Commissioner Tyler Harper Announces 2024 Dog & Cat Sterilization Program Grant Awards

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has issued grant awards for the 2024 Dog & Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP). The Department received nearly 170 applications and issued 93 awards between $1,000 and $20,000 based on each applicant’s needs. The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s DCSP Grant helps reduce the strain of overpopulation on Georgia’s animal shelters by providing financial assistance for low-cost spay/neuter programs in communities across the state. The DCSP received $800,000 in funding for Fiscal Year 2024.

“I’m excited to congratulate the more than 90 organizations who were selected to receive this year’s DCSP Grant awards and thank them for the work they do every single day to ensure Georgia’s shelter pets receive the humane care they deserve,”said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “The Dog & Cat Sterilization Program is vital as we work to address animal overpopulation in our state, and we look forward to ensuring the program’s continued success for years to come.”

All applications were thoroughly reviewed by a committee of animal industry professionals to ensure fairness and applications were reviewed anonymously. For the complete list of grant recipients, please visit https://www.agr.georgia.gov/2024-dcsp-grant-recipients.

To be eligible for a DCSP grant, applicants must fall into one of the following categories: County and/or municipal animal shelters licensed and located in Georgia, licensed non-profit animal rescue organizations with 501(c)(3) status located in Georgia, or veterinary medical foundations in Georgia with 501(c)(3) status.

About the DCSP Grant

In 2003, the Georgia General Assembly established the Dog and Cat Reproductive Sterilization Support Program to subsidize spaying and neutering procedures for dogs and cats. This initiative led to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP), overseen by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Funding for the program is currently generated by selling designated dog and cat license plates. These specialized plates are obtainable at local tag offices or through contributions made via the Georgia Tax return process. For more information on the DCSP grant, visit https://agr.georgia.gov/dog-and-cat-sterilization-program-dcsp.