Best Grants for Dog Rescues in Puerto Rico

Academic research institutions working on veterinary science, animal health, or zoonotic disease issues in Puerto Rico can apply for the Food and Drug Administration’s Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers program; awards up to US $7,500,000 for long-term research partnerships. Dog rescues collaborating with eligible institutions on animal welfare or public health research may benefit.

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.

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 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:

• 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.

Puerto Rico dog rescues and other small animal welfare nonprofits can access funding through Cold Noses Foundation to support humane treatment, adoption efforts, non-lethal alternatives to euthanasia, veterinary care, and humane education. Eligible organizations must focus on domestic pets, wildlife, or farm animals and have annual income of $200,000 USD or less.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth, families, housing, hunger, or environmental programs, including those in Puerto Rico, can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful community projects. Animal welfare and dog rescue groups with qualifying youth, food access, housing, or environmental initiatives may be eligible.

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.

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.

Veterinary researchers focused on equine health who are graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary schools and nearing completion of a residency or doctoral program can receive support for equine research, including scholars in Puerto Rico. The Equus Foundation and The Foundation for the Horse provide a US $5,500 package, combining a research scholarship and AAEP Convention travel stipend.

No-kill Petfinder-member adoption groups caring for dogs and other pets, including those in Puerto Rico, can apply for Petfinder Foundation’s Wag Wine Operation grants; awards US $250 - US $1,000 for daily operations. Funds may cover supplies, food, vaccines, and other essentials for adoptable animals across North America.

Puerto Rico animal advocacy and research organizations working to improve the welfare of nonhuman animals can access funding through the Centre for Effective Altruism’s Animal Welfare Fund. Grants up to US $200,000 support advocacy, research, movement-building, and alternative protein policy work, with a focus on farmed and wild animals rather than direct care or shelter operations.

Animal welfare and health-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental units in Puerto Rico can seek funding for muscular dystrophy research or treatment, veterinary education scholarships, and shelters or homes for small animals. The Downing Nix Trust provides US $6,000 - US $12,000, with a preference for Atlanta hospitals and accredited veterinary schools, and reviews applications submitted by April 15.

Animal welfare 501(c)(3) organizations caring for small household pets can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 from Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust for the care and comfort of dogs, cats, and similar pets. Puerto Rico dog rescues, especially shelters and pounds, may be eligible, though the trust has historically favored New Jersey organizations.

Dog rescues and other animal welfare organizations in Puerto Rico providing free vaccine services may be eligible for Petco Love’s Vaccinated & Loved Campaign Grant. Grants from Petco Love help U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and certain invited animal-focused for-profits expand no-cost vaccination access for pets in underserved communities.

U.S. nonprofit and municipal animal welfare organizations with at least 100 dog and cat intakes, including those serving Puerto Rico, can apply for ASPCA’s Rescue Effect Campaign Grants; awards US $10,000 for adoption and operations support. Funding helps groups that can host multiple fee-waived adoption days during August, September, and October.

Animal welfare nonprofits and government agencies providing veterinary care to owned pets in Puerto Rico can seek Community Care Grants to support on-site, mobile, or pop-up clinics. Focused on preventive veterinary services for pets and their owners in under-resourced U.S. communities, Banfield Foundation offers funding and medical supplies to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations.

U.S. veterinary schools with American College of Theriogenologists–approved residency programs can obtain up to US $150,000 to support a canine-focused theriogenology resident, emphasizing reproductive health, disease, and clinical genetics. Grants from American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation help advance veterinary training that may ultimately benefit dog welfare efforts, including those supporting rescues in Puerto Rico.

U.S. veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation residency programs can apply for up to US $300,000 to train a canine-focused resident in sports medicine and rehabilitation. Funded by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, this opportunity may benefit programs whose work ultimately supports dog welfare, including dogs served by rescues in Puerto Rico.

Researchers and animal welfare organizations working on domestic animal and pet welfare with applications in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, can receive up to US $5,000 to cover open access publishing fees. Grants from ASPCA help fund article processing charges for peer-reviewed animal welfare research, which may include work relevant to dog rescues and sheltering.

Dog rescues and shelters working on animal welfare in Puerto Rico can seek up to US $3,000 to enhance the quality of life for dogs awaiting adoption. With a mission to support animal care, Petfinder Foundation provides funding for play yard renovations and interactive enrichment items, covering upcoming expenses used within three months.

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.