The Andrews Labor Government is encouraging animal shelters, foster carers, not-for-profit organisations and community vet clinics to apply for grants that will improve the welfare of animals across Victoria.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today opened applications for round eight of the Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program, which will offer support to not-for-profit and community organisations who rehome pets or provide low-cost veterinary services to boost their important work looking after the state’s pets.

Two new categories are available for applicants – with grants of up to $150,000 available to support the establishment of new, low-cost veterinary clinics in areas of need, and up to $50,000 for not-for-profit and community veterinary clinics to purchase equipment upgrades or expand their facilities and services.

Small grants of up to $10,000 and large grants of up $50,000 will also still be available for animal shelters, foster carers and not-for-profits to buy new equipment and expand the care they provide to Victoria’s furry friends.

The grants can be used for a range of services – from reuniting and rehoming companion animals to improving foster care services, providing not-for-profit veterinary services and education programs on responsible ownership of animals.

The Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program commenced in 2012 in recognition of the outstanding services delivered across Victoria by not-for-profit organisations, and the significant role animals play in the lives of Victorians.

The fund is an important part of the Labor Government’s commitment to ensure volunteer organisations have the resources they need to assist and care for animals, wherever they are based – with $3 million in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 to boost the grants program.

Online applications for grant funding are now open and close Sunday 1 December. For more information and to apply, visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.