UK Charity StreetVet wins global Purina BetterwithPets Prize 2020 and prize money of £41,500

• Purina announces winners of BetterwithPets Prize 2020, awarding a share of £99,000 to top placing entrants.
• The StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme was named winner of the piloted innovations category.
• More than 150 applications from more than 20 countries submitted for the prize, which rewards initiatives harnessing the power of the pet-human bond to benefit communities across Europe, Middle East and North Africa.

Purina has announced the 2020 winners of the BetterwithPets Prize, in a virtual forum streamed live on YouTube and is delighted that UK Charity StreetVet has been named winner of the piloted innovations category, taking home £41,500 for its proposed Accredited Hostel Scheme.
The StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme offers free, accessible veterinary care for pets whose owners are experiencing homelessness, as well as support for hostel managers and staff to adopt and implement positive pet policies. To find out more visit www.streetvet.co.uk or take a look at the video they submitted as part of their pitch here.

Everything about StreetVet for me has been a crazy journey, from an idea – just sticking a backpack on and going out, to this being what I do now every day. It comes down to our volunteers, who are amazing, and the strength of the human-animal bond, because that’s why we’re all doing it. The best part of this process and StreetVet has been about the people we have met along the way, be it owners with their dogs, or people who have wanted to make a difference.

Jade Statt co-founder of StreetVet

Especially in complex times like these, the need for social innovation and creative solutions that address society’s problems should be celebrated. We are excited to support these social entrepreneurs as they grow their impact and we congratulate StreetVet and all the commended initiatives on their inspiring pitches. The creativity and ingenuity of each of the social entrepreneurs demonstrate the mutual power of the pet-human bond and the importance of working towards a future where solutions outrun problems.

Bernard Meunier CEO of Nestlé Purina PetCare EMENA

The BetterwithPets prize stimulates and supports innovations that harness the pet-human bond to tackle societal issues, and is organised in collaboration with Ashoka, a pioneer in the field of social entrepreneurship.

The Prize drew more than 150 applications from 23 countries across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, before eight finalists were selected - five piloted innovations and three idea-stage innovations – for the BetterwithPets Live ceremony, hosted online on 3 June.

Each of the eight finalist innovators pitched their solution virtually and engaged in a Q&A with the expert jury: Kerstin Schmeiduch; Dr. Michelle Lem; Professor Dr. Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers; Professor Daniel Mills, and Professor Jeff French. An audience of Purina and Ashoka employees, vets, academics, NGOs, and media, followed the event where prizes were awarded by Bernard Meunier, CEO, Nestlé Purina PetCare EMENA.

The BetterwithPets Prize is the only initiative that focusses on nurturing innovations designed to harness the mutual positive power of the pet-human bond.

Both the prize winners and finalists will be eligible to access additional programmes designed to support further development of their ventures. Select piloted innovators will also be invited to participate in Purina and Ashoka’s Scaling Social Impact Programme, while select idea-stage young changemakers will be eligible for a mentoring programme.

To find out more about the initiatives or the Purina BetterwithPets Prize please visit the official site or email BetterwithPetsPrize@ashoka.org.