Spay/Neuter Initiative Program (SNIP Grant)

What is SNIP?

SNIP stands for Spay/Neuter Initiative Program. Pet Haven is committed to reducing the number of homeless pets in Minnesota. We believe we cannot adopt our way out of pet overpopulation, so we’re working to address the problem at its root. We offer the SNIP grant on an annual basis to animal welfare groups in Minnesota to support and strengthen their spay/neuter efforts. Since 2005, Pet Haven has provided more than $220,000 in grant funding to Minnesota-based animal welfare organizations focusing their efforts on reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats. More than 5.000 animals have been altered through this grant. By reducing pet overpopulation we can improve the lives of dogs and cats and strengthen the bond between pets and their people.

What do SNIP Grants fund?

SNIP Grants are intended to increase the number of animals that are altered, and grants should have a measurable impact on existing programs. This year, Pet Haven is focusing our grant awards on supporting organizations focusing on transformational change. Preference will be given to groups who are creating innovative partnerships and going above and beyond spay and neutering efforts. Examples include:

  • Altering dogs and cats whose litters are regularly surrendered to a shelter
  • Providing low-cost spay/neuter to pet owners
  • Funding TNR programs for cat colonies
  • Enabling community outreach efforts to provide spays/neuters to specifically targeted neighborhoods
  • Funding a mobile outreach effort to alter pets in rural areas

How do organizations apply for a SNIP Grant?

THE GRANT APPLICATION PERIOD FOR 2018 IS CLOSED. Pet Haven’s SNIP Grant Application Period is open from 12/1/2017 through 1/31/2018. Organizations will be notified by 3/1/2018 if they are selected to receive a grant.

Which organizations qualify for SNIP Grants?

In order to be eligible for a SNIP Grant, an organization must be a 501(c)3 organization in Minnesota (will be asked to provide IRS Certification letter).

Preference is given to organizations located in Minnesota whose annual budget is $300,000 or less.

How much funding does the grant provide?

Grant amounts range from $500-$5,000.

Which veterinary services do SNIP grants cover?

  • Organizations must use the grant funds to pay for spay and neuter surgical procedures. In addition, they may also use the funds for pre-operative examinations, pre-operative and intra-operative pain management, and emergency veterinary care related to the surgery.

What are the reporting requirements?

Grant recipients must complete a Final Report which will provide an analysis of the project and details of the number of animals impacted by the grant.  In addition, we will ask grant recipients to provide narrative and photos/video to share with our funders, supporters, and the general public.

How are SNIP Grants awarded?

We consider grant awards based on whether or not an organization meets the following criteria:

  • With the grant, can prove a measurable impact in reducing the number of unaltered dogs and cats in a specific location, beyond their existing efforts.
  • Demonstrates the ability to reach targeted low-income populations.
  • Demonstrates the capability to use the funds in the manner intended.
  • Innovative ideas and partnerships are given priority.

*2017 SNIP Grant Recipients*

These 9 organizations do amazing work to reduce pet overpopulation throughout Minnesota and will now share more than $16,000 in grant awards to continue their focus on life-saving spay/neuter work.  We believe that we cannot “adopt our way out of pet overpopulation” and our partnerships are key to preventing unwanted litters. Please join us in congratulating 2017’s SNIP Grant Winners!

Pet Project Rescue: Funding will support Trap/Neuter/Release for cat colonies located in Minneapolis.

Watonwan County Humane Society: Funding will target feral farm cats and pitbulls for spay/neuter.

Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue:  Funding will focus on spaying/neutering cats on Red Lake Indian Reservation.

Leech Lake Legacy:  Funding will support spaying/neutering dogs and cats on Leech Lake Indian Reservation.

Precious Paws:  Funding will provide affordable spay/neuter options to low-income & senior pet owners in Chisolm County.

Headwaters Animal Shelter:  Funding will grow the Cat Colony Community Sterilization program in rural Hubbard County.

Carver Scott Humane Society:  Funding will provide support for TNR program for barn cats.

Pet Fixers:  Funding will provide additional mobile spay/neuter clinics in rural Clearwater and Norman Counties.

Freeborn County Humane Society:  Funding will provide support for TNR for stray cats in rural Freeborn County.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Please contact Pet Haven’s Executive Director with additional questions about SNIP Grants.