Show your support for Spay and Neuter Programs
Help California communities reduce pet overpopulation by purchasing a specialty license plate at your local DMV, or contribute to code 431 when filing your annual tax return.
Cruelty Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund
Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Grant Program
Program Purpose
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is pleased to announce a competitive solicitation process to award grants under the Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Grant Program. The purpose of this program is to help stop pet overpopulation in California by providing funds for spay/neuter services to municipalities and non-profit organizations in California.
This program is funded by the following sources:
- Pet Lover’s License Plate Program: Fees associated with the original purchase, annual renewal, and conversion of Pet Lover’s license plates from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Prevention of Animal Homelessness and Cruelty Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund: Contributions provided by California individuals in excess of their tax liability when filing their annual tax returns.
2026 Pet lover’s Spay and Neuter Grant Proposal Application
- Press Release: CDFA Now Accepting Proposals for 2026 Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Grant Program
- 2026 Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Request for Grant Proposals – Due January 5, 2026 by 5:00 PM
- 2026 Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Grant Proposal Application
- 2026 Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Frequently Asked Questions
- Sign up for the 2026 Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Webinar HERE!
Technical Review Committee
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is welcoming volunteers with knowledge and expertise in California’s veterinary, animal rescue/shelter, and animal services industries to serve on the 2026 Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Grant Program Technical Review Committee (TRC). This committee reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to CDFA on proposals submitted for funding.
All individuals interested in serving on the TRC must submit a completed TRC Application, Conflict of Interest form, and a copy of their résumé or curriculum vitae to grants@cdfa.ca.gov before 5 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025. TRC members will be required to complete a statement of economic interest (Form 700), and complete Ethics and Sexual Harassment Prevention trainings.
| 2026 Pet Lover’s Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Release Request for Grant Proposals | December 4, 2025 |
| Webinar | December 16, 2025, 1:30 pm PT |
| Grant Proposals Due | January 5, 2026, 5:00 pm PT |
| Review Period | January 2026 – February 2026 |
| Announce and Award Funding | Spring 2026 |
Awards
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is pleased to announce the:
- 2025 Pet Lover’s Grant Program Project Abstracts
- 2024 Pet Lover’s License Plate Program Project Abstracts
- 2023 Pet Lover’s License Plate Program Project Abstracts
- 2023 Prevention Fund Program Awards
- 2022 Prevention Fund Program Awards
Alert: Possible Scam
CDFA Grant Notifications Requesting Payment in Exchange for Grant Awards
CDFA has been made aware of numerous scams soliciting payment from applicants to award grants. CDFA does not charge fees for application or administration of grants and awards are never made based on payments from applicants. If you believe you may be a victim of this effort, you are encouraged to contact your local law enforcement (Police or Sheriff's Department).
More Information
Recipient Resources
Contact Us
Office of Grants Administration
1220 N Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: (916) 657-3231
Grants@cdfa.ca.gov