FRANKLIN, TENN. — PEDIGREE Foundation, a non-profit organization by Mars Petcare, recently shared that it awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to 96 animal shelters and rescue organizations throughout the United States and Canada during 2024. The funds, which include annual grants, collaborative grants and disaster relief grants, helped more than 77,000 dogs, according to the organization. 

Established in 2008, PEDIGREE Foundation aims to help support homeless canines. According to Shelter Animals Count’s 2024 Mid-Year Report, 1.5 million dogs entered shelters and rescues in the United States in the first half of 2024. 

"The same report showed that this year we are seeing the length of stay continue to increase for many dogs in shelters across the country," said Lisa Campbell, president of the board of directors for PEDIGREE Foundation.

With this top of mind, PEDIGREE Foundation provides animal shelters and rescues with grants to help support pet fostering, behavior and training programs to increase adoption. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $14 million in grants and helped nearly 900,000 dogs. 

PEDIGREE Foundation’s grants include:

  • DOGS RULE.™ Grants, which provides $100,000 over two years and was awarded to Dallas Pets Alive! and Humane Rescue Alliance
  • Program Development Grants, which offered more than $500,000 in funding to 35 organizations throughout the United States this year
  • Canadian Grants, which awarded $100,000 CAD ($70,720 USD) to 10 Canadian animal welfare organizations, supporting 5,400 dogs in this year
  • Disaster relief grants, like those provided to organizations impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton

In addition to these grants, the non-profit is currently accepting donations for its SEASON OF GOOD DOG™ campaign, through which $10,000 in donations will be matched. 

“Our grants fund critical programs like fostering, behavioral training, transport and safety net initiatives that help reduce the length of stay and increase adoption overall, allowing shelters and rescues to create the program changes needed to help more homeless dogs in their communities,” Campbell said.

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