(INDIANAPOLIS) - Rural animal shelters across Indiana, Michigan, and the country could gain expanded access to federal funding under a provision included in the proposed 2026 Farm Bill.
The measure stems from Indiana Congressman Jefferson Shreve's proposed Rural Animal Shelter Investment Act. The legislation would clarify that rural animal shelters qualify for certain U.S. Department of Agriculture grants and loan programs tied to community facility development projects.
Supporters say the change could help rural and county-operated shelters fund construction projects, renovate aging buildings, expand veterinary treatment areas, and improve animal care operations without relying entirely on local fundraising or municipal budgets.
According to Shreve's office, many rural shelters have struggled to access federal assistance because eligibility rules in existing USDA programs were unclear or inconsistently applied. The proposal would formally recognize eligible shelters as "Essential Community Facilities" under USDA rural development programs.
If included in the final Farm Bill approved by Congress, qualifying shelters could pursue USDA-backed grants and low-interest loans for projects including new shelter construction, expanded kennel space, veterinary treatment facilities, emergency intake infrastructure, and modernization upgrades.
Shreve said rural shelters often operate with limited resources while providing important services in communities with fewer veterinary and animal care options.
The provision would apply nationwide if enacted as part of the final Farm Bill package