genesee St., Lockport

11 a.m. to noon on the third Sunday of each month

716-433-2878

Trinity Episcopal Church

62 West Buffalo St., Warsaw

2 to 3 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month

585-786-5285

All4Pets will provide a one-time monetary grant to help pay for life-saving medical treatment for pets whose owners are unable to pay due to low income, personal crisis, or disaster. Payments will be made directly to the medical care provider. See all4petswny.org for more information.

Erie County offers free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Check www2.erie.gov for dates. Also check niagaracounty.com for the 2018 rabies clinic schedule.

At bringfido.com you can find pet friendly restaurants that welcome dogs at their outdoor tables.