The Horse Shelter Network is dedicated to supporting horse owners across the United States, providing a critical safety net through our extensive national resource and network. For those facing difficult situations, we offer direct financial assistance to help cover essential expenses, including gelding/spay operations, the compassionate final act of humane euthanasia, and support for horses impacted by disasters.
Through the Horse Shelter Network, vital financial aid and grants are available for both individuals (with funds paid directly to service providers) and eligible nonprofits. We proudly distribute approximately $10,000 in grant money each month to assist with critical needs, including auction rescues, essential buyout missions, and immediate horse welfare emergencies. This support helps our partners save horses and address urgent situations across the world.
When you own a horse, responsible and compassionate planning for its entire life is essential. The Horse Shelter Network provides a crucial safety net for horse owners across the United States, offering financial and resource assistance for critical welfare issues.
1. Humane Euthanasia: The Last Act of Kindness
The Last Act of Kindness is the final, most responsible decision a horse owner can make to prevent suffering. Unexpected tragedies, such as a severe colic, or the final stages of a chronic condition require an owner to have a plan. Regardless of your circumstance, the Horse Shelter Network is here to support you and your horse in upholding the Full Circle of Life philosophy. Euthanasia is difficult to contemplate, but failing to act responsibly can lead to a horse suffering or facing the horrors of the slaughter pipeline. If your horse requires the Last Act of Kindness, we offer financial assistance paid directly to the veterinarian for the procedure.
2. Gelding and Spay Operations: Promoting Quality of Life
Promoting a higher quality of life and controlling irresponsible breeding are cornerstones of equine welfare.
For Colts and Stallions: Getting a colt or stallion promptly gelded is vital for their well-being, allowing them to safely enjoy a life with other horses and humans. With thousands of unwanted horses facing export for slaughter, breeding should only occur under exceptional, registered circumstances. Geldings make excellent, stable companions, and the procedure significantly improves their quality of life.
For Mares: Spaying a mare can be an appropriate procedure in certain situations, often resulting in a mare that is more emotionally stable. We encourage you to discuss this option with your veterinarian to determine if it is the right choice.
To help you ensure this essential care, the Horse Shelter Network offers financial assistance paid directly to the veterinarian to cover the cost of gelding or spay procedures.
3. Disaster Relief: Help in a Tight Spot
Disasters happen unexpectedly, and a sudden crisis can leave horse owners overwhelmed. Our program is designed to get you through a tight spot when the situation is completely out of your control. We consider applications on a case-by-case basis for a range of disasters, including fires, floods, tornado damage, and horse trailer accidents. Funds are specifically directed to where they are needed most—paid directly to the veterinarian for treatments or to a feed store for feed and materials.
How We Provide Assistance
The Horse Shelter Network is committed to accountability and the direct welfare of the horse. We provide all financial assistance directly to the service provider (veterinarians or feed stores), never directly to the horse owner, to ensure that funds are used immediately for the horse’s care.
Any Application may be denied solely at the discretion of the Full Circle of Life Horse Shelter Network/Horse Plus Humane Society without explanation. Assistance is available as funds allow.