Open
Purple Leash Project
Supports shelters to build pet-inclusive residential spaces
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 4,500 - $ 23,850
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Provides up to $23,850 to Canadian violence against women shelters and transition houses to create safe, pet-inclusive spaces. Funding supports spatial design changes such as converting existing areas, building new co-sheltering spaces with individual pet rooms, and developing pet-friendly communal housing.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 23,850 $
- Minimum amount : 4,500 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Removing barriers to co-shelter survivors and their pets through thoughtful spatial design in shelter facilities.
- Converting existing shelter spaces to accommodate pets on-site.
- Constructing new shelter spaces, including co-sheltering with individual pet rooms.
- Developing pet-friendly communal housing within shelters/transition houses.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Violence against women (VAW) shelters in Canada
- Transition houses in Canada providing 24/7 residential services to people fleeing domestic violence
Who is not eligible
- Organizations whose primary mandate is not to provide 24/7 residential services in a shelter/transition house
- Shelters that are not in good financial health
Eligible expenses
- Shelter facility upgrades to become more pet-friendly through spatial design (e.g., conversion of existing spaces or construction of new spaces).
- Essential pet supplies and equipment to enhance pet-friendly shelter spaces (e.g., washing stations, beds, litter boxes, cages, ramps).
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Veterinary bills
- Salaries
- Pet clothing
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada (nationwide)
Additional information
- Invitations are sent by email to VAW shelter and transition house organizations across Canada.
- Applicants are encouraged to review the program FAQ and planning resources (some sources are American).
- "Pet" refers to companion animals (e.g., cats, dogs, caged rabbits) and excludes hoofed, farm, and livestock animals.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Purple Leash Project Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Purple Leash Project. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Purple Leash Project?
Provides up to $23,850 to Canadian violence against women shelters and transition houses to create safe, pet-inclusive spaces. Funding supports spatial design changes such as converting existing areas, building new co-sheltering spaces with individual pet rooms, and developing pet-friendly communal housing.
How much funding can be received?
Purple Leash Project Funds up to $23,850 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Purple Leash Project program?
To be eligible for the Purple Leash Project program, you must:
Canadian VAW shelter/transition house
Provides 24/7 residential services
Allows pets or has concrete plans to
What expenses are eligible under Purple Leash Project?
Removing barriers to co-shelter survivors and their pets through thoughtful spatial design in shelter facilities.
Converting existing shelter spaces to accommodate pets on-site.
Constructing new shelter spaces, including co-sheltering with individual pet rooms.
Developing pet-friendly communal housing within shelters/transition houses.
Who can I contact for more information about the Purple Leash Project?
You can contact Women's Shelters Canada (EndVAW).
Where is the Purple Leash Project available?
The Purple Leash Project program is available across Canada.
Is the Purple Leash Project a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Purple Leash Project is a Grant and Funding