Humane Society of Southern Arizona Opens Client-Choice Pet Pantry, Among First in U.S.

Dart Mart opens to the public on Nov. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m.

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) is opening the first client-choice pet pantry in Tucson, AZ, modeled on best practices from human food pantries. The updated on-site pet pantry venue, "Dart Mart," will officially open to the public on Nov. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at HSSA's main campus, 635 W. Roger Rd.

In client-choice "super-market" models, visitors choose their own items instead of receiving a pre-packed bag. The model dates to at least 1993, when New York City's West Side Campaign Against Hunger adopted it, and has spread to food pantries nationwide. It has yet to become common among pet pantries. A Feeding America study by NORC at the University of Chicago found that clients at full-choice pantries reported higher satisfaction, more variety, shorter waits, and less wasted food.

"I've worked in animal welfare a long time, and Dart Mart is one of only a handful like it in the country," said Michelle Dosson, Pacific Regional Director at Best Friends Animal Society and a member of HSSA's Board of Directors. "Food pantries learned decades ago that people know what their households need. Dart Mart at HSSA is the next chapter for dignity in animal welfare services, and I am so proud we are a part of it."

At Dart Mart, each household gets 300 points a month to spend. Every item has a point value, and an attendant helps with checkout. The pantry sees over 2,000 visits a year. The space is styled like a corner market, with colorful storefront windows.

Dart Mart is named for Dart, a beloved German Shepherd mix, by his person, L. Wilson, whose gift gave the space its name. She found him in 2015, when she saw him and his mother in busy traffic.

"I stopped and opened the car door, and both jumped in. It was apparent they were in trouble, hungry, and confused. Of course they came home with me," Wilson said. She took Dart to HSSA to be scanned for a microchip, vaccinated, and neutered. He showed signs of head trauma and managed multiple physical challenges throughout his life.

"Dart had a myriad of quirks which made me love him even more. Quite frankly, Dart was a magnificent dog. He was so loved, and I'm honored to share our love with other families in his memory," Wilson added.

Michele Figueroa, Chief Programs Officer at HSSA, started the Pet Pantry as it is known today when she joined the executive team three years ago. Figueroa has been spearheading the next evolution of this service, which is built on decades of food distribution efforts at the organization.

"People know their pets better than we do," said Figueroa. "If your dog needs a harness, you get to pick your favorite from what's on the shelf. If your cat loves a certain toy, grab it. Same with food: pick the kind your pet loves best. Our clients deserve the dignity of choice."

Dart Mart runs on donated goods. Greater Good Charities provided 90% of the food and supplies on its shelves.

"The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is leading the way in how pet pantries serve their communities," said Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good Charities. "Dart Mart lets families choose the food and supplies their pets actually need, so every donation goes where it helps most. We're proud to support HSSA's Pet Pantry and to see them show up for Southern Arizona with such empathy and care."

Dart Mart is part of HSSA's Love Stays Home program, which helps families keep their pets rather than surrender them to shelters.

"A pet that stays home is a pet who does not need a kennel," said Dr. Kristin Barney, CEO of HSSA. "This is a success for the pet, the person, and the shelters. Love Stays Home runs on donations, and Dart Mart is a good example of what that support funds."

The pantry joins other efforts at HSSA to keep pets with their families, including last year's collaboration to enhance Pima County's Pet Support Center, funded by a $1.9M grant from Maddie's Fund.

Dart Mart also marks a launch within HSSA's 10,000 Acts of Love campaign. Pet food and supplies are welcome at HSSA, and gifts of any size help keep programs like Dart Mart open. To give, visit hssaz.org/donate. To learn more about Dart Mart, visit hssaz.org/pet-pantry.

About the Humane Society of Southern Arizona
Officially incorporated in 1944, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona is the oldest and largest animal welfare nonprofit in southern Arizona. Its mission is to compassionately serve pets and the people who love them. Learn more at hssaz.org, or visit 635 W. Roger Road, Tucson.

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SOURCE Humane Society of Southern Arizona