New Victorian animal welfare grants

The Victorian Government is encouraging Victorians to adopt animals in need, launching new animal welfare grants to help more dogs and cats find their forever home.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas launched the Individual Pet Rehoming Grants program today, which will provide $5 million to organisations providing vital rehoming services.

Round One of the animal welfare grants will offer $1.25 million to pet rescue organisations to support the rehoming of dogs and cats, recognising the significant role companion animals play in the lives of Victorians.

Eligible organisations may apply to be reimbursed for up to $500 per dog and $200 per cat for:

• veterinary treatment, including desexing, microchipping and vaccinations
• the purchase of specific equipment that is supplied to the new owner as part of the adoption process (including crates, bedding and leads)
• services to deliver training or rehabilitation for an animal.

The grants will benefit organisations such as Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR), which I am a proud ambassador for, and many other not-for-profit and charity organisations like them working tirelessly in the pet rescue space to care for and rehabilitate dogs and cats across Victoria and offering them a second chance at finding a home.

With the past year seeing so many rescue pets finding their forever homes, and a high demand for people wanting to bring a new cat or dog into their family, these grants will help many organisations working in this space to continue their work to help pets in need, and people wanting to share their love.

Round One of the Individual Pet Rehoming Grants program is now open to eligible organisations who wish to apply and expand their work and ability to rehome more pets in need. For more information and to apply for the animal welfare grants, visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.

For those of you who have recently fostered or adopted a dog, or are thinking about welcoming one into their home, check out my tips on training a rescue dog HERE.