Since 2005 MAC has annually awarded grants to spay-neuter programs across the state that are operated by MA non-profits, municipalities and coalitions of animal-centered organizations.
Grants are made available once a year and the funding comes from the sale of the pet plates, which are sold through the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles. Animal shelters, rescue organizations and animal control programs are eligible to apply for a grant.
The applications period will not start until December of 2026.
Pet Plate Grant Information
2026 Pet Plate Grant Program
If your organization received grant funding in April of 2026, please see below:
The deadline for spending the grant funds on spay/neuter surgeries is December 31, 2026.
The final report is due January 15, 2027. Failure to submit reports by the due date will disqualify you from future grants. There will be no exceptions. Please review this report prior to submitting an application so that you understand what is required of your organization.
Due January 15, 2027
MAC’s role in the process includes two MAC volunteer committees that support MAC’s Pet Plate grant program:
The Pet Plate Program Oversight Committee is comprised of MAC board members. This committee manages the details of the program, posts the applications, processes the grant awards, and monitors spending of the funds.
The Grant Awards Committee consists of an animal control officer, a veterinarian, a MAC member, and two members of the shelter and rescue community, each appointed annually. For 20 years these committee members have reviewed grant applications and made recommendations for funding. The program has awarded over $3.5 million to organizations for spay and neuter surgeries around the state.