Grants Supporting Pet Adoption and Animal Welfare

Every year, millions of cats and dogs are housed in shelters nationwide in the US. Many of these pets are desperate for a second chance at a good home and a loving family. Thankfully, there are many organizations dedicated to helping our furry friends find suitable families, especially around the holidays. Shelters hold adoption events, and many organizations partner up on drives to help find them homes. These events connect pets of all ages with people ready to welcome their new friends into their forever homes. But all of this costs money, including operating costs for shelters, food costs for animals, shots, chipping, medical care, and so much more. Many of these organizations utilize funding mechanisms, like fundraising events and donation campaigns. However, the need often outspends available funds. Additional funding is almost always required. That’s where grants supporting pet adoption and animal welfare come in.

GrantWatch has over 400 grants for pet adoption and animal welfare listed on our database. While we have an Animal Welfare grant category for you to check out, we’ve also curated a list of amazing grants to help organizations do their critical work!

But first, here are some key statistics to help understand why this grant funding is so necessary. Let us know if there’s anything else you want us to add about pet adoption and animal welfare!


Pet Adoption and Animal Welfare Statistics You Need To Know:

  1. First, (this one makes me so upset) that 1/5 of dogs or cats that are euthanized in shelters are due to overcrowding and lack of resources.
  2. Small rescues and nonprofit shelters take in 70% of all pet rescues.
  3. According to a 2021 study, 80% of all shelters have faced limited resources and underfunding.
  4. Over 70% of pet owners only discovered that shelters and animal welfare nonprofits are underfunded by attending a shelter or adopt event.
  5. Finally, the shelter animal count stands at 6.5 million dogs and cats entering shelters and rescues across America, each year. That’s 3.3 million cats and3.2 million dogs! Only 3.2 million dogs and cats are adopted every year.

Grants to support Pet Adoption and Animal Welfare

1. Assistance to Individuals Who Adopt Older Pets

Up to $1,000 to USA and Canada animal rescues and shelters to provide financial assistance to individuals who adopt older pets.

2. Animal Nonprofits to Help Domestic Violence Survivors

Up to $60,000 to USA nonprofit domestic violence and animal organizations partnering with other organizations to help domestic violence survivors escape abuse together with their pets.

3. Adoptions for Companion Animals

Grants to USA and Puerto Rico nonprofit organizations and government agencies to support entities that shelter animals and perform adoptions of companion animals.

4. PreK-9 Educators for Classroom Pets

Funding for PreK-9 educators to offset the costs of acquiring guinea pigs, lizards, hamsters, fish, and other small pets, setting up classroom habitats, and supporting continued maintenance.

5. Promote the Humane Treatment of Animals

Grants to nonprofit organizations, museums, wildlife centers, zoos, and educational institutions in eligible locations for programs that promote animal welfare.

6. Study the Benefits of Pet Companionship

Grants to USA, Canada, and International researchers for studies on the health benefits of pet companionship. Research focuses include healthy aging, mental health and physical wellness, and child health and development.

 7. Animal Rescues and Shelters

Grants to USA and Canada animal rescues and shelters to subsidize pet adoptions.

8. Animal Welfare Activities Following Disasters

Grants to USA nonprofit organizations and government agencies to respond to animal welfare needs following disasters and emergencies. 

 9. Nonprofits to Train Service Dogs

Grants and in-kind support to USA nonprofits to train service dogs. The program provides financial grants and food contributions to organizations whose train PTSD service dogs at no cost to U.S. military veterans.

10. Animal Welfare Agencies for Disaster Relief

Up to $10,000 to USA nonprofit organizations and animal welfare agencies for disaster relief.

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