Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund

Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund

Status: Active grant program

Geographic Scope: Maryland-based organizations only

Background: First established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2017, the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund in the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families took effect July 1, 2017. The original legislation encompassed only nonprofit entities that trained service canines. A subsequent amendment to the legislation, approved in 2019, included entities that provide equine-assisted therapy to eligible veterans. In the 2025 Maryland General Assembly Session, the original legislation was again amended to include veteran spouses and dependents as eligible program participants.

Focus Areas:

Eligible Applicants:

What They Fund:

What They Don't Fund:

Contact:

FY26 Grant Awards: Ten (10) Maryland-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations were selected to receive grants in January 2026:
1. Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (Harford County)
2. Greenwell Foundation, Inc. (St. Mary's County)
3. Lifeline Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc. (Montgomery County)
4. Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (Anne Arundel County)
5. Promise Landing Farm, Inc. (Prince George's County)
6. STAR Community, Inc. (Washington County)
7. Talisman Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (Queen Anne's County)
8. Warrior Canine Connection, Inc. (Montgomery County)
9. Wellspring of Life Farm, Inc. (Baltimore County)
10. Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (Cecil County)