A Davis County-based nonprofit is working to ensure that people experiencing homelessness do not have to choose between their living situation and their pets. Street Dawg Crew of Utah, an all-larity volunteer organization, provides essential pet food and supplies to vulnerable populations through a mobile pantry program designed to preserve the bond between animals and their owners.
Mobile Pantry Operations
The organization, which operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was recently recognized as a Community Champion by Mountain America Credit Union, according to reporting by Davis County News. Street Dawg Crew of Utah serves the pets of the unsheltered and low-income residents by running a mobile pet food pantry, a mission that focuses on populations in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.
Director Trichelle Hilton-King said the organization's operations are centered around her personal home in Davis County, where all supplies and storage are kept. While the logistics are managed from Davis County, the group conducts its primary outreach efforts in downtown Salt Lake City.
Regional Outreach Efforts
Street Dawg Crew of Utah maintains a consistent presence at Pioneer Park in downtown Salt Lake City, conducting outreach every other Sunday throughout the year regardless of weather conditions. Hilton-King noted that the organization serves between 250 and 400 families per month, depending on the needs of local food banks.
In addition to its Salt Lake City efforts, the group provides pet food to smaller regional pantries. For approximately one year, the organization has worked with the Kaysville food pantry, which operates out of a mobile home park just off Main Street in Kaysville, to assist roughly 400 families.
History and Supplies
The organization's origins trace back 10 years to an observation made by a co-founder. While working downtown, the co-founder noticed an unsheltered individual asking for help who was accompanied by a pet. This encounter led the founder to begin bagging small amounts of dog food and distributing it during lunch breaks, a practice that eventually evolved into a formal nonprofit.
Today, the group provides more than just dry food. During their Salt Lake City outreaches, they distribute treats, litter, collars, leashes, and harnesses. The organization maintains a policy of no requirements for assistance; there are no income verifications or ID requirements necessary to receive supplies.
Economic Impact on Pets
The demand for pet resources has seen a significant increase due to economic pressures. Hilton-King noted that the cost of goods and the current economic environment have led to a tremendous rise in people seeking assistance, a trend that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not fully recovered.
Financial barriers are a primary driver for the need. Hilton-King stated that it is not uncommon for a single bag of pet food to cost between $50 and $70. To combat this, Street Dawg Crew of Utah distributes approximately 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of dry food every month. The efficiency of their one-hour outreach sessions is notable, as the group often gives out between 1,500 and 1,800 pounds of food in just 60 minutes.
The Importance of Connection
The mission of the group is rooted in the emotional stability provided by animals to those facing extreme hardship. Hilton-King explained that many clients deal with mental illness and addiction, often resulting in burned bridges with human support systems. In these cases, pets serve as a primary reason for individuals to continue moving forward.
"Animals provide that unconditional love and a reason to get up and going in the morning," Hilton-King said, adding that it is vital to try to keep pets with their people.
Animal Welfare Background
Beyond the mobile pantry, Hilton-King brings 20 years of experience in animal welfare to the organization. She and her family participate in senior hospice dog fostering, providing end-of-life care for older dogs that are often abandoned by shelters when they become unadoptable. At the time of recent reporting, she was managing her 28th foster dog.
Street Dawg Crew of Utah is also recognized as a partner of Best Friends Animal Society. This partnership connects the local group to the broader Best Friends Network, which includes thousands of rescue groups and shelters working toward the goal of saving the lives of cats and dogs in communities across the country.
How to Help
Street Dawg Crew of Utah operates entirely through volunteers. For those interested in supporting the mission, the organization accepts donations and volunteers through their website at streetdawgcrew.org.
