Nestle Purina Donated More Than $30 Million to Pet-Related Causes in 2015

Nestle Purina announced this week that in 2015 the company donated $31.5 million worth of pet food, pet supplies and monetary contributions to pet-related charities and other community organizations across the country.

The donations reached more than 120 pet welfare groups and the Urban Resource Institute, which operates four domestic violence shelters in the New York City area.

"At Purina we take our role as a responsible corporate citizen seriously and have always believed in supporting pet-related organizations in our hometown of St. Louis and in communities across the United States," said Kasey Bergh, director of Community Affairs, Nestlé Purina PetCare. "We believe that when pets and people are together, life is truly better, and we're very passionate about supporting charitable organizations that share our vision."

Purina donated money and pet supplies to the Urban Resource Institute to help URI build the first dog park – the Purina Pet Haven – in a Manhattan-based domestic violence shelter.

The new dog park opened in October at Urban Women's Retreat, a Tier I emergency shelter that is part of the URIPALS (People and Animals Living Safely) program. URIPALS is the only program in New York City, and one of few nationally, that allows survivors of domestic violence to live in the shelter with their pets.

Pet-welfare organizations used Purina donations for a variety of needs, including construction and repairs to pet shelters at organizations that are working to find forever homes for dogs and cats.

Purina Sponsored Dog Park at Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence

Manhattan now has a dog park in a domestic violence shelter due to a collaboration between the Urban Resource Institute (URI) and Purina PetCare. The park is available to people at the Urban Women’s Retreat (UWR). This shelter is part of the URIPALS program; URIPALS is an emergency shelter that welcomes victims of domestic violence and their pets.

Purina sponsored the dog park at the UWR. Purina also sponsored a dog park at URI’s Safe Haven shelter in 2014. In addition to the park at UWN, Purina is also providing dog food, cat food, treats, and cat litter to the shelter. Purina and URI are also working on welcome kits than can include carriers, gates, pet beds, bowls, scratching posts, leashes, and pet toys. Purina veterinarian, Dr. Kurt Venator said, “For most pet owners, the bond with their pet is incredibly strong, and for people in abusive relationships their pet can be an important source of comfort. Purina is very proud to support the Urban Resource Institute in its efforts to keep families and their pets together during this time of healing.”

URI President and CEO, Nathaniel Fields said, “Through the URIPALS program, we have witnessed first-hand how important it is for survivors to have their beloved pets by their side while they heal. From early on in the URIPALS program, Purina has been committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their pets. We know that the new dog park will play an integral part in helping our clients heal, and for that we are extremely grateful to Purina.”

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