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The Purina Pet Therapy Program

Mental Health Session with Golden Retriever

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.

Kid and Dog

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

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

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

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.

A collage of people and dogs

Meet Our Full Roster

Get to know the rest of our pet therapy teams by checking out our yearbook.

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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.

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Pet Therapy Sessions Completed*

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Total Hours Volunteered*

17 Youth Facilities Visited

Youth Facilities Visited*

*Updated 3/31/2024

See Pet Therapy in Action

Learn first-hand how pet therapy is making an impact on the lives of kids struggling with mental health.

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Zane’s Story

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His Teacher's Perspective

Sit. Pet. Heal.

Pet therapy can have many physical and emotional benefits, especially for youth struggling with their mental health.

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Reduced Stress, Anxiety, Loneliness and Depression

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Lower Blood Pressure

Improved Self Confidence

Improved Self Confidence