Foster people's health through the power of the pet-human bond
We believe harnessing the power of the pet human bond can create real benefits to peoples' health and wellbeing.
Why it's important
As part of our ongoing work in our communities we know, and see, the consequences of vulnerability. Nearly a quarter of the global population state that they are without someone to count on for help in times of trouble. In many European countries, around a quarter of the population have reported suffering from at least one mental health condition. We also know through experience and our ongoing research the power of the pet-human bond has helped many in vulnerable situations.
We have long-standing partnerships in Europe where the pet human bond (via animal assisted interventions, activities or therapies) has helped support children and adults with their physical and mental health needs and delivered positive outcomes.
In the UK, we've been partnering with Canine Partners for oer 20 years. They are an assistance dog charity that trains dogs to support and help people with physical disabilities enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life. Each canine partner is carefully matched to the applicants’ needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging. Their bond is truly unconditional and unique, bringing many mental health benefits. The dogs are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches, and fetching help in an emergency – often providing a lifeline.
Another example is our support of research in Spain with the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos University and the Hospital Niño Jesús de Madrid into the benefits of therapy dogs with children who have eating disorders. We have seen a reduction in anxiety and symptoms of depression as well as an increase in self-esteem.
We continue to work with our partners as well as enabling the sharing of best practice and outcomes.
We will also support this commitment via our BetterwithPets Prize to award the most impactful organisations who are leveraging the power of the pet human bond and making a difference to the health and well-being of children or adults in vulnerable situations. You can read more about the BetterwithPets Prize below.
We aim to create a collaborative and inclusive community where we can share and leverage expertise, best practice and tools to drive positive social impact.
In 2018, we launched the Purina BetterwithPets Prize. This Prize was tied to our fundamental belief that people and pets are better together. We know there is a magic in the pet-human bond that can be harnessed to help drive positive change for the health and wellbeing of people and communities. The Prize supported entrepreneurs who had developed such initiatives.
StreetVet, from the UK, was the winner of our 2020 Prize. They provide free accessible veterinary care to pets whose owners are experiencing homelessness. StreetVet won 50,000 CHF to support the launch of the first-ever ‘pet-friendly’ hostel accreditation scheme enabling pet owners experiencing homelessness to be housed with their pets.
From 2023, the BetterwithPets Prize will take place every 2 years with a 2 year grant cycle until 2030. It will focus on recognising and supporting exceptional organisations who are working to care for and support peoples’ health through the power of the pet-human bond and who have a focus on those in vulnerable situations.
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. StreetVet Co-founder
In the UK we also work with Canine Hope, a Social Enterprise that supports the victims of sexual violence. By drawing parallels between crimes against humans and animals, they support the recovery process and help to boost confidence.
Canine Hope Founder, Marie Yates, was one of the beneficiaries of the BetterwithPets Prize. This innovative programme has helped many survivors and rescue dogs across the country, championing the life changing impact dogs can have in supporting the recovery process.
Building on Nestlé's Purpose
Just as we are committed to improving the lives of pets and the people who love them, our parent company Nestlé, is committed to enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future for individuals and families, starting with our communities and the planet.
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