Purina Opens Funding Opportunities for Scientific Research Proposals on the Unique Bond between People and Pets
Universities, foundations, charities and NGOs can apply now through August 15, 2025, to receive funding of up to $40,000 for accepted human-animal bond research proposals
ST. LOUIS, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Purina, a global leader in pet care, opened the application period for its 2026 Purina Sponsorship for Human-Animal Bond Studies (HAB) program, which supports innovative scientific research to deepen the understanding of the unique connections between humans and their pets. Now through August 15, 2025, researchers can submit their proposals for the chance to receive up to $40,000 in research funding from Purina.
This year, preferences will be given to proposals exploring the potential benefits of the human-animal bond in the following areas:
- People in vulnerable situations, such as those in abusive relationships and/or experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder
- The impact of human-animal interactions on the wellbeing of pets
- The bond between people and cats
"At Purina, we truly believe that people and pets are better together, and we are invested in understanding how to create stronger bonds and more joyful lives together," said Francois Martin, M.A., Ph.D., Manager, Global Pet Behavior and Welfare at Purina. "Through our Human-Animal Bond Studies program, we can better understand the healing power of pets and the variety of ways in which the bonds with our pets impact their lives and ours."
Purina has nearly 500 scientists, pet nutritionists, veterinarians, behaviorists and other credentialed pet experts on staff who are committed to helping pets live longer, healthier lives. Each year, Purina invests more than $100 million in research to drive pet nutrition forward and support the wellbeing of pets, which has led to countless groundbreaking innovations to enrich the lives of cats and dogs.
For more information on the program, visit www.purina.com/HumanAnimalBond. Completed applications must be sent to well-being@purina.nestle.com.
Rules for 2026 Sponsorship Applications
About Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations.
Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. Our more than 11,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. Nearly 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.
Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit Purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.
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SOURCE Purina