Enjoy These Top Grants for National Dog Day

National Dog Day is an annual holiday that celebrates the dogs of the world. The day focuses on encouraging dog ownership of all breeds, as well as raising awareness about dog adoption and the importance of rescue shelters.

According to the ASPCA, 78 million dogs have owners in the U.S., occupying 44 percent of all households. Nevertheless, 6.5 million animals still enter shelters and 1.5 million are euthanized nationwide each year.

While this day should be a day to make your own furry friend feel special, it is also important to think of the dogs who are currently without a loving home. The following grants are all for nonprofits, shelters and individuals to ensure the wellbeing of dogs in need.

National Grants

1. Grants of up to $5,000 to U.S. nonprofit organizations for programs that benefit animals and their caregivers. Funding is to support senior animals, pet food pantries, veterinary costs, adoption services, medical expenses, and rescue services for senior animals, special needs programs, senior care programs, and spay/neuter programs. Letter of introduction due: 10/31/21 Deadline: 12/31/21
2. Funds to USA nonprofit organizations and clubs to offset costs associated with the rescue of pets. Some eligible expenses are supplies, spaying and neutering, and veterinary care. Applicants must provide rehabilitation or rescue services for dogs listed on the American Kennel Club’s list of AKC-registrable breeds. Deadline: Ongoing
3. Grants of up to $20,000 to U.S. nonprofit organizations for programs that provide shelter to victims of domestic violence and their pets. The purpose of this program is to help families and pets safely escape violent and abusive situations. Funding is for the cost of temporary pet boarding while a client is in a domestic violence shelter. Deadline: 10/15/21
4. Up to $2,500 to U.S. and Canada individuals, families, nonprofits, and government animal shelters for financial assistance to cover the costs associated with a dog’s medical procedure. Funding is for necessary medical treatments and emergency services. Deadline: Ongoing
5. Grants of up to $5,000 to U.S. and territories nonprofit organizations working to protect and support animals during emergencies and natural disasters. Grant funds can go to operating costs, including food, veterinary care, transportation, medical supplies, shelter, as well as any other costs to assist in the safety and well-being of dogs. Deadline: Ongoing

State Specific/Localized Grants

1. Grants to Colorado pet owners in eligible regions to assist with unexpected veterinary bills. Funding is for dogs and cats who have been in an accident or who are in sudden need of urgent treatment. Eligible recipients must live in Chaffee County. Deadline: Ongoing
2. Grants to New York nonprofit animal welfare organizations and local government animal shelters and animal control to provide affordable spay/neuter services. Eligible organizations must be based in upstate New York or Long Island. Deadline: Ongoing
3. Grants of up to $5,000 to California nonprofit organizations for programs and projects to benefit animals in eligible counties. For example, funding will provide shelter and support to pets, wildlife, and working animals, and give disaster relief. Programs and projects must serve animals in Shasta, Siskiyou, and Tehama counties. Deadline: 09/08/21

Along with grants for shelters, nonprofits and individuals, there are some state grants on GrantWatch specifically for law enforcement to acquire skilled and trained police dogs.

1. Grants to Arizona law enforcement agencies for acquiring skilled and efficient police dogs. Funding will go to assist police departments with the costs needed to acquire a professionally trained canine. Police dog breeds include, for instance, German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and German Hunting Terriers. Deadline: Ongoing
2. Grants to Illinois law enforcement agencies to purchase and train working police dogs. The purpose of funding is to address budget restrictions and the costs associated with deploying and acquiring operationally efficient, highly-skilled, working police service dogs. Deadline: Ongoing

GrantNews Notes

In addition to grants for dogs, GrantWatch has a category on its site for Pets/Animal/Wildlife grants. Consider signing up for a paid GrantWatch subscription to gain access to the full information for each grant listed.