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The Suffolk Humane Society office at 412 Kings Fork Road is assisting pet owners during the coronavirus pandemic with a drive-through pet pantry distribution Thursday and Friday. The pet pantry is strictly for Suffolk residents only, with proof of Suffolk residency required.

“We try to do the pet pantry quarterly, (but) this one was just really, really important to do because of what was going on,” said Kerri Shallcross, executive director of the Suffolk Humane Society. “There’s a lot of people that (don’t) have the money or they’re losing their jobs, so any individual that needs it is welcome to come, as long as they are a Suffolk resident.”

The drive-through pantry happened last week and this week. Shallcross said anyone who isn’t able to come by Friday can make an appointment to get items from the pantry.

At least 30 individuals stopped by the Suffolk Humane Society as of Thursday afternoon, Shallcross said, to get much-needed treats and food for their beloved pets.

“It’s great, (and) it helps us out so much,” Suffolk resident Bill Marlowe said at the Suffolk Humane Society office.

Marlowe came on Thursday to get some essentials for his dogs and cats at home. He said he’s always had pets, and that they’re an invaluable source of love and stress relief, especially during this pandemic.

“No matter how bad of a day you’ve had, when you come home, they’re ready to love you up,” he said. “They never seem to have a bad day.”

Pet owners that visit the pantry are able to pick from a table of toys, blankets, grooming products and more. They can take what they want from the table, but are encouraged to take only as much as their pets truly need.

They will also receive an appropriate amount of dog or cat food, based on the number of pets that they have and their pets’ respective sizes.

“We try to make sure as many residents as we can get (pet food), so we do have to ration a little,” Shallcross said. “We do have enough for (Friday), also. I don’t know how long, but we will have some for tomorrow.”

The drive-through pet pantry will continue on Friday for as long as supplies last. Suffolk citizens are also encouraged to make donations to support the Suffolk Humane Society, although it’s not required.

Currently, the Suffolk Humane Society office itself is open only by appointments for food, surrenders and adoptions. Appointments can be made by calling 538-3030, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April dates for the Virginia Beach SPCA “Neuter Scooter” at the Suffolk Humane Society location have been canceled, Shallcross said, but reservations are still being accepted for May dates. The Neuter Scooter offers low-cost spay-and-neuter surgeries, vaccinations and select preventative medications.

People are encouraged to support the Suffolk Humane Society by becoming members themselves. Visit suffolkhumanesociety.com for more information.