March 11th, 2025Some help put pets at the ‘paw-front’

A new round of Victoria’s Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program has opened offering over $1.6 million in funding to eligible organisations to help families access cheaper veterinary care and help more pets find forever families.

Victoria’s agriculture minister Ros Spence announced the opening of round 12 under the program at Second Chance Animal Rescue SCAR in Craigieburn in recent days.

The minister said the grants will help community veterinary hospitals and animal rehoming organisations upgrade facilities, purchase medical equipment, provide low cost veterinary services and support rehoming.

SCAR has rescued over 10,000 animals since opening in 2008 and has been supported with over $560,000 of investment from the state government to help fit out its animal hospital and provide veterinary and rehoming services. 

The not-for-profit organisation has hundreds of foster carers and volunteers in its network, operating as a community animal hospital, shelter, education hub and cat boarding facility.

The state government has invested more than $11.4 million across 214 shelters, carers and animal welfare organisations to improve the care of Victoria’s companion animals.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested an additional $5 million to support pet rescue and rehoming, including $2 million to support access to veterinary care. 

Applications for Round 12 Animal Welfare Fund Grants are open until March 25. To apply, those interested can visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence: “Pets hold a special place in our hearts – these grants will help Victorians feeling the pinch of cost-of-living keep their furry companions happy and healthy for less.”

“We’re making sure services like Second Chance Animal Rescue can continue to make a real difference, helping animals find their forever homes.”

Second Chance Animal Rescue CEO and Founder Marisa Debattista: “Second Chance Animal Rescue not only rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes homeless companion animals, but we also support vulnerable pet owners through tough times.”

“This funding will assist organisations such as ours to improve our equipment and facilities which will help us to continue to provide the best and most-affordable care for Victoria’s much-loved furry friends.”

This story based on a state government media release