Maryland Spay and Neuter Grants Program

The Maryland Spay and Neuter Grants Program was created in 2014 to address the ongoing issue of animal overpopulation and high euthanasia rates in Maryland shelters. Administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the program’s goal is to fund initiatives that most efficiently and effectively increase spay and neuter services for cats and dogs. The fund supports local governments and nonprofit animal welfare organizations, with the overall objective of reducing shelter intake and euthanasia numbers through access to these services. The program is fully funded by the pet food industry, enabling it to offer competitive grants without being a primary funding source for any organization. This strategic focus emphasizes that awarded grants must augment, not replace, existing services or funding sources. Two primary funding opportunities are available within the program: one targeting spay and neuter services for pets owned by low-income Maryland residents, and the other supporting efforts to sterilize unowned, free-roaming community cats. These grants are not available to individuals directly, nor may they be used to fund surgeries for shelter or rescue animals prior to adoption. Services must be offered through in-house clinics, partnerships with licensed veterinary providers, or both. Importantly, only one application of each type (Pet-Focused or Feral Cat-Focused) may be submitted per applicant per cycle, although organizations may apply for both opportunities if they have the capacity to manage multiple projects. Eligible applicants include Maryland-based municipal or county governments and nonprofit animal welfare organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Applications must include shelter intake and euthanasia data, demonstrate coordination with local animal control, and show how the proposed project aligns with the goal of reducing overpopulation. The program emphasizes targeting low-income communities and encourages the inclusion of outreach and education components. Projects must result in a net increase in spay/neuter services above current organizational capacity. Organizations or veterinary clinics are not required to be located in Maryland, but all animals served must reside within the state. The FY27 grant application window opens on January 16, 2026, and closes on April 17, 2026. Applications must be submitted by 5:01 PM Eastern Time on the deadline date. Applications are reviewed in a multi-phase process: initial due diligence by the Program Coordinator is followed by scoring and evaluation by the Spay and Neuter Advisory Board (SNAB). Recommendations are forwarded to the Secretary of Agriculture, who makes final decisions. Awardees are notified in late summer, with grant contracts typically signed in September and initial disbursements issued by December. The first disbursement includes 50% of surgical funding and 100% of rabies vaccination or other approved budget items. The remaining 50% of surgical funding is released once 35% of the budget has been spent, as reported in quarterly updates. Grantees are required to submit quarterly progress reports and a final report. Failure to submit timely or accurate reporting may affect future eligibility. Additionally, private shelters that are awarded funding may be required to submit quarterly shelter statistics to the state for up to five years following grant approval. Applications must be complete and follow the detailed Guidelines and Instructions provided on the program website. Required supporting documentation includes proof of IRS nonprofit status (for NGOs), SDAT good standing, charitable registration (if applicable), W-9, Price Assurance Forms, and project area maps. Incomplete or improperly prepared applications may be disqualified. The program emphasizes cost-effectiveness and encourages projects that prioritize funding for surgeries over administrative or ancillary expenses. Allowable uses of funds include the sterilization package, rabies vaccinations, high-volume training for surgical staff, equipment (with conditions), transportation assistance, and targeted outreach. Prohibited uses include staff salaries, contingency funds, unrelated medical procedures, and promotional or overhead costs. Applications are competitively ranked based on alignment with program goals, clarity, accuracy, and projected impact. Award decisions are final, and no post-submission changes are allowed except by request from MDA.