Get grants for dog rescues supporting shelter operations, veterinary care, adoptions, and efforts to protect and rehome abandoned dogs
200+
Available grants
$6.8M
Total funding
$8K
Median grant
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About the Georgia Department of Agriculture
The Georgia Department of Agriculture administers a variety of programs which all have a primary goal - to maintain the state's viable farm industry and protect the consuming public. Our focus is on meeting the needs of Georgia's citizens.
The department's mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates, monitors, or assists with the following areas: grocery stores, convenience stores, food warehouses, bottling plants, food processing plants, pet dealers and breeders, animal health, gasoline quality and pump calibration, antifreeze, weights and measures, marketing of Georgia agricultural products domestically and internationally, pesticides, structural pest control, meat processing plants, seed quality, Vidalia onions, state farmers markets, plant diseases, nurseries and garden centers, fertilizer and lime, potting soil; feed, boll weevil eradication, apiaries, Humane Care for Equines Act, bottled water, and other responsibilities. The department publishes a bi-weekly newspaper: The Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin, which is available online as well as in printed form.
Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP)
Three Plates, One Purpose
Dog and cat overpopulation is a tragic problem that affects all areas of Georgia. Each year, thousands of healthy, friendly dogs and cats are euthanized because of overpopulation. Spaying and neutering of dogs and cats helps reduce this problem. Since this program began, thousands of sterilization procedures have been performed by Georgia veterinarians benefiting from the DCSP grant.
Currently, funds for the program are raised by the sale of the three dog and cat license plates shown above. You can get your spay/neuter tag through your local tag office, or make a contribution by checking the box on your Georgia Tax return. The fastest way to put your money to work helping our dog and cat population is to contribute directly by clicking the "Donate" button located on this webpage.
The DCSP grant does not give money to individuals. Licensed rescues, local government animal shelters, and veterinary medical foundations are eligible to apply for the grant. In turn, individuals may apply to the grant recipients for assistance with spay/neuter procedures. Please encourage your local shelter and/or rescues to apply for the next grant application when it opens.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) manages the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. In 2003, the Georgia General Assembly created the Dog and Cat Reproductive Sterilization Support Program to subsidize spaying and neutering of dogs and cats, resulting in the DCSP program.
ASPCA Reimagining Racers: Grants for Adopting Out Retired Racehorses Grant
ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and organizations actively participating in the warm-up ring (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) are invited to apply for a grant to support an increase in capacity and/or efficiency of programs aimed at adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses.
Funding requests for this grant initiative should focus on:
Activities that increase capacity, decrease length of stay, reduce cost of care or increase efficiencies, and/or improve humane outcomes in other ways. Examples:
Proposals will be evaluated on their potential (within the 12-month grant term) to:
Requests may be for the creation of new programs or the expansion of existing programs. Programs that test innovative ideas are welcome.
Grant Amounts
Grants will generally range from $10,000-$40,000, with a maximum individual grant amount of $60,000. The total funding amount available for this grant opportunity is $200,000.
Eligibility
ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and active Warm-Up Ring participants (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) whose mission or operations focus significantly on serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Adoption organizations must be up to date on reporting data biannually to the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC). If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you may contact therighthorse@aspca.org to confirm before applying.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans. We invite all voices to join us in working together to improve the lives of animals in need.
Gladys Carlisle Bowyer Animal Care Grant
The Gladys Carlisle Bowyer Animal Care Endowment offers grants to organizations that work to protect and care for pets and animals in Lauderdale County.
Design-Only Artist Opportunity: Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)
One Washington state-based artist will be commissioned to create six to eight two-dimensional designs for a new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Kent.
For this design-only project, the selected artist will deliver digital files for fabrication onto metal panels and window film, with fabrication and installation managed by 4Culture.
The artwork will honor and celebrate the human-animal bond and RASKC’s role in supporting the pets and people in the community they serve.
Budget
$15,000 artist design fee for project research and engagement with RASKC, and design-only development of artwork that will be translated into digital files. This work is inclusive of WA Sales/Use Tax, and other applicable taxes.
Additional funds available for the following:
Opportunity
King County Executive Services has embarked on a project to replace the current aging Pet Adoption Center in Kent, WA. King County purchased a building that will be the new animal shelter and headquarters for Regional Animal Services. The facility is located at 5920 S. 194th St. in Kent, and the project will renovate a warehouse into a modern, state of the art animal care center.
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) operates the county’s primary Pet Adoption Center in Kent, WA. Its mission is to provide King County with sustainable, cost-effective services that protect people and animals, while providing humane animal care. RASKC is built on the cornerstone values of compassion and service. They demonstrate this commitment in the countless hours spent by staff and RASKC volunteers to save animals’ lives at the shelter and in the field. By collaborating with community partners, they are able to expand programs and resources to provide even greater value to residents. RASKC provides the following services:
Animal Control – RASKC is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people and pets in their service area. RASKC provides a 24-hour public safety response to dangerous animals, loose livestock on public roadways, as well as animal injury and abuse. Animal Control Officers (ACOs) conduct investigations, enforce state and local laws related to animals, as well as educate the public about animal welfare, restraint, and licensing. ACOs respond to more than 5,000 calls each year and cover nearly 1,100 square miles and a population of more than one million people.
