Major Boost For Victoria's Animal Care Services
10 April, 2026
Labor is helping Victorian animal services get the support they need to rehome more pets into loving homes.
Minister Spence joined Member for Greenvale Iwan Walters at Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) in Craigieburn to award a $17,620 grant to the shelter as part of Round 13 of the Animal Welfare Fund Grants.
We’re delivering $1.61 million to 36 not-for-profit animal care organisations, foster networks, and low-cost veterinary clinics across Victoria to expand services, improve veterinary care, and help more pets find loving homes.
It will help SCAR expand their cat‑housing capacity, increasing space to accommodate up to 372 more cats per year.
Through previous rounds, SCAR received over $550,000, funding their vital work rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming displaced and abandoned pets, while also supporting vulnerable pet owners in times of need.
Project Meow Ltd will use their $32,400 grant to desex almost 300 cats and kittens in Greater Geelong, with microchipping and vaccinations provided as needed.
Give a Kitty a Home Rescue Inc. will use $130,000 to deliver a mobile veterinary clinic providing low-cost, high-quality care to retirement villages, vulnerable families and rural communities with limited access to vets.
Over the last decade, the Grants Program has awarded more than $16 million in funding to not-for-profit animal shelters, foster care organisations and community vet clinics.
The program provides grants to animal shelters, organisations promoting responsible animal ownership education, community foster care networks, not-for-profit and low-cost veterinary services and groups that provide relief facilities and services during an emergency.
The next round of applications will open later this year. For the list of recipients, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/community-and-education/animal-welfare-fund-grants-program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“We’re backing the organisations that show up every day for Victorians and their pets – making sure they have the resources they need to rescue, treat, and rehome animals across the state.”
“This grants round will contribute another $1.6 million to Victoria’s outstanding organisations caring for pets throughout the state.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Greenvale Iwan Walters
"Only Labor is backing local care groups, like Second Change Animal Rescue, which do incredible work in our communities.”
“We're giving shelters and rescue organisations the support they need to expand service, provide affordable veterinary care and help more pets find safe, loving homes.”