Meet Apryl Venner
Purina Dog Trainer
Apryl’s Role at Purina
As a dog trainer at Purina, Apryl Venner brings with her nearly 30 years of experience, including more than two decades of training service and assistance dogs. As a certified assistance and hearing dog instructor, she's passionate about helping dogs and people thrive together. She's also dedicated to using positive training to support shelter and rescue dogs on their path to adoption.
Notable Achievements
- Works with more than 25 canine athletes on the Purina Incredible Dog Team
- Helped create first assistance dog program for shelter pitbulls while working for Animal Farm Foundation
- Serves on the board of directors for Raising Hope Dogs, a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for children with autism
- Serves as the International Judging Director for the U.S. Disc Dog Nationals (USDDN)
Education
BFA, Sculpture, Grand Valley State University
Certified Assistance and Hearing Dog Instructor, ADI Assistance Dogs International
Meet Apryl’s Pets
Apryl’s dogs don’t just fill her days—they elevate her spirit and keep her rooted in what matters through shared adventures in training, flying disc, swimming, hiking and spreading joy through performances.
Get to Know More Purina Pet Experts
From veterinarians to pet behaviorists, nutritionists and more, we have pet experts from every specialty on our roster. Meet more Purina experts, and see how they’re helping us push pet care forward.