2025 Animal Welfare Grant Recipients!

We’re excited to announce this year’s Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) Mary Victoria Wakefield Animal Welfare Grant Recipients, supporting initiatives that promote animal wellbeing, responsible stewardship, and compassionate care across our region. Each year, Mary’s family advises on which applicants they would like award funding to. This year, they recommended the following initiatives receive micro grants from Mary’s fund:

British Columbia Conservation Foundation: Ensuring a Genetically Healthy Population of Northern Spotted Owls $1,000

The British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF) leads conservation efforts across the province, including the long-standing Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program, which supports recovery of one of Canada’s most endangered species. This grant will fund genetic testing of resident owls to maintain a diverse and healthy breeding population, reducing risks associated with inbreeding, disease, and developmental concerns. These efforts strengthen long-term recovery and support the successful release of spotted owls into protected old-growth habitat.

Ena’s Community Cats: Spay/Neuter Augmentation for 35 Cats $990

Ena’s Community Cats provides low-cost spay and neuter services to pet owners facing financial barriers. Grant funding will allow the organization to offer $99 spay/neuter procedures for 35 clients who are unable to afford even the lowest sliding-scale fee. This initiative prevents unwanted litters, reduces medical issues such as pyometra, and curbs behaviours that often result in surrender or abandonment—improving outcomes for both cats and local shelters.

Abbotsford Police Foundation: Financial Care Package for Retired Police Service Dogs $1,000

The Abbotsford Police Foundation supports programs that strengthen relationships between the Abbotsford Police Department and the community, including initiatives that honour animals who have served. As a 2024 recipient receiving two years of funding, the Foundation continues its commitment to caring for retired police service dogs. This grant provides annual assistance for food and veterinary care, ensuring these dogs receive the high-quality support they deserve after years of dedicated service protecting our community.

Together, these projects reflect the spirit of the Mary Victoria Wakefield Animal Welfare Grant by supporting both immediate care and long-term animal wellbeing in our community. We’re proud to invest in organizations dedicated to conservation, prevention, and compassionate care—from safeguarding endangered species, to making essential veterinary services accessible, to honouring animals who have served our city. We congratulate all of this year’s recipients and look forward to seeing their continued contributions to animal welfare across the region!

To learn more about the Mary Victoria Wakefield Animal Welfare Grant program, click here.