Best Grants for Dog Rescues in Indiana

The ASPCA is offering up to $14 million in Spay/Neuter Grants for shelters and clinics across the U.S. to enhance spay/neuter services for vulnerable animals. Proposals can address critical infrastructure needs and major capital projects to increase spay/neuter capacity. Only one application per organization is permitted, and applicants must choose one funding category. The focus is on compelling proposals that meet the most urgent needs.

The Petco Love Canine Cancer Fund Grant supports active and retired working canines diagnosed with cancer. Established in 2012 through a partnership with Petco Love, Blue Buffalo, and the Search Dog Foundation, this grant alleviates financial burdens for handlers, ensuring their canine partners receive necessary treatments. Funding is allocated on a case-by-case basis, allowing many working dog teams facing cancer to benefit each year. This initiative emphasizes the importance of preserving the quality of life for these heroic animals.

The Canine Healthcare Fund Grant provides vital medical coverage for SDF-trained canines throughout their lives, ensuring they receive top-notch veterinary care at no expense to their handlers or agencies. Additionally, it extends support to non-SDF-trained handlers of active and retired disaster search canines, covering veterinary costs for wellness, illness, and injury not funded by their organizations. Each handler may receive up to $1,000 annually to help manage these essential healthcare expenses.

VCA Charities offers the Ready for Rescue Grants to support animal welfare organizations in preparing pets for adoption. With a maximum award of $10,000, this program focuses on enhancing the mental and physical well-being of companion animals through various activities, including enrichment and training. Eligible organizations must be registered nonprofits dedicated to animal welfare, adopting out at least 500 pets annually. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines approaching soon.

The Morris Animal Foundation is dedicated to improving the health of animals through scientific research and funding. With a focus on domesticated cats, the Feline Health First Award supports innovative research that addresses the welfare of both community and pet cats. Grants are available for projects lasting up to 24 months, with a maximum budget of $120,000. This initiative encourages collaborations that translate research findings into practical applications for veterinarians and cat caretakers.

The Morris Animal Foundation offers the Annual Feline Health Pilot Study Award to support innovative research that enhances the health and welfare of domesticated cats. This funding is aimed at proof-of-concept studies, advancing animal health research through collaborative projects. With a maximum funding of $20,000 for a 12-month duration, the foundation seeks proposals that have a significant impact on both scientific and community stakeholders, ensuring a healthier future for feline populations.

The Morris Animal Foundation offers the Annual Feline Proposals: Feline Health Established Investigator Award to support research aimed at improving the health and welfare of domesticated cats. Established in 1948, the foundation funds innovative, hypothesis-driven studies that demonstrate high scientific merit. This grant encourages collaboration between academia and industry and has a maximum project duration of 36 months, with average awards around $100,000. Eligible proposals should focus solely on domesticated cats, excluding other feline species.

The Morris Animal Foundation invites proposals for the Feline Health Fellowship Training Award, aimed at advancing the health and welfare of domesticated cats. This program supports new investigators by providing salary funds in a mentoring environment. Proposals should focus on hypothesis-driven research with high scientific merit, targeting community and pet cats (Felis catus). The maximum award duration is 24 months, with budgets not exceeding $145,000. Join us in making impactful contributions to feline health.

Indiana veterinary researchers focused on equine health can access funding through the Equus Foundation, which offers US $5,500 to support early-career equine veterinary fellows. Graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary schools nearing completion of a residency or doctoral program may be eligible, including those already receiving separate project funding.

No-kill animal shelters and rescue groups caring for adoptable pets can receive US $250 - US $1,000 to support daily operations, including food, supplies, and vaccines. Petfinder Foundation supports domestic animal welfare in Indiana and across North America through its Wag Wine Operation, with monthly awards for Petfinder-member organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Nonprofits, individuals, and other entities working on animal welfare advocacy, research, or movement-building can apply for up to US $200,000 to support projects in Indiana and worldwide. With a mission to alleviate nonhuman animal suffering, Centre for Effective Altruism provides funding for work on farmed and wild animals, including alternative proteins and policy or corporate campaigns.