Lost and Found Services – RASKC provides animal care and control in 24 contracting cities and the unincorporated areas of King County. They also provide information on how to help a stray pet get back home.
Adoptions – RASKC’s goal is to place healthy and treatable adoptable pets into permanent homes. They welcome all adopters and aim to find a great match for every prospective adopter by providing as much information as they can about each animal and ultimately allowing each adopter to make the final decision about what is right for their family.
Licensing – King County pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older living in the Regional Animal Services coverage area. A pet license identifies and protects a dog or cat in case they get lost.
Pet Owner Assistance Program – For pet owners experiencing economic hardship, RASKC has a Community Pet Food Bank, and provides dog and cat kibble (dry food), with cat litter, canned pet food, and other pet toys and supplies available depending on incoming donations.
PetSmart Charities
We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.
Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.
Adoption Growth Grants
Purpose
Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.
Funding Support
Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:
There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1- Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.
Cohort 1- Accelerating in-store Adoptions
Applicants must have completed 500 or more adoptions in a PetSmart store in the U.S. within the last 12 months.
Preference will be given to organizations that demonstrate a clear plan to expand an existing in-store adoption program or introduce new in-store adoption models that will increase adoptions.
Four Required Steps
Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:
PetSmart Charities
We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.
Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.
Adoption Growth Grants
Purpose
Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.
Funding Support
Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:
There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1- Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.
Cohort 2: Capacity Building
Applicants must have completed at least one adoption in a PetSmart store within the last 12 months.
Preference will be given to organizations seeking to build a consistent, sustainable in-store adoption program. Applications should include a clear plan, with examples, for sustaining the program over time.
Four Required Steps
Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:
2026 ASPCA Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States, including addressing the shortfall in available spay/neuter surgeries. We will fund qualified proposals that support:
Shelter Grants
Critical Shelter Infrastructure
Only one application per agency/organization will be considered.
Applicants may choose only one of the five funding categories. Our interest is in meeting your most pressing needs in one of the offered categories; we do not have our own preference for funding one category over another. We will fund the most compelling proposals, regardless of category chosen.
2026 ASPCA Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States, including addressing the shortfall in available spay/neuter surgeries. We will fund qualified proposals that support:
Shelter Grants
Strengthening Shelter Essentials
Only one application per agency/organization will be considered.
Applicants may choose only one of the five funding categories. Our interest is in meeting your most pressing needs in one of the offered categories; we do not have our own preference for funding one category over another. We will fund the most compelling proposals, regardless of category chosen.
2026 ASPCA Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States, including addressing the shortfall in available spay/neuter surgeries. We will fund qualified proposals that support:
Spay/Neuter Grants
Increasing Spay/Neuter Surgeries
Only one application per agency/organization will be considered.
Applicants may choose only one of the five funding categories. Our interest is in meeting your most pressing needs in one of the offered categories; we do not have our own preference for funding one category over another. We will fund the most compelling proposals, regardless of category chosen.
2026 ASPCA Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States, including addressing the shortfall in available spay/neuter surgeries. We will fund qualified proposals that support:
Spay/Neuter Grants
Spay/Neuter Major Capital Projects
Only one application per agency/organization will be considered.
Applicants may choose only one of the five funding categories. Our interest is in meeting your most pressing needs in one of the offered categories; we do not have our own preference for funding one category over another. We will fund the most compelling proposals, regardless of category chosen.
Grants for dog rescues provide funding to support adoption programs, veterinary care, and shelter improvements. The following grants empower organizations to save lives, promote responsible pet ownership, and enhance animal welfare.
Find 91 funding opportunities for dog rescues, with $1.6M available. Instrumentl helps nonprofits discover relevant grants, manage deadlines, and access insights to strengthen animal rescue initiatives.
How common are grants in this category?
Uncommon — grants in this category are less prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for grants for Dog Rescues?
Most grants are due in the third quarter.
Eligible organizations for dog rescue grants include nonprofits, animal shelters, foster-based rescues, and advocacy groups dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs. Funders often prioritize programs that address pet homelessness, expand access to veterinary care, and enhance overall animal welfare.
Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for dog rescues, grant deadlines are most common in Q3, accounting for 30.6% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.
Grants for dog rescues support programs that provide medical care, temporary shelter, and adoption services for at-risk dogs. Many funders focus on reducing pet overpopulation, lowering euthanasia rates, and promoting responsible pet ownership through spay/neuter and community education initiatives.
Funding for dog rescue grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $25 to a maximum of $275,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $9,500, while the average grant awarded is $26,165. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Dog rescue grants are primarily funded by private organizations like the Petfinder Foundation, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and Best Friends Animal Society.
Government agencies at the federal and state levels also provide funding, with sources including the Wildlife Disease Association and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, among others.
To increase the chances of securing dog rescue grants, nonprofits should:
Want to improve your grant prospecting strategy? Master the process with our detailed guide to grant prospect research.
Instrumentl streamlines the grant application process with an easy-to-use platform that helps dog rescue nonprofits find relevant funding opportunities, stay on top of deadlines, and analyze funder-giving trends. Automated alerts ensure dog rescue nonprofits never miss an important date, while in-depth funder insights help tailor applications to match your priorities. Check out how Habitat for Humanity delivered over 200% ROI within just a few weeks.