Can’t Afford Vet Bills or Stuck in Danger? These AKC Grants Help Pets and Survivors 🐕❤️
Host Laura Reeves sits down with Brandi Munden, President of the AKC Humane Fund and VP of PR and Communications at the American Kennel Club. Together, they pull back the curtain on one of the most impactful philanthropic organizations in the canine community.
To date, the AKC Humane Fund has distributed over $2 million in grants and donations. In this deep dive, Brandi shares how this 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to keeping all pets and their people together, especially during their most vulnerable moments.
We shine a bright spotlight on two critical grant programs:
🐕 Veterinary Care Assistance Grants (New This Year!)
Launched at the start of this year, this initiative is the Humane Fund’s newest baby. As veterinary costs continue to rise and “vet deserts” make accessible treatment harder to find, too many owners face the heartbreaking choice of surrendering their beloved animals. To combat this crisis, the Humane Fund has provided low-cost veterinary funds directly to organizations like the VCA group, Blue Pearl and Banfield.
- Who it helps: Reputable organizations providing direct medical care and boarding for animals in need.
- Grant sizes: Average grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, with total funding of $60,000 to $70,000 distributed annually.
- Application details: The process is simple, fast, and accessible online, with a renewal cycle allowed every three years.
🏠 Domestic Violence Shelter Grants
Statistically, pets are a frequent target of abusers. Tragically, many victims of domestic violence delay leaving or choose to remain in abusive situations simply because they cannot bear to abandon their pets. The AKC Humane Fund’s Domestic Violence Shelter Grants are designed to break this cycle by helping shelters accommodate pets of all kinds, not just dogs.
- How the funding is used: Grants help domestic violence shelters construct pet-friendly housing spaces, purchase critical equipment, or coordinate secure off-site boarding where owners still have regular access to their pets.
- The impact: Shelters report that these grants have enabled them to help 25% to 35% more people, providing safety and peace of mind for survivors and their beloved animals.
❤️ Supporting All Pets and Their People
The AKC Humane Fund operates under the firm belief that every pet owner should have the opportunity to live a safe, healthy life with their animals. From mixed breeds competing in the AKC Canine Partners program to support for breed-specific rescue networks, the AKC is actively evolving to serve as a modern, inclusive resource for every pet lover, no matter where they are on their journey.
