Rescue Bank SM

Become an Affiliate Distribution Center of Rescue Bank ^SM

Here’s the simple truth: Rescue Bank ^SM needs you.

Rescue Bank ^SM affiliate partners include nonprofit pet food banks, rescue and other animal welfare organizations acting as local distribution centers.  Since 1998, our partners have handled more than 10 million pounds of pet food. 

Rescue Bank ^SM sources and manages excess, re-branded and near-date food and supplies from the pet care industry, which includes food processors, manufacturers, and retailers. We then make this food/product available to our affiliate partners. We provide the following services for our affiliate partners:

•      Sourcing and negotiating for donated products.
•      Cooperative purchase opportunities.
•      Delivery and shipment of products to your designated drop point.
•      Web site presence and application process module.
•      A more consistent supply of product.

 Affiliate responsibilities

Simply put, our affiliate partners receive shipments of pet food – generally semi-sized truckloads and arrange for distribution to other qualified animal welfare organizations within their geographic area.

Specifically, this means that an affiliate must have the willingness and means to handle a large volume of pet food, work with other organizations within their communities, comply with the Rescue Bank ^SM operating procedures, recipient eligibility requirements and reporting procedures.

How does it work?

When Rescue Bank ^SM receives notice of available product we reach out to our affiliates based on a variety of factors including need, location and timing of previous distributions. Once a match has been made –  Rescue Bank ^SM arranges and pays for shipping to the affiliate location. 

The affiliate then notifies organizations within their geographic area that pet food is available to qualified recipients.  All recipients must complete the Rescue Bank ^SM on-line application form and be verified before receiving food. Copies of all applications within an affiliate’s geographic area are sent to the affiliate and the affiliate is responsible for verifying the information.  The verification process is very important  – but not overly complicated - and the Rescue Bank ^SM operating procedures help our affiliates understand how to do this.

Receiving donated pet food is a privilege and our goal is to support those organizations that exhibit the highest standards of care and demonstrate their ability to make a difference.

Are there costs associated with becoming an Affiliate Distribution Center?

Although, the pet food is donated the costs associated with shipping it to the affiliate location is not.  Donations cover only a portion of our operating costs. Rescue Bank ^SM asks for two types of fees from our affiliate partner organizations:

Affiliate dues: A small annual fee to offset the administrative costs of processing applications and setting up the online recipient registration process for your organization.

Shared Handling fees:  The shared handling fee is based either on a per pallet or a per-pound basis and may be adjusted from time to time to reflect operating costs and funding availability. An affiliate may pass on this cost plus a percentage to offset the affiliate’s operating cost to the recipient organizations. Handling fees are the same nationwide to allow all geographic area equal access to donated pet food supplies.

To become an Affiliate Distribution Center and partner with Rescue Bank ^SM you must meet some minimum requirements: 

•     Be a  501(c) 3 organization in good standing.
•     Have a clearly defined mission which supports the efforts of the pet food distribution program.
•    Agree to all terms and conditions included in the Rescue Bank ^SM “Affiliate Agreement.”
•    Agree to comply with all Rescue Bank ^SM operating procedures and reporting requirements.

For additional information or to request an application to apply as an Affiliate Distribution Center,  please complete this contact form.