December 16, 2025


DEADLINES AHEAD FOR GRANT MONEY & WEBINAR TODAY!

Attention Potential Applicants:


CDFA will conduct a webinar today,

December 16, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. PT, featuring an overview of the program and application process. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the program’s website for full details. Register here for the webinar.

Watch this short video that explains the Pet Lover's Plate spay and neuter grant application process, review panel, and timelines.

The vision behind the California Pet Lover's License Plate is being fulfilled every year. First launched in 2013, the plate was created by Judie Mancuso, Dr. Gary Michelson, and Linda Starr, with generous support from Keely and Pierce Brosnan—who also contributed his own artwork for the design. Its purpose is simple and powerful: to provide sustainable funding for low-cost and free spay and neuter programs across California.


If you don’t yet have your Pet Lover’s plate, please consider getting one at this link and help continue this life-saving work.


We are thrilled to announce that the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will be granting out up to $500,000 in funding for the 2026 Pet Lover's License Plate Grant Program (Pet Lover's), which will mean over $2.5M dollars has now gone to spay and neuter!


Click HERE to read their press release with the announcement.


Applications for FUNDING are due by 5pm PT on Monday, January 5, 2026.  


Please review the 2026 Request for Grant Proposals for detailed application instructions: Request For Grant Proposal - Guide On How To Apply.


Grant Proposal Applications must be submitted electronically to grants@cdfa.ca.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. PT on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Technical Review Committee Members Needed!!!! These are the volunteers who review the grant applications, read on...


The CDFA is also welcoming volunteers with knowledge and expertise in California's veterinary, animal rescue/shelter, and animal services industries to serve on the 2026 Pet Lover’s Technical Review Committee (TRC). The TRC reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to CDFA on proposals submitted for funding. Individuals interested in participating in the 2026 Pet Lover's TRC can download the application at this PAGE.


TRC Applications are due by 5pm PT on Monday, December 22, 2025

 

If you have questions about the process please contact:

Office of Grants Administration

California Department of Food and Agriculture

Tel: (916) 657-3231

grants@cdfa.ca.gov

DONATE TODAY FOR

A CUSTOM PORTRAIT OF YOUR BELOVED ANIMAL!

You love your cute doggie or kitty or other wonderful animal that warms your home. We all do! Now you can have a quality, custom portrait of them when you donate to our 501(c)(3)!


We’re thrilled to share that our new team member, Julie Jordan, is an accomplished fine artist! We’re excited to offer her artistic talent as a special fundraising opportunity: custom animal portraits created just for you.


Choose from three canvas options:


  • Heart-shaped canvas (4" wide) — minimum donation: $250
  • 12" x 12" canvas — minimum donation: $500
  • 20" x 20" canvas — minimum donation: $1,500


How it works:


  1. Click the link to donate and choose the size and quantity you prefer.
  2. Email us a photo of your animal.
    

Your generosity supports our mission — and you’ll receive a beautiful keepsake in return.

21 Reasons to give!

1.   We turn compassion into law. SCIL has sponsored 30 landmark animal protection laws in California—more than any other organization of its kind.

2.   We’re the voice for the voiceless. Every animal deserves a champion in the Capitol.

3.   We stop cruelty before it happens. From banning fur trapping to prohibiting wild-animal circuses, we end systemic abuse at the source.

4.   We rescue animals through policy. Our FOUND Act (AB 478) ensures pets aren’t left behind in disasters.

5.   We fight to give students humane choices. From our work on dissection in schools to our support for humane education, we fight for the rights of compassionate students.

6.   We demand shelter transparency. Bills like AB 631 and AB 793 shine a light on shelter outcomes.

7.   We fight for wildlife. From bobcats to whales, we protect California’s most vulnerable species.

8.   We defend companion animals. SCIL laws have saved countless cats and dogs from suffering and euthanasia.

9.   We protect families. SB 221 ensures stalkers are held accountable when they threaten a victim’s pet.

10. We champion plant-based progress. From ensuring state hospitals and prisons offer vegan options to supporting state hearings and policy, we push for sustainable, compassionate food systems.

11. We lead with facts. Every bill is grounded in data, transparency, and expert collaboration.

12. We make legislators care. Our advocacy changes hearts—and votes—in Sacramento and beyond.

13. We act locally and think globally. SCIL policies often become national and international models.

14. We mobilize the public. Hundreds of thousands of citizens have joined our calls to action and made history for animals.

15. We bridge compassion and science. Our policies respect both ethics and evidence.

16. We inspire the next generation. SCIL gives young advocates tools to create lasting change.

17. We stand up to powerful lobbies. No special interests—just special compassion.

18. We partner for impact. Working with allies like PETAPCRMCenter for Biological Diversity, and many other organizations, we collaborate to get results.

19. We respond in crises. From wildfires to floods, we advocate for emergency animal rescue reform.

20. We make every dollar count. SCIL is a lean, effective nonprofit—your donation goes straight to action.

21. We’ve only just begun. With your help, 2026 will bring even more lifesaving victories.

As we close out our 18th year of saving and protecting animals, we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment. Together, we are achieving lasting, meaningful progress for the voiceless beings who need us most.


Thank you for being an indispensable part of our team. Please consider donating to help us accomplish even more for animals in 2026!


With tons of gratitude, Judie & Team

Judie Mancuso, founder/CEO/president

Social Compassion, 501(c)(3)

Social Compassion in Legislation, 501(c)(4)

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