Deadline: 15-Aug-2025
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is offering funding to support shelter and transitional housing services for victims of domestic violence and their companion animals. Companion animals include pets, service animals, emotional support animals, and horses. Many shelters currently cannot accommodate animals, and this grant aims to help expand those capabilities.
The program’s main goal is to provide safe shelter for domestic violence victims and their animals. It seeks to increase the number of beds and housing options by funding initiatives such as purchasing kennels, installing pet-friendly amenities, collaborating with veterinarians, offering pet boarding services, and modifying shelters to accommodate animals.
Funding also covers relocation costs and temporary housing for animals, helping victims flee abusive situations with their pets. Additional support includes locating secure housing for both victims and animals, and delivering training to law enforcement and service providers about the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse.
Training will cover victim support best practices, service referrals, and confidentiality protocols. It also aims to educate stakeholders on how to design and deliver services that protect both human and animal victims.
Projects that support law enforcement, address violent crime, serve American citizens and children, or help trafficking and sexual assault victims will receive funding priority. Applicants must indicate how their project aligns with these priorities in their proposal narrative.
A total of $3,000,000 is available, with awards of up to $500,000. The project duration is expected to be 36 months. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and tribal governments, local government units, domestic violence and sexual assault victim service providers, and organizations working with animals that collaborate with any of the eligible entities.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
