The Purina Pet Therapy Program
Supporting Youth Mental Health with Our Own Pets
Youth mental health issues are on the rise—and so is the demand for therapy dogs. Purina is helping ensure there’s one for any kid who needs it by helping get more dogs certified—starting with our own.
Transforming Family Pets into Therapy Dogs
Purina is helping employees get their pets certified as therapy dogs through a partnership with Duo Dogs, a nonprofit that trains and connects dogs to people with different needs.
After completing a 16-week certification course, our pet therapy teams are eligible to volunteer at Duo Dogs-approved schools, hospitals and more.
30+ Pet Therapy Teams. 1 Mission.
Meet some of the Purina employees and their pets helping make a difference for youth mental health.
Melissa & Toula
TOULA’S BREED: Aussiedoodle
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Playing fetch
WHERE WE VOLUNTEER: Shriners Children’s Hospital, because it holds a special place in my heart!
WHY I VOLUNTEER: Toula and I love making someone’s day brighter and seeing them smile.
Ellie & Hanley
HANLEY’S BREED: Golden Retriever
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Swimming
WHERE WE VOLUNTEER: We love spreading joy at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
WHY I VOLUNTEER: I want to share the happiness and joy Hanley brings me with others in the community.
Cayte & Sophie
SOPHIE’S BREED: Goldendoodle
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Playing fetch with a tennis ball
WHERE WE VOLUNTEER: We enjoy supporting mental health days at local universities like UMSL and SIUE
WHY I VOLUNTEER: Sophie loves to provide people with comfort and make their days a little brighter.
Meet Our Full Roster
Get to know the rest of our pet therapy teams by checking out our yearbook.
Supporting Youth Mental Health One Visit at a Time
Track the impact our 30+ pet therapy teams are making on the youth mental health crisis as we continue to grow our program.
Touch Therapy Interactions*
Total Hours Volunteered*
Youth Facilities Visited*
*Updated 9/24/2024
See Pet Therapy in Action
Learn first-hand how pet therapy is making an impact on the lives of kids struggling with mental health.
Sit. Pet. Heal.
Pet therapy can have many physical and emotional benefits, especially for youth struggling with their mental health.
Reduced Stress, Anxiety, Loneliness and Depression
Lower Blood Pressure
