Purina Awards Grants for Studies on the Human-Pet Bond Impact

Purina's Commitment to Understanding the Human-Pet Bond

In a remarkable effort to deepen the understanding of the human-animal connection, Purina, a leading name in pet care, has unveiled its investment of $120,000 in research grants. This funding is directed toward three distinguished research teams based in the United States and Hungary, as part of their 2026 Purina Sponsorship for Human-Animal Bond Studies program. Each project is allocated up to $40,000 to explore various aspects of the bond that pets share with humans and its implications for well-being.

The Projects and Their Significance

The research initiatives funded this biennium cover diverse topics, illustrating Purina's commitment to fostering innovative studies that can positively influence both pets and their owners. The awarded projects are:

1. Understanding the Human-Animal Bond in IPV-Affected Households
Led by Dr. Jennifer A. Wagman at UCLA's Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, this 18-month mixed-methods study aims to investigate how the human-animal relationship aids psychological resilience and healing among survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). With a robust statewide survey reaching approximately 1,000 individuals, the research seeks to inform trauma-responsive care practices, ensuring the safety and welfare of companion animals involved.

2. Investigating Separation-Related Disorders in Companion Cats
Dr. Paula Pérez Fraga's study at Eötvös Loránd University's Institute of Biology in Hungary tackles a pressing issue: separation-related disorders in cats. Utilizing a citizen-science model, the research plans to assemble data from pet owners globally, analyzing risk factors and producing comprehensive insights into feline separation behaviors. This endeavor is poised to assist professionals in recognizing and addressing such disorders.

3. Designing an Inclusive Model for Remote Canine-Assisted Therapy
This innovative study, guided by Dr. Judit Abdai at the Hungarian Ethology Foundation, evaluates a Remote Canine-Assisted Therapy (RCAT) model intended for underserved pediatric oncology patients. The initiative addresses limitations faced by these young patients who cannot attend in-person therapy due to health risks while enabling safe interactions with trained therapy dogs.

Purina’s Vision for the Future

Purina's initiative is driven by the belief that scientific advancements are most impactful when shared with the global community. Dr. Annie Valuska, a Principal Scientist on Purina's Pet Behavior Team, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in expanding the understanding of the human-pet bond during some of life's most challenging scenarios. The insights gathered from these studies could lead to more effective interventions, benefiting both pets and the families that cherish them.

In selecting the grant recipients, Purina reviewed over 100 research proposals, prioritizing studies that explore how the pet-human bond can support vulnerable individuals and examine how these relationships can be mutually beneficial. With previous initiatives funded to date, Purina has allocated $1.2 million since the program's inception in 2016, thereby underlining its enduring commitment to pet welfare.

Industry-Wide Implications

The ongoing research carried out under the Purina Sponsorship for Human-Animal Bond Studies program is not only significant for the immediate participants but also carries vital implications for society at large. Whether through enhancing the mental health support systems for survivors of violence or addressing the growing concerns around feline welfare, Purina's endeavors aim to pave the way for a future where the bonds between humans and pets are cherished and nurtured.

This investment is a testament to Purina's dedication to not only advancing the field of animal behavior science but also improving the quality of life for pets and their owners across the globe. The continued support for critical studies emphasizes the role pets play in enriching human lives, making Purina an integral player in shaping pet care for years to come.

Purina remains committed to investing over $100 million annually in research and development to ensure that pets lead longer, healthier lives. The findings from these studies contribute significantly to that mission and will undoubtedly inspire future initiatives aimed at enhancing the human-animal bond.