Purina's Initiative for Scientific Research on Human-Animal Bonds
In a groundbreaking move to promote the understanding of the unique relationship between people and pets, Purina has officially opened the application period for its 2026 Sponsorship for Human-Animal Bond Studies (HAB). This initiative seeks to support innovative research that highlights the connections we share with our pets, ultimately aiming to enhance both pet and human wellbeing.
Starting today, interested parties—including universities, foundations, charities, and NGOs—have until August 15, 2025, to submit their proposals. Selected researchers could receive up to
$40,000 in funding for their projects.
Focus Areas for Research
This year's applications are particularly encouraged in several key areas:
1.
Support for Vulnerable Populations: Exploring how the human-animal bond can benefit individuals in challenging situations, such as those facing domestic abuse or struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.
2.
Pet Wellbeing: Understanding the effects of human-animal interactions on the health and happiness of pets.
3.
Cat-Human Relationships: Investigating the dynamics between people and cats, a lesser-studied but equally significant aspect of pet ownership.
Francois Martin, M.A., Ph.D., who manages Global Pet Behavior and Welfare at Purina, stated, "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." This strong commitment to exploring the healing power of pets is a significant factor driving the HAB program.
Research Commitment
Purina isn't just putting up funds; the company has a robust team of nearly
500 experts, including scientists, veterinarians, behaviorists, and pet nutritionists, working together to advance pet care. Remarkably, Purina commits over
$100 million annually to research, paving the way for countless innovations that improve pet nutrition and well-being.
Moreover, prospective applicants must abide by specific guidelines to ensure the integrity and ethical standards of their research. These include:
- - Proposals must focus solely on cats and/or dogs.
- - Only one submission per researcher will be considered.
- - All research must secure approval from both Purina and local ethical committees.
- - Purina mandates that the funded studies should not be invasive or cause harm, aligning with their ethos of maintaining animal welfare while furthering research agendas.
In addition to these stipulations, proposals must lay out clear project timelines and detailed budgets. This structured approach aims to foster successful outcomes while ensuring transparency and accountability in the research process.
Funding Timeline and Acknowledgements
Projects funded through this initiative must be completed within two years after securing the initial installment of funding. Additionally, researchers are required to send a final project report to Purina to receive any further payments. It’s also worth noting that should any intellectual property result from the funded research, Purina will have exclusive rights to negotiate a licensing agreement.
About Purina
Purina, a brand within Nestlé, is dedicated to enriching the lives of pets and people alike. Established in
1894, Purina has consistently provided scientifically-backed nutritional products designed to help dogs and cats live longer and healthier lives. The company is home to some of the most trusted pet food brands, including
Purina ONE,
Pro Plan,
Friskies, and
Tidy Cats, which together feed millions of pets each year.
With a commitment to community as well as pet welfare, Purina has contributed over
$150 million in recent years to various organizations aimed at bringing and keeping pets and people together. If you're interested in more information about the Human-Animal Bond research sponsorship program, visit
www.purina.com/HumanAnimalBond or send inquiries to
[email protected].
Ultimately, Purina continues to exemplify the belief that the bond shared with pets not only enhances their lives but ours as well, making this research initiative a crucial step forward in understanding and nurturing these unique relationships.