2026 Pet Lover's Spay and Neuter Grant Program

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to help stop pet overpopulation in California by providing funds for spay/neuter services to municipalities and non-profit organizations in California. This program is funded by the Pet Lover’s License Plate Program, from the sale and renewal of the specailty license plate and the Prevention of Animal Homelessness and Cruelty Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund, supported by California taxpayer contributions.

Description

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is pleased to announce a competitive solicitation process to award grants under the Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Grant Program. CDFA anticipates that up to $500,000 will be awarded to projects that help provide spay/neuter services to alleviate pet overpopulation. Individual grant award amounts can range from $25,000 to $50,000. CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount different than the amount requested. Applicant organizations may only submit one grant proposal to the Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Grant Program. This program is funded by the following sources:• Pet Lover’s License Plate Program: Fees associated with the original purchase,annual renewal, and conversion of Pet Lover’s license plates from the CaliforniaDepartment of Motor Vehicles.• Prevention of Animal Homelessness and Cruelty Voluntary Tax ContributionFund: Contributions provided by California individuals in excess of their taxliability when filing their annual tax returns. To be eligible, an organization must be a veterinary facility, operated by a licensee manager. Both the facility and the manager must be registered and in good standing with the Veterinary Medical Board. The veterinary facility must be operated by either: - A California city or county animal control facility that provides spay and neuter services to the public; or, - A California non-profit 501(c)(3) organization holding a municipal contract for animal control service; or, - A California non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that offers low-cost or no-cost spay and neuter services and is registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State. A city, county, or city and county animal control agency or nonprofit shelter holding a municipal contract that offers spay and neuter services for dogs and cats owned by individual members of the public is required to be current on its yearly rabies reporting requirements to the California Department of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health Section.