Thursday 10 July 2025

SECURING AFFORDABLE CARE FOR VICTORIA'S PETS

Victorian pet owners will benefit from expanded and upgraded services delivered by not-for-profit animal care organisations across the state thanks to the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced successful grant recipients from Round 12 of the Animal Welfare Fund Grants program, with a total of $1.6 million awarded in this round.

In Euroa, Equorum Ltd will receive $90,000 to construct a covered area that will consist of seven yards, three tie up stalls, a small tack room and wash bay.

In Mildura, Sunraysia Animal Rehousing Group Inc will receive $97,300 to provide free desexing for 150 cats and 150 dogs owned by disadvantaged and/or low-income earners. The project aims to reduce the number of abandoned and homeless animals while supporting responsible pet ownership.

Pets In The Park is a national organisation that provides free access to preventative veterinary healthcare programs, enabling homeless individuals to care for their pets while supporting their own wellbeing. The organisation will use its $131,000 grant to establish a new clinic in the Wangaratta area which will support the companion animals of vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness in the north east Victoria region.

This latest round of funding includes almost $1.14 million to not-for-profit organisations, shelters, and community rescue and rehoming organisations to support the rehoming of companion animals.

Funding of $460,000 has been granted to not-for-profit and community vet clinics to upgrade or expand their services or facilities or set up new low-cost clinics in areas of need across the state, which will be a real game-changer for Victorian families needing access to cheaper veterinary care.

Since 2014, the Government has awarded $14.76 million to animal care organisations through the Animal Welfare Fund Grants program, which aims to improve companion animal welfare, encourage responsible pet ownership, and provide better animal welfare outcomes.

For more information on the Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/community-and-education/animal-welfare-fund-grants-program

Quotes attributable to Agriculture Minister Ros Spence

“The Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program is making a real difference in the lives of Victorian companion animals and their owners, helping as many pets as possible into loving families.”

“We are proud to work with animal care organisations to secure affordable care and we look forward to seeing the benefits of this work for many years to come.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

‘We are so pleased to be able to provide this much-needed support to hardworking animal care organisations who are caring for some our most vulnerable members of society.”