Animal welfare and health nonprofits in Indiana can seek funding for muscular dystrophy research or treatment, veterinary medicine scholarships, and shelters or homes for small animals. Frances Downing Nix Trust awards US $6,000 - US $12,000 to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental units; hospitals in Atlanta and accredited veterinary schools receive preference.

Grants to support the care and comfort of small household pets are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Indiana, from the Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust, with awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Animal shelters, dog pounds, and similar domestic animal welfare groups may be especially competitive for this year-round funding opportunity.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and invited animal welfare-focused for-profit companies in Indiana providing free vaccine services to communities in need can apply for Petco Love’s Vaccinated & Loved Campaign Grant. This national animal welfare opportunity may benefit Indiana dog rescues offering no-cost vaccinations and related veterinary services.

Indiana animal welfare nonprofits and municipal shelters with at least 100 dog and cat intakes can apply for ASPCA’s Rescue Effect Campaign Grants, with typical awards around US $10,000. Selected U.S. organizations must host multiple fee-waived adoption days during August, September, and October to support increased dog and cat adoptions.

Animal welfare nonprofits and government agencies providing veterinary care to owned pets in Indiana can receive funding and medical supplies to support on-site, mobile, or pop-up clinics. Banfield Foundation supports veterinary services for pets and their owners across the U.S., which may benefit dog rescues expanding affordable, accessible care in their communities.

Academic research institutions working on veterinary science, animal welfare, or related animal health research in the U.S., including Indiana, can apply for up to US $7,500,000 to become Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers. US Department of Health & Human Services: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supports projects on avian influenza, genomic alterations, and unmet veterinary medical needs that may benefit dog rescue partners.

United States veterinary schools with ACT-approved small animal theriogenology residency programs can receive up to US $150,000 to support a canine-focused resident in reproductive health and clinical genetics. Focused on veterinary training, the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation invites programs whose work may ultimately benefit purebred and purpose-bred dogs served by Indiana dog rescues.

Veterinary sports medicine residency programs in the U.S. that are credentialed by the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation can apply for up to US $300,000 to train a canine-focused resident. Focused on canine health and rehabilitation, the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation supports programs that may benefit Indiana dog welfare efforts.

Researchers and animal welfare organizations in Indiana and across the U.S. can apply for the ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund, which awards up to US $5,000 to cover open-access article processing charges. Eligible projects advance domestic animal welfare, including cruelty prevention, sheltering, behavior, affordable veterinary care, community cats, equine, and farm animal welfare.

Dog rescues and shelters in Indiana caring for domestic animals and pets can seek funding to improve dogs’ quality of life while they await adoption. Petfinder Foundation supports enrichment through play yard renovations and interactive items, with awards up to US $3,000. Organizations in Canada, Mexico, and across the U.S. may also be eligible.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipal agencies caring for domestic animals can seek funding to cover food and essential supplies during COVID-19–related hardships. Focused on animal welfare, American Humane invites shelters and rescue organizations to apply for its Feed the Hungry COVID-19 Fund, which may benefit dog rescues struggling to maintain basic care.

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:

• Critical shelter infrastructure
• Strengthening shelter essentials
• Increasing the number of spay/neuter surgeries year-over-year 
• Major capital projects that increase spay/neuter capacity
• Special projects that increase spay/neuter capacity

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.

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:

• Critical shelter infrastructure
• Strengthening shelter essentials
• Increasing the number of spay/neuter surgeries year-over-year 
• Major capital projects that increase spay/neuter capacity
• Special projects that increase spay/neuter capacity

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:

• Critical shelter infrastructure
• Strengthening shelter essentials
• Increasing the number of spay/neuter surgeries year-over-year 
• Major capital projects that increase spay/neuter capacity
• Special projects that increase spay/neuter capacity

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:

• Critical shelter infrastructure
• Strengthening shelter essentials
• Increasing the number of spay/neuter surgeries year-over-year 
• Major capital projects that increase spay/neuter capacity
• Special projects that increase spay/neuter capacity

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.

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:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

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:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.