Purina Cares: Supporting Youth Mental Health
7 Out of 10 Teens Say They Have Experienced Struggles With Mental Health
Purina believes the power of pets can make a real difference.
Research shows that animal assisted therapy can have a significant impact on mental health. Especially for kids. That’s why Purina is harnessing the power of pets –along with the passion of our employees– to help support youth mental health.
Unleashing the Healing Power of Pets Through Partnerships
We’re proud to partner with innovative organizations that can help us put pets in the forefront of how we address mental health and drive positive change for our youth. Through these collaborations, we’re empowering our employees to help make pet therapy accessible to more kids.
Purina + Duo Dogs
To help address the youth mental health crisis, were partnering with Duo Dogs, a nonprofit organization that trains and connects dogs to people with mental, physical and emotional needs.
Litter Sponsorship
Purina is the first corporate sponsor of an entire litter of Duo Dogs. All ten Labrador Retriever puppies will be raised by Purina employees and trained by Duo Dogs to serve as certified facility, assistance, or service dogs. It’s one of the exciting steps that Purina is taking to harness the positive impact of pets and put them at the forefront of how we address youth mental health.
Touch Therapy
To help meet the increasing demand for therapy dogs by youth organizations, Purina also partnered with Duo Dogs to launch a recurring 16-week Touch Therapy certification class for employees and their family pets. Upon graduating, certified Duo Touch Therapy teams are eligible to volunteer in Duo facility partner sites including schools, hospitals, youth organizations, treatment centers, and many others.
Purina + Paws For Hope
The Purina Paws for Hope program brings therapy dogs to the patients, families and staff at St. Louis Children’s Hospital – a top 10 pediatric hospital. Our work began in 2016 when we helped young patients stay connected with their family pets by establishing the Purina Family Pet Center – a one of- a kind center that combines family centered care with the healing power of pets. Through our expanded partnership, we’re enabling the hospital to add full time facility dogs to their staff, grow its network of volunteer touch therapy dog teams and expand the use and capacity of the Purina Family Center.