The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF)

Overview of the The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) program:

The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF), administered by the Animal Care & Control Centre of the City of Edmonton, is a quarterly grant program that supports eligible non-profit animal rescue organizations serving Edmonton. Its purpose is to enhance the welfare of rescued animals by funding essential services like medical or dental care, spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, tattooing, and behavioral training. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each quarter, and rescue groups may apply once per quarter, up to four times annually. To encourage wide participation, organizations that have already received a grant in a given year will be deprioritized for additional funding until all new applications are processed. Each grant must focus on animals that have been rescued from Edmonton residents or transferred from the Animal Care & Control Centre or the Edmonton Humane Society. Applications must be complete, include detailed financials, photos of the animals, and documentation showing how the animals came into care. Rescue organizations must demonstrate good standing with the ACCC, carry appropriate liability insurance, and have policies in place for spaying/neutering and pet identification. Funds must be spent within 30 days of receipt, with a final report and receipts submitted to remain eligible for future grants. Unused funds must be returned.

Benefits of the The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) program:

• Covers medical, dental, and behavioral care for rescued animals
• Funds microchipping or tattooing for pet identification
• Supports organizations in fulfilling humane care standards
• Helps rescue organizations serve Edmonton-based animals
• Enhances community capacity to rehome and rehabilitate pets
• Encourages responsible pet ownership through licensing and ID policies
• Offers up to four funding opportunities annually

Eligibility criteria of the The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) program:

• Eligible applicants must:
• Be a registered non-profit or charitable organization (federal or provincial)
• Be Edmonton-based or serving Edmonton animals
• Operate with a core mission of pet rescue and adoption
• Be in good standing with the City of Edmonton (no fines, investigations, or overdue reports)
• Hold liability insurance ($2 million per occurrence minimum)
• Have spay/neuter and pet ID policies
• Provide proof that animals benefited are from Edmonton
• Submit photos, documentation of animal history, and a project budget
• Submit Final Reports and Expenditure Summaries within 30 days of receiving funds