For those struggling to put food on the table right now, keeping pets fed can become an insurmountable challenge.

That’s why agencies across North Texas launched emergency initiatives this week to keep pets at home and out of already overcrowded shelters.

“With the SNAP benefits not being continued at the moment, many families are making those really difficult choices of, do I feed my pets or do I feed my family?” said Dallas Pets Alive Vice President of Animal Operations Sarah  McGoldrick.

This week, Dallas Pets Alive began collecting and distributing food at the Humane Society of Dallas at 2719 Manor Way from 12 to 5 p.m.

It’s also partnered with Community Beer Company, which receives donations from Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 3110 Commonwealth Drive. Donors will receive a free pint.

“Really, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s no shame in coming to a pet pantry. There’s no shame in picking up an extra bag of food that’s donated that’s free. That is really the easiest thing to do, and I know sometimes it can come with a little bit of embarrassment. But please don’t be embarrassed, please. We are here to help, we are happy to help,” said McGoldrick.

The effort comes as animal advocates, like the Humane Society of North Texas, report a six-week uptick in the number of calls from people looking to surrender their pets.

While the SPCA of Texas said its call volume has yet to shift, it’s already ramping up to help neighbors in crisis.

“It’s a reality of just the world that we live in that people will continue to need support for their pets,” said Vice President of Marketing and Communications Maura Davies.

Davies said pet owners looking for help with food, medical care or even the ability to pay pet rent can reach out via email at helpmypetatspca.org.

They can also visit the Russell H. Prairie Pet Resource Center.

“We have our pet pantry open every day single Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. That’s at 2400 Lone Star Drive in Dallas and we have a drive-through pet pantry every third Sunday. So that’s coming up on November 16th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m,” she said.

Both agencies are also pointing people to resources like Don’t Forget to Feed Me.

The pet food bank, which is the only one of its kind in North Texas, was born out of the recession.

Now, in another time of extreme need, it’s opening its Maverick Fund, an emergency fund reserved for catastrophic events.

“I always like to frame it or think about my daughter when I think about these situations, because I know if we were already struggling or in a precarious situation saying, okay, now we have to give up your best friend would be just the nail in the coffin, right? Like she’s already struggling and that’s her one consistent thing in life. I wouldn’t want to have to take that away. And especially if it’s an emotional support dog or cat or what have you, some kind of emotional support animal, they really rely on that, and that’s just something they can’t give up,” said Executive Director Maria Koegl.

Like others, Don’t Forget to Feed Me is asking for monetary donations and volunteers as it works to fill a growing need.

Operation Kindness is also offering a drive-thru pantry on Thursdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3201 Earhart Drive in Carrollton.

Dallas Animal Services has one on the 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday of the month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at 1818 N. Westmoreland Drive.