What if the biggest barrier to helping animals isn’t compassion, but shipping, storage, and coordination? That’s where United Pet Fund comes in. I’m joined by veterinarian Dr. Zeke Zekoff, who built a volunteer-powered distribution model that connects business generosity to animal rescues and shelters that need supplies right now. Think forklifts, pallets, and semi-loads, not random one-off drop-offs.

We talk through how United Pet Fund operates out of a 7,500-square-foot warehouse near Cincinnati, partnering with organizations like Greater Good Charities and working with companies that have surplus inventory, overstock, and returns. Dr. Z breaks down why bulk logistics matter, how distribution days work, and why donated goods still come with real costs like electricity, insurance, fuel, and equipment. Their solution is practical: pass supplies to member rescues for roughly 10 to 15 cents on the dollar, keeping the mission sustainable while protecting donor trust through careful screening.

We also go deeper into the realities of animal welfare beyond food and litter, especially the growing crisis of veterinary care access. Dr. Z shares what he’s seeing across the rescue world and why vet care often becomes the number one expense. You’ll hear an on-the-ground impact story from a long delivery run to rural Kentucky that makes the need feel immediate and human.

If you care about animal rescue, nonprofit operations, pet food donations, or corporate giving that actually works, you’ll take something useful from this conversation. Subscribe for more local-good stories, share this with a business owner who has surplus to donate, and leave a review so more neighbors can find the show.