Our Story

Helping Local Pets, One Donation at a Time

Benson’s CARES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded to support animal welfare organizations across the Capital Region.

Born out of Benson’s Pet Center’s long-standing commitment to pets and their people, we aim to reduce pet abandonment and provide critical care to animals waiting for homes. What began as a few donation bins has grown into a full-scale, community-powered effort that supports pets, families, and rescue organizations throughout Upstate New York — the Capital Region from Albany to Queensbury and Troy to Johnstown.

Who We Help

We work with shelters, rescues, fosters, individuals, and families throughout Upstate New York—from Albany to Queensbury, Troy to Johnstown—providing pet food, litter, toys, and essential supplies at no cost.

About the Pantry

How We Work

We collect pet supplies through community donations, vendor support, and in-store programs—then distribute them to shelters, rescues, and individuals in need across the Capital Region.

Our Programs

Why It Matters

Pet homelessness is often tied to lack of resources. By offering essential supplies at no cost to pet owners and rescue organizations, we help reduce the cycle of surrender, suffering, and overpopulation.

Our Impact

Our Impact in Numbers

Every supply, every dollar, every act of kindness adds up. Thanks to the generosity of our community, Benson’s CARES is making a real difference for animals in need across the Capital Region.

6000

pet food donated per month

100

local rescues & families served

45

cats adopted
in 2025

Keeping Pets With the People Who Love Them

Every pet deserves a full bowl, a warm bed, and a chance at a better life. Too often, pets are surrendered simply because their people lack the resources to care for them—not because they lack love. Benson’s CARES exists to fill that gap and keep pets where they belong: home.

Prevent unnecessary pet surrender.

Support local animal rescue efforts.

Ease the burden on overwhelmed shelters.

Empower families to keep their pets through hard times.

What We Do

How We Collect Donations

Our community makes everything we do possible. Here’s how we gather the supplies that support local pets and rescues.

Register Round-Ups

When you shop at Benson’s Pet Center, you can choose to “round up” your purchase total. That extra change goes directly to Benson’s CARES.

In-Store Donation Bins

All Benson’s Pet Center locations have donation bins near the front entrance. Shoppers can drop off new or gently used pet items.

Our Locations

Vendor Donations

We work with manufacturer and distributor reps who donate or offer discounted products that are close to expiration or being phased out.

Bottle Drives (via Clynk)

Pick up a pre-stickered Clynk bag at any Benson’s Pet Center. Fill it with your returnables & bring it to any Hannaford with Clynk.

Find a Drop-Off

Whether you’re a Benson’s shopper rounding up at checkout, a family dropping supplies into a donation bin, or a vendor offering bulk food support—you are part of this mission. Together, we can give local pets the second chance they deserve.

Donate Now

Donate to the Pantry