The Andrews Labor Government is supporting animal welfare organisations across the state to rehome more cats and dogs as well as upgrade and expand clinics.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas congratulated organisation Cat People of Melbourne on being awarded $10,000 to further grow its animal health and welfare services, as part of Round 10 of the Animal Welfare Grants (AWF) Program.

Cat People of Melbourne will receive funding for their Foster Carer Development Program, which aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their foster care network by developing orientation training and support materials for foster carers. The project will include the development of a Handbook, training program and learning materials for foster carers.

A total of $1.5 million will be awarded under Round 10 of the AWF Grants Program for:

• not-for-profit organisations, shelters and foster carers to support the rehoming of dogs and cats
• not-for-profit and community vet clinics to upgrade and expand as well as support new affordable clinics to be set up in areas of need around Victoria.

The AWF Grants Program was established to support the improvement of companion animal welfare in the Victorian community.

The Program delivers grants to eligible not-for profit and community organisations aiming to improve responsible pet ownership and provide better animal welfare services. The grants recognise that companion animals play a significant role in the lives of Victorians.

Since the Labor Government was elected in 2014, $5.9 million has now been awarded for not-for-profit animal shelters, foster care organisations and community vet clinics to directly improve the welfare of pets and other animals in Victoria.

For more information visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“Pets are an important part of the lives of so many Victorians; we’re lucky to have community organisations like Cat People of Melbourne improving the welfare of animals across the state.”

“These grants recognise the significant role that local councils, not-for-profit and community animal welfare organisations play in improving animal welfare outcomes in their communities.”