Animal Welfare Grant Program

The Western Australian Government is continuing to support the welfare of companion animals and wildlife through grants for not-for-profit activities that foster and rehome pets, rehabilitate wildlife, and provide low-cost or free animal health and veterinary services.

The grants recognise the significant role that companion animals and wildlife play in the lives of Western Australians.

Between 2021 and 2025, $2 million was provided to deliver the first four rounds of the Animal Welfare Grants Program. During 2025 and 2026, the program will continue with a further $2 million to be administered over 2 grant rounds by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).  

Community and not-for-profit organisations support positive animal welfare outcomes in WA by rehoming and fostering animals that are surrendered, neglected and abandoned.  

Similarly, rescue and rehabilitation groups support wildlife displaced or injured by events such as bushfire and urbanisation. Veterinarians also provide free and low-cost animal health services to support animal welfare in disadvantaged communities.

2025-26 Animal Welfare Grant information

The Animal Welfare Grant Program, administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, offers grants of up to $50,000 (GST free) to eligible organisations in each grant round. 

In 2025 the State Government committed to continuing the delivery of the Animal Welfare Grant Program over 2 grant rounds:

• Round 5 – applications open from 2 September 2025 to 29 September 2025.
• Round 6 – applications open from 6 April 2026 to 4 May 2026.

More information

• 2025-26 Animal Welfare Grant Program Guidelines
• 2025-26 Animal Welfare Grant Program FAQs
• 2025-26 Animal Welfare Grant Program - Tips for writing a good grant application 
• 2025-26 Animal Welfare Grant Program - Example application form

Apply for the 2025-26 Animal Welfare Grants

Applications must be submitted online via the SmartyGrants website. Review the assessment criteria and apply for the Animal Welfare Grant Program.

Applications close at 5pm, Monday 29 September 2025.

Grants awarded

The Minister for Agriculture and Food, on behalf of the WA Government, offered 16 grants in round 1, 24 grants in round 2, 34 grants in round 3, and 38 grants in round 4 for not-for-profit activities that improve the welfare of companion animals and wildlife in WA.