Purina Family Pet Center Celebrates a Decade of Comforting Patients at St. Louis Children's Hospital

Celebrating Healing Through Pets

This summer, a meaningful milestone is reached as the Purina Family Pet Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital observes its 10th anniversary. This unique facility, which opened its doors in May 2016, has tirelessly worked to incorporate the therapeutic power of pets into the lives of pediatric patients during challenging hospital stays.

Dr. Annie Valuska, Principal Scientist on Purina's Pet Behavior team, emphasizes the deep connection children often share with their pets. These bonds can significantly improve their emotional well-being, especially in stressful environments like hospitals. The objective of the Purina Family Pet Center is clear: to reunite young patients with their cherished animals, fostering joy and comfort during their treatments. Over ten years, the center has orchestrated over 600 emotional reunions between pets and young patients from various departments including General Medicine, Behavioral Health, Hematology-Oncology, and Neurology.

"Our partnership with Purina has been invaluable for our patients and families," stated Trish Lollo, President of St. Louis Children's Hospital. "Connecting with their beloved pets provides essential emotional support and a sense of normalcy to those undergoing lengthy stays in the hospital."

In recent years, the hospital has made concerted efforts to broaden access to the Pet Center. This commitment resulted in 23 personal pet reunions in 2025, enabling even more young patients to heal alongside their family pets. The Pet Center also organized pet-themed events that enriched the lives of over 3,800 participants, thereby enhancing the overall hospital experience for many children.

Enhancements and Developments

The last five years have seen dynamic improvements at the Purina Family Pet Center. A design refresh introduced new libraries, upgraded furniture, and a welcoming color palette intended to create a homely atmosphere. Personalized signage greets children and their pets, fostering memorable photo opportunities during visits.

Additionally, the atmosphere has been further enhanced with dog-themed music, while an expanded collection of pet toys and Purina treats allows families to engage with their pets in a joyful environment. The facility also launched a dedicated television channel featuring live programming from the Pet Center, which can be accessed directly from patients' rooms. This new feature allows those without pets to enjoy the delights of animal companionship.

Bill Etling, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Purina, shared, "We're so proud of how the Purina Family Pet Center has impacted the lives of children and their families over the past decade. Pets have an incredible way of lifting spirits, and the Center genuinely serves as a refuge for young patients, providing love and joy during their healing journeys."

In addition to the Purina Family Pet Center, Nestlé's Purina also sponsors two other humanitarian programs aimed at improving patient comfort at St. Louis Children's Hospital: the Purina Paws for Hope initiative and the hospital's resident facility dogs, Duo Dogs Casey and Opal. The Purina Paws for Hope program encompasses 58 certified therapy dog teams that volunteer throughout the facility, culminating in 141,903 interactions with patients, family members, and staff in 2025 alone. The resident dogs, Casey and Opal, also contributed significantly by engaging in 9,115 interactions with both patients and staff.

As we reflect on these past ten years, it's evident that the Purina Family Pet Center is more than just a facility; it embodies a bridge between the medical care children receive and the emotional support pets provide. For anyone interested in learning more about the incredible work at the Purina Family Pet Center, further information is available on the St. Louis Children's Hospital website.

About Purina

Nestlé Purina PetCare has been enriching the lives of pets and their owners since 1894. The company is committed to improving the health and wellness of pets through scientifically-backed nutrition, ensuring that their products meet the expectations of pet owners and contribute to the well-being of 46 million dogs and 68 million cats each year. Through its various initiatives, Purina continues to foster the powerful bond between humans and pets, proving that life is indeed better when shared with a furry friend.