24.01.26
Naturewatch Foundation’s Pet Rescue Grant 2026 is now open, and we’re inviting expressions of interest from rescues supporting dogs, cats and rabbits affected by the low-welfare and illegal pet trade.
Now in its third year, the Pet Rescue Grant helps animals exploited for profit. Victims of puppy and kitten farming, backyard breeding and the pet shop trade often arrive in rescue with complex veterinary and behavioural needs, making their rehabilitation challenging and typically very costly.
The Pet Rescue Grant is our way of recognising and supporting rescues that go above and beyond to give these particularly vulnerable animals a second chance.
This year, we are offering:
- One main grant of up to £10,000 for UK registered charities and CICs with an annual income of up to £5 million
- A mini-grant of £1,000 for UK unregistered charities and community groups
The grant can be used towards veterinary treatment, behavioural support, specialist equipment or training, or other essential costs linked to the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs, cats and rabbits directly impacted by the low-welfare pet trade.
If you know a rescue doing exceptional work to support animals affected by the illicit pet trade, please help spread the word by sharing this opportunity with organisations you support or volunteer with.
Rescues can express their interest between 24 January and 14 February 2026, and shortlisted organisations will be invited to submit a full application by 28 February 2026. Recipients of the grant will be announced in early April 2026.
Find out more and express your interest at naturewatch.org/petrescuegrant.
(The image above is of Peggy, a puppy farm survivor, who we met at RSPCA Woodside a few years ago. Learn more about her story here or visit our companion animal pages to find out more about our work to stop greed breeding.)
