What other kinds of connections can you use? If you need an advocacy/expert source, you could try reaching out to someone with Pittsburghers for Public Transit or BikePGH. Good luck with your assignment!

Yes please donate to Animal Friends! They have a pet food pantry that is run entirely on in-kind donations and distribute thru food pantries across the city. They are short staffed and may take a few days to get back to you but you can call or email their pet retention team and someone will get back to you.