Small acts. Happier pets. Stronger San Diego communities.

Youth-led · San Diego, California

Full bowls.
Full hearts.
Families together.

No one should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their best friend. We organize community dog-food donation drives to keep San Diego pets right where they belong: home.

Help fill a bowl Meet Shriya

Founded by Shriya Uttamchandani · Del Norte High School

GOOD FOOD. GOOD DAYS.A little kindness goes a long way.

2,000+pounds of pet food donated

150+neighbors and families supported

200+hours of community service

A neighbor-to-neighbor kind of thing

Because the people who love their pets shouldn’t have to lose them.

Pet food insecurity is closer than most people realize. Pawsitive Impact turns local generosity into practical support for families facing financial hardship and homebound older adults.

How we lend a paw

Three ways we show up.

Simple, local care for San Diego’s pets and the people who love them.

The heart of what we do

Dog-food donation drives

We collect unopened dog and pet food through neighborhood drives, local libraries, pet stores, and community partners—then help get it to the people and pets who need it.

More good days, one walk at a time

Neighborhood dog walking

Shriya also offers caring dog walks around San Diego—giving local pups fresh air, companionship, and the kind of attention every four-legged friend deserves.

Care that meets people where they are

Help for pet-loving families

Our work centers families facing financial hardship, homebound older adults, and local shelters—because a beloved companion should never become another worry.

Shriya Uttamchandani enjoying a neighborhood walk with two happy dogs in a sunny San Diego garden

fresh air · happy paws · San Diego

More than a walk around the block

Every dog deserves a really good day.

Alongside Pawsitive Impact’s food drives, Shriya spends time walking neighborhood dogs and giving local pups the care, attention, and outdoor time they love.

Learn how to get involved

From your neighborhood to their bowl

A full bowl starts with one neighbor.

Every bag matters. Together, schools, libraries, local pet stores, and generous San Diegans can turn small donations into real relief.

Gather unopened pet food

Dry food, canned food, and other shelf-stable pet meals can help.

Host or support a local drive

Bring together classmates, neighbors, community groups, or a local business.

Help it reach families and shelters

Community partnerships connect those donations with pets who need them.

Pawsitive Impact founder Shriya Uttamchandani smiling with a golden retriever in a sunlit garden

FOUNDER · SAN DIEGO

Meet the person behind the paws

Hi, I’m Shriya.

I’m a senior at Del Norte High School in San Diego, and I started Pawsitive Impact because I believe caring for animals also means caring for the people who love them.

What began as a simple idea—collecting pet food for neighbors who needed a little help—grew into donation drives, community partnerships, and thousands of pounds of food shared. I also love walking local dogs and spending time with the pets that make our neighborhoods feel like home.

With kindness, Shriya

Recognized for showing up

Kindness gets noticed.

These honors reflect Shriya’s sustained community service and the work growing around Pawsitive Impact.

Congressional Recognition of Outstanding Youth

Office of Congresswoman Sara Jacobs

Recognized for sustained service and the community impact of Pawsitive Impact.

Presidential Volunteer Service Award · Gold

National community-service recognition

Earned after 150 hours of service, including organizing pet-food donation drives.

2026 Call for Kindness Fellow

Riley’s Way Foundation

Selected as a fellow and grant recipient to help grow this youth-led kindness initiative.

Helen Woodward Appreciation Award

Helen Woodward Animal Center

Recognized for supporting pets and the people who love them in our community.

Founder recognition · Distinguished Young Women

Honoring leadership and community service.

These official certificates recognize Shriya through Distinguished Young Women of California, Class of 2027, and celebrate her broader service to the community.