What is a “targeted spay/neuter” program?

• A targeted spay/neuter program identifies a segment of population that has a critical need (a “target” population), which could include a ZIP code, neighborhood or other geographical area that generates the most shelter intake, a specific breed of dog or cat, a human demographic, or other criteria.
• You must provide data to demonstrate critical need, such as shelter intake, euthanasia data, community assessment and anecdotal data, and must be able to show that the project will make a significant difference in the problem; data at end of project will be required so impact can be measured. Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate sustainability of the project at the end of grant funding (project should not “end” when PetSmart Charities grant funding runs out).

See the Targeted Spay/Neuter Program page for more information.

A free-roaming cat spay/neuter grant must help you build an effective program in reducing feral and stray population. The program must be efficient in its use of resources; have a measurable impact; and be sustainable for years to come (project should not “end” when PetSmart Charities grant funding runs out).

See the Free-roaming Cat Spay/Neuter Program page for more information.

• No state deadlines – Previously, applications were due from organizations based on your home state. Now, organizations interested in targeted spay/neuter or free-roaming cat funding will be applying at the same time, across the United States. For 2009, applications are being accepted through October 15, 2009. 
• Application form – Applicants are being asked to provide more in-depth information to spell out the problem, the plan and evaluation measures. Additional information about the group, its board of directors and financial results is also being requested. The new application will help our program managers assess the potential for a group to follow through on the project and the likelihood that the project will make the intended difference.
• Follow-up reports – Reports will require data that helps complete the “before and after” picture – whether the size and scope of the problem was changed as a result of the grant and whether the group was more effective in its work because of the grant and mentoring provided by PetSmart Charities.

• The biggest difference is in our intent. Prior grants supporting targeted and free-roaming cat spay/neuter were used to provide substantial benefit to the community through sterilizing thousands of pets. The intent going forward is to link that benefit to a measurable impact. 
• To achieve that, we aim to provide funds to groups that can identify a significant problem or opportunity in your community, show us data to verify the problem, present a plan that will be concentrated enough to make a difference, take advantage of training and mentoring during the project to make the most of the grant, and, at the end of the project, collect and report data to assess whether the effort had the intended result.

• It’s about increasing impact by focusing on specific problems and measuring the results – making sure that spay/neuter work in the community happens in a way that reduces the birth of unwanted pets. 
• To be sure, all the spay/neuter supported before was good. We believe more progress can be made by being more focused on specific needs, areas or pets you are trying to address and by providing more mentoring and training to help groups be more effective. In addition, gathering data that measures the impact of your work helps build local interest in and appreciation for what you are trying to do.  It also helps us understand how much spay/neuter is needed to make a difference, identify approaches that work better in some types of situations than others, collect and share ideas across the field.

For the targeted and free-roaming cat spay/neuter programs, you do not need to speak to a program manager or obtain permission before submitting your application. Applicants are encouraged to review the grant requirements in order to determine eligibility.

See the Free-roaming Cat Spay/Neuter Program page for grant requirements.

See the Targeted Spay/Neuter Program page for grant requirements.

For the U.S. or U.S. Territories

The following groups are eligible to apply for grants from PetSmart Charities, Inc.:

• Nonprofit organizations (public charities) with 501(c)(3) status, a pre-determination or decision letter from the IRS and at least 12 months of financial records after date of incorporation.  PetSmart Charities typically does not fund private foundations.
• Government, law-enforcement, educational institutions or tribal entities with a budget for animal care/control.

For Canada (the new guidelines do not apply to Canada)

The following groups are eligible to apply for grants from PetSmart Charities of Canada, Inc.:

• Nonprofit organizations with registered Canadian charity status and at least 12 months of financial records after date of incorporation.
• Government, law-enforcement or tribal entities with a budget for animal care/control.
• Nonprofit educational institutions.