Providing Meals. For Pets Too.
Our Story
AniMeals was created when Meals on Wheels volunteers noticed clients sharing their meals with their pets. Horizons AniMeals wants to make sure pets and their owners both get appropriate nutrition. That helps keep pets in their loving homes and out of shelters. And pets in the home provide valuable service and companionship.
Our History
The AniMeals programs started in San Diego after a Meals on Wheels volunteer saw a client share some of her free meal with her dog. Volunteers there eventually found many other meal recipients did the same.
In our community, a Petco employee learned of this program while looking for a way to help elderly people get pet food and prevent people in need sacrificing their own well-being for their pets. That Petco employee joined a Meals on Wheels employee and two volunteers from the Cedar Valley Humane Society to form Cedar Rapids AniMeals in 2000. In 2025 Cedar Rapids Animeals merged with Horizons, A Family Service Alliance. Horizons has been supporting the community for 65 years and is excited to add AniMeals.
Why Horizons AniMeals?
Often referred to as Meals on Wheels for pets, Horizons AniMeals feeds needy dogs and cats across the Cedar Rapids metro area. Each month, we bag over 1,100 pounds of dry dog food and 700 pounds of dry cat food. Then, we deliver the bags to about 280 clients to feed more than 400 loved and loving dogs and cats. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our community benefits from this exceptional program. First, we keep over 400 dogs and cats healthy, in loving homes and out of over-crowded local shelters—preventing unnecessary pet abandonment or death.
We also improve the quality of life for pet owners. For people who are elderly, disabled, or otherwise in need, pets may be their service or support animals, sole companions or best friends.
Apply to Receive AniMeals
Contact us at kherb@horizonsfamily.org or by calling 319-365-6201 if you’d like to receive pet food from Horizons AniMeals. There are three ways to be approved:
- Be a Meals on Wheels client.
- Be referred by a Social Services Agency.
- Be on Federal Benefits like SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), or SS (Social Security).
AniMeals Enrollment Form
Fill out our Online Application below, OR download the Application and return the completed form with any necessary documentation to Horizons AniMeals, animealshorizons@horizonsfamily.org or Attn:
Horizons AniMeals PO Box
667 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Horizons AniMeals carefully reviews the application and any supporting documentation to verify the need for assistance. Each application has a processing time of up to 30 days and all applicants will be notified if they have or have not been accepted into the program.
Online Application
Donate to Horizons AniMeals
Help your community’s four-legged friends stay out of shelters and in their homes, where they give companionship to your neighbors who are elderly or disabled. Make a gift to Horizons AniMeals, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization. We depend on support from you and our community.
Contribute to our mission in the way that’s easiest for you.
Monetary Donations
Your monetary donation goes toward purchasing dry food for some of the 400 dogs and cats we serve. Your donation also helps us buy supplies needed to fulfill our mission. Make a secure online donation through PayPal or mail a check to:
Horizons AniMeals
PO Box 667
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Food Donations
Drop off quality, unopened, unexpired dry dog food or dry cat food at:
Horizons AniMeals
819 5th Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Volunteer for Horizons AniMeals
When you volunteer for Horizons AniMeals, you help your neighbors in need keep their pets at home and out of overcrowded shelters. Choose the role that’s right for you. For additional information on how to volunteer call 319-398-3574 or email volunteer@horizonsfamily.org.
Pet Food Delivery Drivers
Drive to several clients’ homes in Cedar Rapids, Marion or Hiawatha once a month. You’ll bring dry pet food into the home or leave it at the door if the client isn’t available. Time commitment is 30 to 60 minutes monthly.
To volunteer as a driver, you must:
- Have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance
- Be able to lift 60 pounds
- Undergo a background check
Our Partners
Cedar Rapids AniMeals works with or receives support from the following organizations:
Just wanted to say ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers with Cedar Rapids AniMeals. My cats Kiki and Venus really appreciate the food and treats you bring.
