Pet owners across the U.S. have only a few weeks left to file claims for compensation under the $5.5 million Mid America Pet Food settlement. Those affected by salmonella contamination in pet food products are eligible for compensation up to $100,000.
The Pet Owner Settlement Deadline for filing claims is February 5, 2026. Payments for those who submit valid claims are expected to be processed beginning in spring 2026.
This article provides all the details pet owners need to ensure they receive their share of the settlement, including eligibility criteria, how much you can claim, how to file a claim, and what happens after the deadline.
Pet Owner Settlement Deadline
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Settlement Fund | $5.5 million |
| Maximum Payout | Up to $100,000 (with proper documentation) |
| Final Claim Submission | February 5, 2026 |
| Products Covered | Pet food brands affected by salmonella contamination |
| Payouts Begin | Expected Spring 2026 |
The Settlement Background: Why Is This Happening?
Mid America Pet Food and the Recall
The settlement arises from a class-action lawsuit filed against Mid America Pet Food LLC, a pet food company whose products were contaminated with salmonella bacteria. Several brands of dog and cat food, including Victor Super Premium, Wayne Feeds, Eagle Mountain, and Member’s Mark, were impacted by the contamination.
Salmonella poses serious health risks, not only to pets but also to their owners, as the bacteria can spread from animals to humans. Symptoms of infection in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and in severe cases, death.
Following the contamination incident, Mid America Pet Food issued a recall and was named in a class-action lawsuit for failing to prevent the bacterial contamination.
Who Is Eligible to Claim Settlement Money?
The Pet Owner Settlement is open to any individual who meets the following eligibility criteria:
- U.S. Residents: The claimant must live in the United States.
- Affected by the Contaminated Products: You must have purchased the recalled pet food brands during the timeframe of October 31, 2022, through February 29, 2024.
- Proof of Purchase or Medical Documentation: If your pet was harmed or died due to the food, medical records or veterinary receipts are necessary to qualify for higher payouts. Alternatively, food purchase claims will require receipts or order confirmation numbers.
- Injured Pet Claims: If your pet became ill or passed away as a result of consuming the contaminated food, you are eligible to file an injury claim for compensation.
Even if your pet did not become ill, you can still claim for the purchase price of the recalled food.
How Much Can You Receive?
Pet Injury Claims
If your pet was harmed by the contaminated food, the settlement provides compensation based on documented losses:
- Up to $100,000 for pets that suffered severe illness or death, with proper veterinary documentation or treatment records.
- Lower payouts for partial injuries or less severe effects, depending on the claim’s documentation.
For pet deaths, higher compensation can be claimed if the death was directly linked to the food’s contamination.
Food Purchase Claims
For those whose pets did not become ill but who purchased the recalled food:
- 100% reimbursement of the cost for the affected products, supported by receipts.
- Up to $40 for undocumented claims, capped at two bags of food.
For undocumented claims, only basic, fixed compensation will be awarded, which typically includes $20 per bag of recalled food.
No-Proof Claims
If you are unable to provide receipts or veterinary records, you can still submit a no-proof claim for reduced amounts. For example, you may receive a fixed amount like $100 for pet death claims or $50 for food purchase claims.
How to File a Claim For Pet Owner Settlement
Pet owners who meet the eligibility requirements should file their claims before the February 5, 2026 deadline. Here’s how to proceed:
Online Submission
- Visit the official settlement website.
- Complete the claim form, providing necessary personal information, pet details, and evidence (e.g., purchase receipts, veterinary records).
- Submit the form by February 5, 2026.
Mail Submission
- Download the paper claim form from the website.
- Fill out the form and attach proof of purchase or veterinary documentation.
- Mail the completed form to the settlement administrator by the February 5, 2026 postmark deadline.
Failure to submit by this deadline means you will not receive compensation.
What Happens After the Deadline?
Once the claims deadline has passed, the settlement administrator will begin reviewing claims. Payments are expected to be distributed by Spring 2026, once the final approval hearing concludes. If necessary, payments may be issued via checks, direct deposits, or other methods like PayPal or Venmo.
The Role of the FDA and Future Pet Food Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a key role in regulating the safety of pet food. The agency monitors recalls, issues warnings, and enforces compliance with safety standards. However, experts have pointed out that better prevention mechanisms are needed across the pet food industry, particularly regarding the safety of raw ingredients and manufacturing practices.
Pet owners affected by the Mid America Pet Food recall have raised concerns about the broader implications for food safety and transparency in the pet food industry. Advocates are calling for stronger regulation and more stringent oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Legal and Consumer Protection Perspectives
From a legal standpoint, class-action settlements like the Mid America Pet Food settlement provide a way for consumers to seek compensation without needing to pursue individual lawsuits. Class actions serve as a collective response to widespread harm, making it possible for those affected to receive some form of redress.
However, experts caution that settlements are often a compromise, meaning that while affected individuals are compensated, they may not receive full reimbursement for the harm or distress caused by the breach.
Pet owners are encouraged to document any potential losses and medical treatments thoroughly to maximize their compensation under such settlements.
Pet Safety Moving Forward: Steps You Can Take
As a pet owner, it’s important to remain vigilant about the food your pets consume. Here are some proactive steps you can take to ensure future safety:
- Check product recalls regularly on the FDA website and other trusted pet food resources.
- Read ingredient labels carefully to avoid products that could pose health risks.
- Consult with your veterinarian before switching pet food brands, especially if your pet has known sensitivities.
By staying informed and taking action, you can help protect your pets from foodborne illnesses and other health risks.
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The Pet Owner Settlement Deadline of February 5, 2026, is fast approaching, and pet owners who were impacted by the Mid America Pet Food recall should act quickly to secure compensation. With up to $100,000 available for documented claims, pet owners have a unique opportunity to recover some of the costs associated with this distressing incident.
Pet owners are encouraged to file claims, gather necessary documentation, and adhere to the submission deadlines to ensure they don’t miss out on the compensation they deserve.
FAQs About Pet Owner Settlement
What if I missed the claim deadline?
Unfortunately, no claims will be accepted after the February 5, 2026 deadline.
Can I claim if I no longer own the affected pet?
Yes, as long as you can provide the necessary documentation, including proof of purchase.
What happens if I don’t have receipts for purchased food?
You can still file an undocumented claim, but it will be for a smaller payout than documented claims.
