The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced on Mar. 25 that it will distribute $150,000 in Animal Welfare Fund grants to 24 registered animal shelters across the state. The funding is intended to help shelters care for homeless pets through various programs and services.
The announcement highlights the ongoing need for resources among Michigan’s animal welfare organizations. The grants are made possible by residents who contribute through the “Animal Welfare Fund” checkbox on their annual state tax returns, supporting efforts to increase spay/neuter services and other initiatives.
State Veterinarian Nora Wineland said, “MDARD has seen a steady increase in the number of animal welfare projects seeking funding through the Animal Welfare Fund and in the amount of funds being requested. These grants make a significant, positive impact on Michigan’s animals and the people who care for them. We hope Michigan taxpayers will continue to generously support animals waiting for their fur-ever home.”
This year, over 85% of funded projects focus on expanding shelter capacity for spay/neuter procedures. Other supported activities include increasing vaccination opportunities in underserved communities, aiding rabbit-specific shelters with spay/neuter costs, and broadening pet retention efforts with microchips and scanners. All contributions go directly to registered shelters without administrative deductions.
Since its inception in 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $2.1 million from this fund to over 357 animal shelters statewide. The department oversees food safety regulations valued at nearly $126 billion according to its official website, fosters economic growth while protecting public health and animal welfare according to its official website, enforces laws related to weights and measures according to its official website, manages commodity boards according to its official website, preserves farming environments according to its official website, advances innovative strategies for agriculture sustainability according to its official website, and extends support throughout Michigan’s food system according to its official website.
Wineland said these programs “help shelters finance spay/neuter programs, educate others about proper animal care, train staff, and provide the means for maintaining animal health throughout local communities.” More information about contributing or learning about past grant recipients can be found on MDARD’s Animal Welfare Fund page.
