A Heart for Berlin Paws: How We Can Support the Berliner Tiertafel Together

When money is tight and just doesn't stretch to the end of the month, it often affects the most vulnerable members of our society: pets. For many people, especially those in need, a dog, cat, or parakeet is their most loyal companion and often their only anchor in life. To ensure that no one has to give up their beloved four-legged or feathered friend due to financial hardship, there is a wonderful ray of hope in our city: the Berliner Tiertafel e.V. (Berlin Pet Food Bank).

What does the Berliner Tiertafel do?

The non-profit association steps in during emergencies precisely when pet owners find themselves in financial difficulties through no fault of their own. Out of love for animals of all kinds, the team of volunteers works tirelessly to ensure that no pet in Berlin has to go hungry.

The figures behind this commitment are impressive: The team cares for nearly 800 animals every month, including dogs, cats, and rodents. To meet this enormous demand, around 4 tons of food are distributed to pet owners over two days each month. This mammoth task is made possible on the one hand by generous donations in kind, and on the other by the association's own financial contribution, which now amounts to a proud 10,000 euros a month.

Where and how can you donate?

Since the Berliner Tiertafel is funded predominantly through donations and membership fees, every bit of help goes directly to the animals. Anyone who wants to contribute food, accessories, or money has several options available. When it comes to donations in kind, there is a primary need for wet and dry food for dogs and cats—but specialized or dietary food for sick animals, cat litter, and accessories are also always welcome.

Anyone who wishes to drop off donations in kind directly can do so at the main distribution site located at Wustrower Str. 18, 13051 Berlin (Lichtenberg/Neu-Hohenschönhausen). It is recommended to check the Tiertafel website beforehand to see the current times for dropping off donations on-site. You can also find further information about distribution dates there.

Alternatively, food can be dropped off at one of the 75 collection points throughout the Berlin city area and its surrounding metropolitan area (Speckgürtel). For those who prefer to help from the comfort of their own home, food and accessories can be ordered directly via the Tiertafel's Amazon Wishlist, from which the items are delivered straight to the association.

Since veterinary costs and specialised food are extremely expensive, financial contributions are often the most flexible way to provide fast relief in acute emergencies. Monetary donations can easily be made via PayPal or directly through the donation form on the Tiertafel website. A traditional bank transfer to the donation account of Berliner Tiertafel e.V. is also possible at any time: IBAN: DE24 1005 0000 0190 3531 98, BIC: BELADEBEXXX.

How Butternut Box Supports

We at Butternut Box are proud to play an active role in this valuable work. As part of our annual Volunteering Day, our team visits the Berliner Tiertafel in Lichtenberg/Neu-Hohenschönhausen to lend a helping hand. On-site, we assist with sorting incoming food and supply donations, bringing structure to the warehouse so that distributions to pet owners can run as smoothly as possible. Supporting these volunteers is a cause close to our hearts—and because helping also requires financial resources, Butternut Box further supports the association with targeted donation funds for various purposes.

How We Can All Help Together

Support comes in many forms, and you don't always have to dig deep into your pockets to make a difference. As a community, we can take action in many different ways. One of the simplest options is to give the Tiertafel greater reach and visibility. By following the association on Facebook or Instagram and sharing their donation appeals within our own networks, we can ensure that even more Berliners find out about this important project.

Anyone who can spare some time is invited to drop by and volunteer: the association relies entirely on voluntary work and welcomes every helping hand, whether at the food distributions themselves, sorting items in the warehouse, or taking on transport runs. Even small, self-organized collection drives in your own office, neighborhood, or school can achieve great things. Setting up a small box for food donations goes a long way toward filling many bowls in the end.

Every single can of food and every single euro ensures that a Berlin pet is happily fed and can stay with its human. Let’s show a big heart together for paws, wings, and fins.