New Yorkers are struggling to feed themselves and their pets as food costs rise

New Yorkers on tight budgets say it’s not only human food that’s getting harder to afford — it’s food for their pets, too.

“They’re like your kids. I know mine are,” said Daisy Santiago, 58, who has two Shih Tzus, Nico and Kimora. “Sometimes I go without buying stuff that I need, like a gallon of milk or coffee or whatever, just to get them food.”

The city's affordability crisis is increasingly affecting people’s ability to care for their pets, according to food pantry providers and pet owners. Animal Care Centers of NYC , the city’s largest contracted animal shelter operator, said so far this year, 1 in 3 pet surrenders are due to housing insecurity.

Few places exist for pet owners to get help feeding their pets. Food pantries that do provide pet food say demand for kibble and cann