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.
Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney visited RSPCA Victoria in Burwood today to announce 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 programto 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 animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.
As stated by 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."
As stated by RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker
"RSPCA Victoria takes in more than 14,000 seized, stray and surrendered animals across our state each year and the funding provided through this program is vital for helping us care for, rehabilitate and prepare these animals for their forever homes."
As stated by Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer
"Organisations like the RSPCA here in Burwood are critical in ensuring every animal is safe and cared for, which is why these grants will make such a difference to so many."
As stated by Member for North Eastern Metropolitan Region Sonja Terpstra
"Every cat and dog deserves to be safe and loved with a roof over their head - rehoming organisations do incredible work and I am proud we are providing them with the support they need."
As stated by Member for Ashwood Matt Fregon
"Pets are much-loved members of many families across our community - many have come from rehoming organisations like the RSPCA who do important work to get them ready for their forever homes."
