Grants from £5,000 to £25,000 are available to UK registered charities towards the welfare of dogs, cats, horses and rabbits. Grants are occasionally made to overseas projects.
The Petplan Charitable Trust’s Welfare Grants programme has recently reopened to applications from UK registered charities for initiatives that promote and improve the health and welfare of dogs, cats, horses and rabbits across the United Kingdom. Please note that the Trust’s other funding programmes for (1) Pump/Pilot grants and (2) Initial Scientific Grants remain closed to applications at this time
The Welfare Grants programme offers grants of between £5,000 and £25,000.
Applicants should note and demonstrate, where applicable, one or more of the following:
- A direct benefit to one or more of the species supported by Petplan Ltd (for instance, dogs, cats, horses and rabbits). Grants to human charities will be considered when it can be clearly demonstrated that the grant will enhance/give support to the animals’ best interests.
- Education is seen as an important role for the welfare arm of the Charitable Trust and requests for funding for education in animal welfare will be considered.
- Animal ‘assisted therapy’ charities will be considered, however there is a requirement to detail the current and future (long term) welfare needs of the animals. Staff abilities and training will be an important factor.
Applications are given preference when the animal welfare benefit is clearly demonstrated.
Charities receiving grants should not expect to be successful in their applications every year. If a charity has been successful in two consecutive years there will be a requirement for a 2-year break before applying again, and larger charities with multiple branches should co-ordinate and send one application only.
Applications should include:
- Extracts from most recent audited annual accounts.
- Labelled photographs of where the animals are housed, and
- The name and contact number of a veterinary surgeon as a reference.
Applicants should demonstrate a reasonable record of rehoming. While charities operating in the UK will be given priority, applications from charities registered in the UK but working overseas will also occasionally be considered for grant support. Grants to human charities will be considered when it can be clearly demonstrated that the grant will enhance/give support to the animals’ best interests. Assisted therapy charities will also be considered as long as they can provide detail of the current and future welfare needs of the animals.
The deadline for applications is Friday 8 January 2027.
Further information, guidance and an application form is available on the Trust’s website.