Georgia Department of Agriculture Announces Opening of Dog & Cat Sterilization Program Grant Applications

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced the opening of the application period for the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Dog & Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP) Grant. This program aims to help reduce the strain on Georgia’s companion animal shelters caused by overcrowding of dog and cat populations by providing financial assistance to increase the availability of spay/neuter procedures in communities across the state. This year’s DCSP Grant has $800,000 in funding, and eligible organizations must apply by the deadline on March 2, 2024, to be considered.

“The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s DCSP Grant will provide much-need spay/neuter funding to local animal shelters, rescue organizations, and veterinary medical foundations in communities across Georgia,”saidAgriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “This program is critically important as we work with our partners to combat animal overpopulation, and I highly encourage all eligible organizations to apply.”

“Through the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program grant, we aim to empower organizations at the forefront of animal welfare. Our grant supports licensed rescues, local government animal shelters, and veterinary medical foundations enabling them to facilitate spay/neuter procedures and extend assistance to the communities we serve,” said Georgia Department of Agriculture Companion Animal Program Manager Jason Smith. “As we strive to promote responsible pet ownership, we encourage all who are eligible to seize the opportunity and apply for the grant.”

Beginning February 1, notifications will be disseminated through the program’s website and newsletter. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for newsletter notifications by visiting https://www.agr.georgia.gov/pets.

DCSP Grant Eligibility Requirements

• County and/or municipal animal shelters licensed and located in Georgia.
• Licensed non-profit animal rescue organizations with 501(c)(3) status located in Georgia.
• Veterinary medical foundations located in Georgia with a 501(c)(3) status.

Entities ineligible for grant funding include unlicensed for-profit or non-profit spay/neuter clinics, licensed animal shelters and rescue groups operating for less than 12 months from the grant application opening date, and private individuals.

Applicants are required to submit specific documents as part of the application process, depending on their organizational status:

Non-profit Animal Rescues Document Requirements

• A non-profit status form 501(c)(3) issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
• A current Georgia Department of Agriculture Animal Shelter License.
• A letter of Collaboration.

Veterinary Medical Foundations with 501(c)(3) status Document Requirements

• A non-profit status form 501(c)(3) issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
• A letter of Veterinary Collaboration.

County and/or Municipal Animal Shelters Document Requirements

• A current Georgia Department of Agriculture Animal Shelter License.
• A letter of Veterinary Collaboration.
• A DCA Compliance Certification.
  • To verify a municipality is compliant, please visit the DCA’s website at https://www.dca.ga.gov/.

For more information about the 2024 Dog and Cat Sterilization Program grant and application details, please visit:

• Program Overview
• Applicants and Grantees
• Program Rules

About the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program
In 2003, the Georgia General Assembly established the Dog and Cat Reproductive Sterilization Support Program to subsidize spaying and neutering procedures for dogs and cats. This initiative led to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP), overseen by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Funding for the program is currently generated by selling designated dog and cat license plates. These specialized plates are obtainable at local tag offices or through contributions made via the Georgia Tax return process.