Too many seniors are considering giving away their pets or taking them to the shelter.

Often the senior is on a limited budget, and it’s getting too difficult to pay for pet food. If you’re in this group, help is available.

While there doesn’t seem to be a national network of pet assistance for seniors, small efforts have sprung up across the country.

In some places, animal shelters have been taking donations of food and money to help people keep their pets. Call and ask for help. (Many have funds available for veterinary care, too.)

Call the Humane Society’s national number (202-452-1100) or go online to www.humanesociety.org. (You can use the computers at the library if you don’t have Internet.)

Do a Google search for: pets food assistance. Put in your state to find help in your area.

Try this search: pet food pantry. Or this: pets food “need help.” Google also has an online article called “Having trouble affording your pet?” It includes a list of help organizations for every state.

Call your veterinarian’s office and ask