Gigi's Canine Transport Van Grant Program

Gigi's Canine Transport Van Grant Program is sponsored by Gigi's. Provides funding to nonprofit rescues and shelters, municipal shelters, and nonprofits supporting municipal shelters in underserved regions to purchase specially equipped vans for safe, efficient dog transport. The grant covers the purchase of a transport van, equipment for safe and humane transport, and a professionally designed and installed vehicle wrap.

NOW HIRING: Associate Veterinarian Moving dogs forward—by building the systems that make care possible. Gigi’s Canine Transport Van Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit rescues and shelters, municipal shelters, and nonprofits supporting municipal shelters in underserved regions to purchase specially equipped vans for safe, efficient dog transport.

Many organizations—particularly in rural or resource-limited areas—face overcrowding, limited access to veterinary care, and limited pathways to move dogs into placement. Transportation is often the missing link that keeps otherwise adoptable dogs from accessing the care and support they need. This program exists to close that gap.

By investing in transport, we help move dogs out of high-risk environments and into systems where they can receive veterinary care, behavior support, and placement opportunities. Transport is not the outcome—it is the connector that makes access to care possible. Because of our founding donors’ gift, 100% of every donation fuels the work — rescue, veterinary care, research, and life-saving impact.

Why does this program matter? Across the country, thousands of dogs remain in shelters not because they lack homes—but because they lack access to the systems that make placement possible. Without reliable transport: Veterinary care is delayed or inaccessible Overcrowding increases risk for disease and deterioration Placement opportunities remain out of reach By strengthening transport infrastructure, we strengthen the entire system.

This program is part of a larger effort to build a more connected, more responsive network—one where dogs can move safely toward care, stability, and placement. What does the grant provide?

Each selected organization receives $80,000 to support: Purchase of a transport van Equipment to ensure safe and humane transport A professionally designed and installed vehicle wrap This is a targeted investment in infrastructure—because when transport works, access to care works, and outcomes improve.

This program is designed for: Nonprofit rescues and shelters Nonprofits supporting municipal shelters Priority is given to organizations serving communities with limited access to veterinary care, high intake pressure, and restricted transport capacity. We are looking to partner with organizations that are already doing the work—and are ready to expand their impact with the right tools.

Gigi’s is proud to lead this program—supporting nonprofit rescues and shelters, municipal shelters, and nonprofits supporting municipal shelters that are already doing the work. We’re not here to replace what’s working. We’re here to strengthen it.

When organizations have access to reliable transport, they can move dogs more efficiently into veterinary care, reduce overcrowding, and create more consistent placement pathways. The need remains significant, and we are continuing to expand this effort. Applications for Quarter 2 open April 1, 2026.

Eligible organizations can apply using the link below: To prepare, review the Application Guide to understand requirements and gather materials in advance. Gigi’s Enriched Transport (GET) Protocol Transport is more than movement—it’s a critical part of a dog’s care experience.

Gigi’s Enriched Transport (GET) Protocol is an evidence-based framework developed and validated through Gigi’s clinical and behavior research, including the work of Dr. Meghan Herron, DACVB. It is designed to improve safety, reduce stress, and create consistency in how dogs are transported across the rescue network.

The protocol focuses on what matters most: Pre-transport preparation, including health and behavior considerations Veterinary-informed support when appropriate Environmental standards that prioritize airflow, comfort, and secure containment Handling practices that reduce stress and risk throughout the journey Sanitation and operational procedures that protect every dog on board This approach ensures that transport supports—not compromises—a dog’s access to veterinary care, behavior stability, and placement success.

All grant recipients agree to implement the GET Protocol as part of their transport operations. Across the country, thousands of dogs remain in shelters not because they lack homes—but because they lack access to the systems that make placement possible.

Without reliable transport: Veterinary care is delayed or inaccessible Overcrowding increases risk for disease and deterioration Placement opportunities remain out of reach By strengthening transport infrastructure, we strengthen the entire system. This program is part of a larger effort to build a more connected, more responsive network—one where dogs can move safely toward care, stability, and placement.

This program reflects Gigi’s broader approach: investing in the systems that improve outcomes at scale. We don’t just move dogs—we build the infrastructure that ensures they can access veterinary care, receive appropriate support, and move safely toward placement. That’s how we continue improving the lives of shelter dogs™.