Best Grants for Dog Rescues in Oregon

Animal welfare nonprofits in Oregon working with domestic animals and pets may be eligible for grants supporting disadvantaged people, housing assistance, domestic violence protection, military and veterans’ assistance, and care of abused or neglected animals. Grants from Sunstate Equipment Foundation help local charities in good standing that serve communities where the company does business.

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.

Veterinary schools, research institutions, and similar organizations conducting feline health research can access funding for domesticated cat welfare projects through Morris Animal Foundation, including work that may benefit Oregon animal welfare efforts. Grants from Morris Animal Foundation help U.S. animal welfare and pet-focused programs with fellowship training awards up to US $145,000 for mentored research careers.

Oregon animal welfare and veterinary science professionals conducting equine research can access funding through Equus Foundation’s Equus Veterinary Research Fellowship. This US $5,500 support package backs AVMA-accredited veterinary graduates nearing completion of a residency or doctoral program, including a scholarship for horse health research and a travel stipend to the AAEP Convention.

No-kill animal shelters and rescue groups caring for adoptable pets and listed on Petfinder can receive US $250 - US $1,000 to support daily operations, including food, supplies, and vaccines. Petfinder Foundation’s Wag Wine Operation provides monthly grants across North America, which may benefit Oregon dog rescues that meet membership requirements.

Nonprofits, individuals, and academic institutions working on animal advocacy, research, or movement-building in Oregon and worldwide can apply for up to US $200,000 to improve nonhuman animal welfare. With a mission to alleviate animal suffering, Centre for Effective Altruism provides support for projects on farmed and wild animals rather than direct care or pet-focused rescue work.

Animal welfare and veterinary-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities in Oregon can seek funding for muscular dystrophy research or treatment, veterinary scholarships, or small animal shelters and homes. The Downing Nix Trust offers US $6,000 - US $12,000, with preference for Atlanta hospitals and accredited veterinary schools providing student scholarships.

Grants from 1992 Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust help 501(c)(3) organizations provide care and comfort for small household pets, with awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Animal shelters, dog pounds, and similar groups in Oregon and nationwide may be eligible, with a preference for organizations located in New Jersey.

Animal welfare-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and invited for-profit organizations in Oregon providing free vaccine services to communities in need can apply for Petco Love’s Vaccinated & Loved Campaign Grant. Eligible U.S.-based dog rescues and pet organizations may receive support specifically for free vaccination efforts serving their communities.

Oregon animal shelters and rescues with at least 100 annual dog and cat intakes can access funding through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to support adoptions and operations. This nationwide Rescue Effect campaign grant offers US $10,000 and requires grantees to host multiple fee-waived adoption days during August, September, and October.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal welfare organizations in Oregon that provide veterinary care to owned pets can seek Community Care Grants supporting affordable, accessible services. Banfield Foundation supports domestic animal and pet welfare nationwide, offering funding and medical supplies for on-site, mobile, or pop-up clinics serving pets and their owners in under-resourced communities.

Academic research institutions working on veterinary science, animal welfare, or related public health can apply for FDA cooperative agreements supporting animal and veterinary innovation, including Oregon and other U.S. jurisdictions. US Department of Health & Human Services: Food and Drug Administration offers up to US $7,500,000 for research on avian influenza, genomic alterations, and unmet veterinary medical needs.

U.S. veterinary schools with ACT-approved small animal theriogenology residency programs can apply for up to US $150,000 to support a canine-focused resident in reproductive health and clinical genetics. Focused on veterinary science and animal welfare, American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation invites programs, including those serving Oregon, to strengthen expertise in canine reproductive medicine.

Veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation residency programs in the U.S. that serve Oregon dog welfare efforts may be eligible for this training-focused award. Focused on veterinary science and animal welfare, the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation invites ACVSMR-credentialed U.S. programs to apply for up to US $300,000 to train a canine-focused resident matriculating in 2027.

Academic faculty, students, independent researchers, and animal welfare organizations in Oregon and across the U.S. can apply for the ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund, with awards up to US $5,000 to cover article processing charges. Projects must advance animal welfare, including areas like cruelty prevention, sheltering, behavior, veterinary access, and companion animals.

RedRover Relief Safe Housing Grants provide vital support for domestic violence survivors by enabling them to keep their pets safe during challenging times. With grants up to $60,000, nonprofit organizations can create or enhance programs that offer shelter for pets, foster care, and veterinary services. This initiative fosters collaboration between domestic violence and animal organizations, ensuring comprehensive community support. By addressing the unique needs of families, these grants promote safety and well-being for both humans and their beloved pets.

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.