Monthly Pet Pantry at Las Animas Fairgrounds Offers Senior Priority, Volunteers Needed

The Colorado Pet Pantry runs a monthly pet-food distribution at the Las Animas Fairgrounds, offering a dedicated hour for older adults and calling for volunteers to support each event. The pantry meets at 2000 N Linden Ave in Trinidad on the Wednesday after the third Tuesday of every month. Distributions typically reserve 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM for residents ages 60 and older, then open to all attendees for the remainder of the event.

Access to affordable pet food is a practical assistance program for Las Animas County households coping with economic strain. Keeping pets fed reduces the likelihood of pet relinquishment and eases pressure on local animal shelters, while also supporting the emotional and physical health of pet-owning residents. Holding the pantry at the county-owned fairgrounds places the resource at a familiar community hub that also hosts agricultural shows, meetings, and fairs, making it easier for residents to combine errands and services in one trip.

The pantry’s senior-priority hour responds to mobility and transportation barriers many older adults face in rural counties. By giving ages 60 and older first access between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, the distribution reduces time spent waiting and helps older residents with limited daylight or transit options plan safer, more reliable trips. For low-income households, predictable monthly access to pet food is one piece of a larger conversation about social determinants of health - where food security, housing stability, and caregiving responsibilities interact with public health outcomes.

Volunteers are requested to help during each distribution. Local residents, church groups, school clubs, and civic organizations can all play a role in logistics such as unloading deliveries, bagging food, directing traffic, and registering attendees. Volunteer support expands the pantry’s capacity and strengthens community ties by keeping neighbors connected and supported through practical, regular assistance.

Specific distribution dates and any schedule changes are posted monthly on the Colorado Pet Pantry website and event calendar; residents should check the pantry site or contact organizers for the current month’s details and volunteer sign-ups. Using the fairgrounds’ central location at 2000 N Linden Ave, the pantry aims to remain an accessible, recurring resource for Las Animas County pet owners.

For many households in the county, the pantry is more than free or low-cost pet food - it is a stabilizing service that helps people care for the animals that are part of their families. Continued volunteer involvement and public awareness will determine how effectively this monthly program can meet rising needs in the months ahead.