A limited number of small grants (usually only 1 or 2 grants annually), of up to £10,000 are available to frontline UK animal welfare charities and Community Interest Companies providing a better life for cats, dogs and rabbits that have been exploited by illegal pet trading.
Gloucestershire-based charity, the Naturewatch Foundation’s Pet Rescue Grant programme is designed to provide funding for 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.
In 2025, a main grant of up to £10,000 is available to registered UK charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) with an annual income of up to £5 million. For the first time, a mini-grant of up to £1,000 will also be available to unincorporated not-for profit organisations, including unregistered charities and community groups.
Smaller registered charities or Community Interest Companies that may not have the capacity to apply to more time-consuming grant application processes are likely to be prioritised.
The grant can be used for such things as (please note that this is not an exclusive list):
- Behavioural support.
- Specialist facilities or equipment, and
- Veterinary care.
The Foundation’s inaugural Pet Rescue Grant launched in 2024, with 72 organisations applying from across the UK. Of these, the following 3 charities were selected to receive a grant. Further information about each of the grant recipients is available on the Foundation’s website along with guidance on how to apply.