OVC FY25 Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence Program

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP), through the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), has released the FY25 Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence Program. This funding initiative is designed to address a critical gap in services by supporting shelters and transitional housing that accommodate not only victims of domestic violence but also their companion animals. These animals may include pets, service animals, emotional support animals, and even horses, ensuring that victims are not forced to choose between their safety and that of their animals. The program responds to the well-documented reality that many domestic violence survivors delay leaving abusive situations due to concern for their pets, who are often at risk of harm. With most shelters not equipped to house animals, this grant program seeks to enable expansion and modification of facilities to be more inclusive. Eligible uses of funds include shelter modification, purchasing kennels or pet amenities, veterinary care, pet boarding, relocation services, and other support activities that enable safe, stable housing for both survivors and their animals. Applicants eligible for funding include a wide range of entities: state, county, city, township, and tribal governments; domestic violence and sexual assault victim service providers; local government units such as towns or boroughs; and organizations that work directly with animals (e.g., shelters or welfare agencies) in collaboration with the above. Projects must be designed to support housing and services for up to 24 months, with the possibility of a 6-month extension if permanent housing is still being actively pursued. The program offers up to $3,000,000 in total funding, with individual awards capped at $500,000. OVC anticipates awarding up to 10 grants. No cost-sharing or matching is required. The application process follows a two-step electronic submission protocol: first, applicants must submit the SF-424 form via Grants.gov by August 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Then, the full application must be completed in JustGrants by August 20, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. ET. All applicants must be registered with SAM.gov and maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Applications are evaluated through a multi-stage process that begins with a review of minimum requirements, followed by peer review. Review criteria include problem statement, project design, organizational capability, budget justification, and plans for data collection related to performance measures. OVC prioritizes applications that support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect children, and serve victims of human trafficking or sexual assault. For questions, applicants may email the OJP Response Center at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov or call 800-851-3420. Technical assistance is also available via help desks for Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and JustGrants. A pre-recorded informational video is available on the OVC’s Funding Webinars page. Notifications of awards are generally issued by September 30, 2025, and the period of performance is expected to begin on October 1, 2025, lasting 36 months.

Submit the SF-424 early. Complete JustGrants at least 48 hours in advance. Use the webinar and guidance to avoid technical issues.