Labor is helping Victorian animal services get the support they need to rehome more pets into loving homes.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today announced local not-for-profit animal care organisations, foster networks, and low-cost veterinary clinics that will share in $1.61 million to expand services, improve veterinary care, and help more pets find loving homes.

“Congratulations to each organisation on receiving this funding to continue their fantastic work.” Said Ms Edwards.

“They all rely on the commitment of volunteers, and this funding will help them do what they do best – care for animals across our community.

"Only Labor is backing local animal care groups in our communities, giving shelters and rescue organisations the support they need to expand services, provide affordable veterinary care, and help more pets find loving homes."

Local organisations receiving funding include:

Regional Community Vet Clinic
• $100,000 - Mobile Pet Food Pantry and Health Check Van The funding will be used to purchase and fit-out a mobile outreach van to deliver essential pet supplies—food, parasite control, bedding, jackets, leads and toys— and later, rotating health checks and vaccinations. This service will focus on disadvantaged rural areas and aims to reduce stress for disadvantaged owners, prevent avoidable animal health issues, and strengthen community connection.

• $50,000 – Equipment for Expansion of Services
The funding will be used to purchase a dental X‑ray machine, additional Shoreline enclosures and a high‑quality operating light. These upgrades will support accurate dental diagnosis, safer surgeries and increased housing capacity for animals.

Mount Alexander Animal Welfare

• $75,000.00 – Kennel and Enclosures Upgrade
The funding will be used to upgrade the Kennel and Enclosures area of the MAAW Shelter in Castlemaine. The project includes three key improvements: replacing old pen flooring with hygienic concrete to enhance sanitation and reduce disease risk; enclosing and weatherproofing the dog kennel area to improve comfort, safety and climate control; and subdividing the large exercise yard into multiple pens.

Kelly's Rabbit Warren Rescue

• $45,000 – Quarantine/Adoption Room
The funding will be used purchase and install a portable dedicated quarantine room and a public adoption space, to improve the adoption process for rabbits. The quarantine/adoption room will allow rabbits to be safely quarantined and receive vet checks immediately upon intake, relieve pressure on foster carers, reduce costs and provide a stable environment for rabbits from pounds, abandonment cases and hoarding situations

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-welfarevictoria/community-and-education/animal-welfare-fund-grants-program