Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, has announced its Pause…For Paws Holiday Pet Supply Drive that kicks off today, December 15. The program is designed to help human and pet welfare organizations, as well as shelters, meet the needs of their rescue animals. The drive will continue through January 31, 2012.

Through a coordinated effort with local veterinary clinics, pet stores, dog day care facilities, and the residents of Bergen County, Bark Busters will collect food and pet supplies to benefit the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc., the leading, no-kill animal shelter in Bergen County, and Pascack Valley Meals on Wheels.

“Local food pantries are showing significant increases in the amount of food distributed to area families every year, but these families’ dogs and other pets need food to eat, too,” said Greg Kleva, dog behavioral therapist and master trainer with Bark Busters. “Being able to provide this type of assistance helps keep dogs in the homes of those who rely on their pets for companionship. It will also help shelters provide food for animals while they wait for their forever homes.”

Kleva, who hosts It’s A Dog’s Life on Martha Stewart Living Radio on Sirius XM, said, “It is only with help from residents and the help of pet care providers that we are able to accomplish our goal of getting food to the animals that need it most.”

The following pet services establishments have volunteered to serve as drop-off sites for the drive: Valley Brook Veterinary Hospital, Fair Lawn; Camp Bow Wow, Midland Park; Glen Rock Veterinary Hospital; Pet Valu, in Dumont and Wyckoff; HoHoKus Veterinary Hospital; Park Ridge Veterinary Hospital; Westwood Pets Unlimited; Emerson Animal Hospital; Closter Animal Hospital; New Bridge Veterinary Practice, Bergenfield; and Splish Splash Doggie Day Care & Salon, Englewood.

Residents may drop off dry and canned food, along with other pet supplies. All donated food will be delivered to organizations at the completion of the campaign.