The Andrews Labor Government is supporting pet rescue and rehoming groups to find more pets their fur-ever home with a new round of the Individual Pet Rehoming Grants.

Member for Melton Steve McGhie welcomed the announcement of a further $1.25 million for organisations that provide vital rehoming services for cats and dogs, urging eligible organisations to apply quickly due to high demand.

Eligible organisations can apply for grants of $500 per dog and $200 per cat to support the cost of rehoming including desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, the purchase of crates, bedding and leads, and training or rehabilitation.

To date these grants have provided almost $2.5 million to 99 organisations, supporting the rehoming of over 2,800 dogs and 8,000 cats.

RSPCA Victoria has received almost $250,000 from the program to date – helping staff continue their vital work in providing specialised care and a range of services to improve the welfare of animals and support Victorians with their new pets.

Delivered as part of the Labor Government’s Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program, these grants recognise the significant role companion animals play in the lives of Victorians.

Since 2014, the program has awarded more than $8.2 million in funding to not-for-profit animal shelters, foster care organisations and community vet clinics to directly improve companion animal welfare in Victoria.

Animal welfare remains a priority of the Labor Government, with a record $18.6 million package to support animal care and protection in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.

Work is also continuing to modernise the state’s animal care and protection laws which is set to replace the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, with draft legislation to be released later this year for further industry and community consultation.

In addition, the Labor Government is working on reforms to improve pet rehoming outcomes in response to recommendations from the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets. For more information on Individual Pet Rehoming grants or to apply, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/community-and-education/animal-welfare-fund-grants-program

Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney

“We are proud to support rehoming organisations who play such an important role in improving animal welfare in Victoria – these grants will ensure they can continue to find suitable and loving homes for vulnerable cats and dogs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“Animal welfare organisations do tremendous work to provide care for many vulnerable animals in our community.”

“I invite all eligible organisations to apply for these grants to help our furry friends find their forever homes.”