PEDIGREE Foundation Launches 2025 Grant Cycle to Support Animal Shelters and Rescues

PEDIGREE Foundation Launches 2025 Grant Cycle to Support Animal Shelters and Rescues



The PEDIGREE Foundation has officially opened its grant cycle for 2025, with an ambitious goal of distributing up to $1 million to shelters and rescue organizations across the United States. This funding aims to support essential programs such as foster placements, transportation initiatives, and behavior programs, vital in a time when the animal welfare community is facing a capacity crisis, worsened by the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.

Established in 2008, the PEDIGREE Foundation has made enormous strides in assisting homeless dogs, having granted over $14 million to various animal shelters and rescue organizations throughout its history. In 2024 alone, nearly 900,000 dogs benefitted from this funding, highlighting the foundation's unwavering commitment to alleviating dog homelessness.

According to the latest Shelter Animals Count 2024 Annual Report, a staggering 2.8 million dogs entered shelters and rescues last year, with a notable decline in adoption rates. Furthermore, the length of stay for dogs awaiting permanent homes has increased across the board since 2019, further complicating the situation for these animals. Amid these concerning statistics, Deb Fair, the Executive Director of the PEDIGREE Foundation, expressed concern about the ongoing strains on the shelter system, which have led to fewer transports and longer stays in shelters. To counter this, the foundation is honing in on foster programs designed to ease the transition for dogs adapting to home environments while also improving their mental and emotional well-being.

For 2025, the foundation will focus on several key program categories that are crucial to enhancing adoption rates:

1. Foster Programs: These initiatives allow dogs to stay in temporary, caring homes while awaiting adoption. In just a few days, they receive essential care and socialization from their foster families, effectively preparing them for a permanent residence.

2. Transport Programs: By facilitating the movement of dogs from overcrowded shelters to places with higher adoption potential, these programs play a critical role in connecting dogs with loving homes.

3. Behavior Programs: Addressing behavioral challenges that might hinder adoptions, these programs include socialization and stress relief strategies tailored to help dogs acclimate in a shelter environment and beyond.

The 2025 grant initiative features two primary types of grants available for animal shelters and rescues:
  • - DOGS RULE.™ Grant: Valued at $100,000, this two-year grant may be awarded to a single applicant, funding innovative initiatives aimed at improving dog adoption. The chosen project is expected to serve as a best-practice model for other organizations.
  • - Program Development Grants: Ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, these grants support efforts to enhance existing programs or create new ones designed to boost dog adoption rates.

Interested organizations can apply for the 2025 grants during the application period, which is currently open until April 13, 2025. Also, PEDIGREE Foundation will host a webinar on March 4, 2025 to provide insights into the grant application process and offer tips for successful submissions. Applications are open exclusively to organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax designation.

Additionally, the foundation offers Disaster Relief Grants throughout the year for shelters impacted by natural disasters, ensuring that timely help reaches those in dire situations.

For those keen on supporting the well-being of dogs in need, further details on the PEDIGREE Foundation’s work and donation opportunities can be found on their website PEDIGREEFoundation.org.

As the foundation continually strives for a better future for dogs across the country, every contribution makes a difference. Join PEDIGREE in their mission to find loving homes for every dog in need!

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