Jo Jo’s Paws Distributes 43,000 Pounds of Pet Food Through County Partnership

Local nonprofit Jo Jo's Paws is on a mission to keep pets and families together, thanks to a partnership with Escambia County Animal Welfare.

Through the partnership, Jo Jo's Paws distributed approximately 43,828 pounds of pet food to families in need in 2025. The local pet food pantry also provides a variety of essential pet items and resources and, through community donations, helped an average of 236 families each month and kept over 13,000 pets at home with their families over the last year.

Jo Jo's Paws Director and Founder Patti Roberts said in the last year, they've seen a rise in the number of families needing some extra help to care for their pets.

"No one should have to choose between caring for themselves and caring for their pets," Roberts said. "Anything we can do to help pets and families stay together is a win for us. We hope to be able to provide more resources for our community, and we're so grateful to Escambia County Animal Welfare for supporting our mission."

Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson said he appreciates the partnership with Jo Jo's Paws, emphasizing how the work they do helps keep pets out of the shelter and at home with their families.

"I've always said we can't do what we do without the support of our community, and Jo Jo's Paws is further proof of that," Robinson said. "We want to do everything we can to keep pets and families together, which is ultimately the best place for pets to be. Partnering with Jo Jo's Paws was an easy yes for us, and we're appreciative of all they do to provide support for our residents."

Located inside the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center, Jo Jo's Paws provides free cat and dog food to residents in need, along with a variety of essential pet items and resources. The pet pantry is open to Escambia County residents with a valid driver's license, although Roberts said exceptions can sometimes be made depending on the circumstances and number of available donations. The pantry is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The most-needed items for Jo Jo's Paws are cat and dog food (wet or dry), cat and dog treats, and 1-gallon or larger resealable plastic storage bags. Jo Jo's Paws will gladly accept any pet items, including pet jackets or clothing, pet beds, blankets, collars and leashes, and kitty litter.

Donations can be dropped off at Escambia County Animal Welfare, located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive, during normal business hours: Monday-Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For questions about donations or assistance through Jo Jo's Paws, please contact Jo Jo's Paws at 850-760-7876 or [email protected].

For more information about Escambia County Animal Welfare, please visit the county website.