The Vernon Pet Pantry at HVCC

  • The Vernon Pet Pantry is a community initiative dedicated to supporting pet owners in need by providing essential pet food and supplies. Established in collaboration with the Hockanum Valley Community Council (HVCC), Coldwell Banker Realty in South Windsor, Dime Bank, and local residents, our mission is to ensure that no pet in our community goes hungry, thereby helping to keep pets with their families and out of shelters. We are committed to continuing this vital work to support the well-being of pets and their owners in Tolland County.

  • The Vernon Pet Pantry thrives thanks to the generous support of our community partners and local businesses.

    Funders:

    • Coldwell Banker Realty in South Windsor.

    • Dime Bank

    Donation Locations:

    We are grateful to the following businesses for hosting donation bins:

    Dog Essentials (Route 83), Posh Pups (56 Hyde Avenue, Route 30), Stop & Shop in Vernon and Rockville, Mellow Mutt (Parker Street) in Manchester, The Proper Pet (Fieldstone Commons) in Tolland, Leaps and Bones at Evergreen Walk, Coldwell Banker Realty (Buckland Road), Stop & Shop in South Windsor, ShopRite in Vernon, Pet Store Next Door Bolton, Pupperdoos and Kitties, too.

  • The Vernon Pet Pantry is proudly supported by dedicated Tolland County residents who work together to keep pets fed and families supported. Meet the community members behind our efforts below.

    Lisa Moody, Kathy Audet, Barbara Chenelle, Lynn Poloski, Julie Clay, Jim Tedford, Roger Wiley, Lynn Steele, Shelby Muraski, Ann Viviano, Jessey Ina-Lee, Anthony Bedlak, Susann Thiel, Colleen Wiley

Keeping Pets Fed, Families Together

How to Participate

To participate in the Vernon Pet Pantry program, you must be a resident of Tolland County and a registered client of the Hockanum Valley Community Council (HVCC) Food Pantry. If you're not already registered, please fill out the Pantry Registration Form. After completing the form, you are welcome to start shopping at the pantry during regular hours.


What is the HVCC Food Pantry?

At HVCC, we believe in providing comprehensive support to our community. Our food pantry offers essential food and personal care items to HVCC Clients and Tolland County residents. With a focus on nutrition and accessibility, we ensure that everyone has the resources they need for a healthy and balanced life. The HVCC Food Pantry operates as a once-weekly supplemental shopping program, allowing clients to select items that best meet their household needs.

What type of Pet Items will be available?

Cat and dog food, both wet and dry, will be available, with litter provided when stock allows. The main focus of the program is food, ensuring that pets in need have access to essential nutrition. New or like-new pet accessories and treats may also be available when in stock. All items will be distributed in varying quantities based on availability.


How will the Pet items be distributed?

Pet items will be distributed as part of the regular check-in process when clients arrive for their weekly pantry visit. At the front check-in desk, clients will be asked if they need cat or dog food and, based on availability, will be able to share any preferences they may have regarding wet or dry food. Our team will do their best to match requests with the items on hand.

Other pet-related items, such as litter, pet accessories, and treats, will be available within the pantry shopping area when in stock. These items will be set out for clients to take as needed, with appropriate allotments assigned to ensure fair distribution. Availability may vary, and all distributions will depend on current stock levels.


At this time, we are not offering spay or neuter vouchers. We appreciate your understanding and will notify the public when they become available. Please check back for updates.

How to contribute

Supporting the Vernon Pet Pantry is easy and convenient. You can make a donation at any of our designated drop-off locations while completing your shopping or directly to the Food Pantry. We accept dry or wet cat and dog food (wet food must be unopened), litter, and new or like-new pet accessories and treats to help support pets in need.

Drop Off Locations:

  • Posh Pups (56 Hyde Avenue, Route 30)

  • Dog Essentials (Route 83)

  • Stop & Shop in Vernon and Rockville

  • Stop & Shop in South Windsor

  • Mellow Mutt (Parker Street) in Manchester

  • The Proper Pet (Fieldstone Commons) in Tolland

  • Leaps and Bones at Evergreen Walk

  • Coldwell Banker Realty (Buckland Road)

  • ShopRite Vernon, Pre-made bags only.

  • The Pet Store Next Door, Bolton

  • Pupperdoos and Kitties, too! South Windsor

Alternatively, donations can be brought directly to the Hockanum Valley Community Council (HVCC) at 29 Naek Road, Suite 5A, Vernon, CT 06066, during regular pantry hours:

Monday: 2 PM to 5 PM

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 12 PM to 5 PM

Thursday: 9 AM to 1 PM

Friday: 9 AM to 12 PM