Orange County Animal Services Offers Grant Program

COMMUNITY NEWS

ORANGE COUNTY, NC— Orange County Animal Services is offering the Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant, a program to support animal welfare initiatives and projects in Orange County, thanks to a generous donation from Friends of Orange County Animal Shelter for that purpose. The maximum award is $500. Applications must be received by October 9, 2025.

The grant can be used for a wide range of pilot or seed projects or to supplement other programs, projects, and grants that support companion animals, including those animals used in recreation or therapy. It is available to individuals, groups, and organizations. Although the recipients do not have to live in Orange County, the funds must be used to aid animal welfare efforts in Orange County. Past recipients include Hope Animal Rescue, Independent Animal Rescue, NC Therapeutic Riding Center, Pet Pals, Trestle Leaf Web Design, Carolina Boxer Rescue, Our Wild Neighbors, Meals on Wheels of Orange County, and Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness.

The program honors Pat Sanford, former Executive Director of the Animal Protection Society of Orange County (APS). Sanford served there for 17 years, where she pushed for spay/neuter to combat the county’s pet overpopulation problem and helped expand the APS twice. After her retirement in 2002, Sanford continued her work for Orange County animals and served on the county’s Animal Services Advisory Board for several years.

Ms. Sanford’s accomplishments are vast and her contributions helped Orange County become one of the leading counties in the state and country for animal placement, recovery, and overall well-being. The grant awarded in her honor will support efforts that exemplify the same dedication and commitment to animal welfare in Orange County.

Michelle Cassell is a seasoned reporter who has covered everything from crime to hurricanes and local politics to human interest over the course of 35 years. As editor, she hopes to encourage writers of a wide range of backgrounds and interests in TLR’s coverage of Southern Orange County news. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press.