Accelerator grant

Grants that build sustainable, affordable veterinary care

Accelerator grants

We estimate that millions of companion pets in Canada aren't getting adequate care because of economic and other barriers. Accelerator is a multi-year grant and coaching program that helps nonprofit, accessible-care veterinary clinics serving pets and their people. The goal of the program is for clinics to become financially sustainable and build lasting capacity in staffing, revenue and community reach.

By invitation only

PetSmart Charities of Canada invites clinics to apply. There's no open application cycle.

Funding plus coaching

About four years of grant support paired with dedicated Accelerator coaching.

Up to $500K

Phase 2 implementation funding for clinics that complete Phase 1. See Phases & amounts.

Who's eligible

Registered charities and municipalities looking to expand a current clinic with additional services or by increasing client capacity for community-owned companion pets.

Your organization must

• Be a registered Canadian charity or municipality with an existing veterinary clinic

• Employ at least one full-time veterinarian

• Serve low- to moderate-income households who can pay for veterinary care, but not at traditional market prices

Required veterinary services

Your clinic must provide, or be working toward providing lifetime veterinary care for cats and dogs, and already offer primary services beyond spay/neuter and basic care.

Goals you're working toward

85%

cost recovery from client-paid services

75%

staff retention

70%

of clients from your defined service area (stretch target, not a strict requirement)

What funding can be used for

Accelerator grants support the people, tools and spaces that increase access to care.

Operations & staffing

Operating expenses, plus hiring and retaining veterinarians and medical support staff.

Staff training

Training that builds your team's skills and capacity.

Equipment & improvements

Medical equipment and capital improvements to the medical areas of your clinic.

Coaching & capacity

Coaching and capacity-building support throughout the grant period.

Funding exclusions

Funding can not be used for capital campaigns, major construction, mobile clinics, and primarily shelter, rescue, or spay/neuter organizations.

Phases & amounts

Accelerator runs in two phases over about four years. Each phase comes with Accelerator coaching support.

Step 1

Invitation

PetSmart Charities invites your organization to apply.
Phase 1

Phase 1 · about 1 year

Average $100K/year
Business analysis, strategic planning and budget forecasting.

Milestones
Phase 2 isn't guaranteed. Advancing requires completing all Phase 1 milestones, including a strategic plan and budget.
Phase 2

Phase 2 · about 3 years

Up to $500K
Implementing your strategic plan, with audited financials. Funding isn't reduced based on financial performance, only for reasons like missing data, non-attendance or significant leadership issues.

Program commitment

Plan for about 0.5 FTE spread across 2–3 senior staff for the full four-year grant period. That time covers data collection, coaching sessions, meetings and travel.

How to apply

Applications are by invitation only. If you're interested in applying for our Accelerator grant program, fill out the Accelerator inquiry form found here.