Pet Rescue Grant
Our Pet Rescue Grant funds frontline animal welfare projects in the UK that help dogs, cats and rabbits affected by the illegal pet trade.
Naturewatch Foundation’s Pet Rescue Grant helps to fund frontline animal welfare projects in the UK that directly help with the rescue or rehabilitation of dogs, cats, and rabbits affected by the illegal pet trade.
There are so many selfless people and organisations working on the frontline of animal welfare. They’re the ones who see the suffering first-hand and pick up the pieces of cruelty and neglect in the illegal pet trade.
As well as campaigning and investigating, we want to do our bit to help secure the rescue and rehabilitation of more pets who have been exploited for breeding and selling. Each year, UK non-profit organisations can apply for an animal welfare grant to help support their vital work for animals.
The Pet Rescue Grant is now closed.
Explore this section
Find out more about our Pet Rescue Grant
Pet Rescue Grant 2026
The Pet Rescue Grant returned in 2026 with a main grant available for registered charities and CICs and a mini-grant available for unregistered non-profits.
Across both grants, 161 expressions of interest were received and three fantastic winners were selected:
- The One Wish Dog Foundation – £6,000
- Tiny Paws MCR – £4,000
- The Neuter Project – £1,000
Find out more about our winners and how they have used the funds here.
The Naturewatch Foundation Pet Rescue Grant funds projects that help with the rescue or rehabilitation of dogs, cats or rabbits who have been affected by the illegal pet trade.
It can be used for things like:
- Veterinary care;
- Behavioural support;
- Specialist facilities or equipment;
- Training for personnel.
It cannot be used for investigative or campaigning purposes, because this is work that Naturewatch Foundation already undertakes.
What can the grant be used for?
How much is available and who can apply?
Up to £10,000 is available each year and applicants may apply for all or part of the grant. More than one organisation may be selected as the recipient of the grant.
Our main Pet Rescue Grant is available to registered non-profit organisations in the UK with an income of up to £5 million, including:
- UK charities registered with the Charity Commission, Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and/or the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland;
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) registered with Companies House.
A mini-grant of up to £1,000 is also available to unincorporated organisations in the UK, including:
- Unregistered charities;
- Community groups.
The Pet Rescue Grant is possible thanks to the kindness and generosity of Naturewatch Foundation supporters.
Here are the main things we’ll be looking for:
- Your project benefits dogs, cats or rabbits who have been directly affected by low-welfare or illegal pet breeding or selling, by providing for – or helping to provide for – their rescue or rehabilitation;
- Your organisation supports Naturewatch Foundation’s mission to end animal cruelty and advance animal welfare standards;
- Your organisation is happy to provide updates about the project that we can share with our supporters, staff, volunteers and Trustees.
What is the criteria?
How and when can I apply?
The Pet Rescue Grant 2026 is now closed
Expressions of interest will reopen in January 2027.
If you have any queries about the Pet Rescue Grant in the meantime, please email petrescuegrant@naturewatch.org.
Other ways you can help
There are lots of ways to help with our work, from making a donation through to holding fundraising events or even getting involved as a volunteer. Below, you can explore the different ways to help us continue raising standards for animals.
Share your story and photos to help us celebrate the powerful bond between people and their animals.
This simple step would reduce harm to wildlife. Help us deliver this message directly to retailers who can make a real difference.
Millions of animals bred for research are never used and their fate goes unrecorded.
Urge your MP to stand up for these forgotten victims.
UK wildlife is under threat, yet crimes against it are treated as minor offences. Urgent legal reform is needed.
Join us in telling your local MP why a change in law is vital to protect our wildlife.
Join us in asking the UK Government to finally end animal testing for all everyday household products.
Unethical extreme designer pet trends are pushing cats and kittens to the limit.
Join us in calling for extreme cat breeding to be banned across the UK.
Your support helps us protect wildlife and tackle cruelty. Every donation makes a real impact.
Take part in a way that works for you, whether volunteering, fundraising or donating items, and help create a kinder future for animals.
