Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program
Grants are available to not-for-profit and community organisations who:
- rehome pets
- provide low-cost veterinary services.
About the Grant Program
The Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program was established to support improvement of companion animal welfare in the Victorian community.
These grants recognise that companion animals play a significant role in the lives of Victorians.
The Victorian Government is delivering on our commitment to provide a $3 million boost to Animal Welfare Grants and continues to pursue important reforms to Victorian animal welfare laws. The funding commitment includes:
- $1 million for animal shelters and foster carers to purchase equipment or upgrade or expand their services
- $2 million for not-for profit and community vet clinics to maintain and expand their services, and allow new low cost clinics to be set up in areas of need around Victoria.
There will be four rounds offered to deliver the Victorian Government's $3 million boost to the Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program.
Upcoming grants
Online applications for round 8 grant funding closed at midnight on 1 December 2019.
Apply for a grant
Round 8 funding closed at midnight on 1 December 2019. Round 9 funding has not opened.
These links open up a secure online application form:
- Rehoming pets — small grant application
- Rehoming pets — large grant application
- Veterinary equipment, upgrades and expansions application
- Establishment of new low-cost veterinary clinics application
Grant guidelines
Applicants are encouraged to read the program guidelines before commencing an application.
Round 8 of the program offered:
- a total of $200,000 to not-for-profit organisations, shelters and foster carers to support the rehoming of dogs and cats
- a total of $450,000 to not-for-profit and community vet clinics to allow them to maintain and expand their services, and allow new low-cost clinics to be set up in areas of need around Victoria
The following competitive grants were offered to deliver round 8 funding:
- Grants for rehoming pets (small grants) — up to $10,000 (GST free) to animal shelters and foster carers wishing to purchase equipment or upgrade or expand their services to benefit the welfare of cats and dogs. For delivery over 12 months.
- Grants for rehoming pets (large grants) — up to $50,000 (GST free) to animal shelters and foster carers wishing to purchase equipment or upgrade or expand their services to benefit the welfare of cats and dogs. For delivery over 12 months.
- Grants for veterinary equipment, upgrades and expansions — up to $50,000 (GST free) to not-for-profit and community veterinary clinics wishing to purchase equipment, or upgrade or expand their facility or services to benefit the welfare of cats and dogs. For delivery over 12 months.
- Grants for the establishment of new, low-cost veterinary clinics — providing up to $150,000 (GST free) to organisations and registered veterinary practitioners wishing to establish new, low-cost veterinary clinics in areas of need in Victoria. For delivery over 24 months.
Only 1 application will be permitted per organisation.
For more information contact pet.welfare@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Latest grants awarded
The Minister for Agriculture, on behalf of the government, offered round 7 grants to not-for-profit organisations that improve the welfare of animals.
These included:
- animal shelters and rescue groups
- organisations promoting responsible animal ownership education
- community foster care networks
- groups that provide relief facilities and services during an emergency.
These are the details of the successful Round 7 (2018 to 2019) applicants and their projects.
Successful small grant applicants for round 7 (2018 to 2019)
Organisation | Project title | Grant amount |
|---|---|---|
Camperdown Dog Lovers | Let's Take a Paws | $5229 |
Wala Animal sanctuary | Helping Homeless Companion Animals | $10,000 |
Successful large grant applicants for round 7 (2018 to 2019)
Organisation | Project title | Grant amount |
|---|---|---|
Second Chance Animal Rescue | Community Animal Hospital surgery, clinic and recovery rooms fit out | $45,505 |
Mount Alexander Animal Welfare | Enhancement of Kennels and Surrounds | $40,000 |
2nd Chance Cat Rescue | Shelter Sanctuary | $50,000 |
The Lost Dogs' Home | Visual Kennel Barriers and Water/Feed Bowl Upgrade | $30,000 |
Eastern Domestic violence Service (EDVOS) | Vets Against Violence | $20,424 |
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA Victoria) | Regional High Volume Desexing and Community Behaviour Change | $50,000 |
Previously successful grant applicants
View details of applicants that have previously been awarded grants.