Grants for Pet Rescues and Sanctuaries

Rescuing unwanted animals or giving them sanctuary is rewarding but expensive work. Adoption fees often do not cover the bills for veterinary care, rehabilitation, or spaying and neutering. Needless to say, feeding animals is a daily expense. Some rescued pets may never be adopted because of age or health issues, but they must still be taken care of. Fortunately, there are grants available to ease some of this financial burden.

  1. Petco Foundation

    • The foundational arm of pet-supply company Petco gives grants to 501(c)3 nonprofit pet rescues in need of funds to continue their work. According to its website, the Petco Foundation has given away $60 million in grants to 6,200 organizations since 2000. Applicants must set up an account and provide a letter-of-inquiry. This includes a description of the project or need for funding and the type of support requested, along with the nonprofit group's mission statement. Decisions regarding the application request are made after a review process of two to three months, and checks are mailed out to the organization within a few weeks of approval.

      Petco Foundation

      9125 Rehco Road

      San Diego, CA 92121

      petco.com

    Second Chance Fund

    • The Second Chance Fund, operated by the American Humane Association, helps give abused or neglected animals a new chance at life. Shelters and rescue groups that belong to the American Humane Association may apply for the grants, which are awarded regularly if funding is available. Funding is limited to $2,000 a year for any group and is awarded for temporary care of pets while they await permanent adoption. Monies cannot be used for routine veterinary care or training but can be used for veterinary procedures to help an animal that is a victim of neglect or abuse to recover and become adoptable.

      Second Chance Fund

      American Humane Association

      63 Inverness Dr. East

      Englewood, CO 80112

      800-227-4645

      americanhumane.org

    The Animal Rescue Site

    • In conjunction with Petfinder.com, the Animal Rescue Site provides grants of varying amounts for pet rescues. This organization gives out an annual $100,000 Shelter Challenge grant, and state rescue organizations may also win their periodic $1,000 grants. All grants must go to nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations that rescue animals, and the proceeds may be used for veterinary bills, spaying and neutering, feeding or improving facilities. The winners are chosen by their supporters, who may vote daily for their favorite rescue group or organization. Only one vote per day per computer is accepted.

      theanimalrescuesite.com