ICYMI: Congressman Shreve’s Rural Animal Shelter Legislation Included in 2026 Farm Bill

WASHINGTON - Last week, Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06) joined House Republicans in advancing the 2026 Farm Bill through the House of Representatives. The final bill included provisions from Rep. Shreve's bipartisan Rural Animal Shelter Investment Act, which helps rural animal shelters access existing federal funding to build, expand, or improve their facilities.

Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) co-led the legislation.

Animal shelters play an important role in rural communities. They rescue and care for animals, support public health, and often fill gaps where veterinary services are limited.

Yet many rural shelters operate on tight budgets and have not fully accessed support available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. Over the past decade, rural shelters have received funding through this program only a handful of times.

The Rural Animal Shelter Investment Act clarifies that animal shelters qualify as "Essential Community Facilities" under the USDA program, helping local shelters apply for funding to improve their facilities and better serve their communities.

"Rural animal shelters do important work, often with limited resources," said Rep. Shreve. "This is a simple fix. It makes clear that shelters are eligible for existing federal support so they can build, expand, and improve the facilities they rely on every day."

"Animal shelters in rural communities house and care for animals in critical need," said Rep. Figures. "This bipartisan bill will help animal shelters apply for more federal funding to support their work."

The legislation is endorsed by the American Kennel Club.