The partnership will include grants to support NGOs with pets in their care, in their facilities, or in building practical skills.

Dogs Trust and Purina PetCare announce European Champions Programme.

Dogs Trust has announced a new partnership with Purina PetCare Europe to equip animal welfare charities across the globe with the tools and financial resources to improve welfare and rehome more effectively.

The announcement, which comes on World Animal Day (4 October), will see the organisations launch a European Champions Programme, providing expertise and best practice in welfare and rehoming. The partnership will also include grants to support non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with pets in their care, in their facilities, or in building practical skills.

Dogs Trust chief executive, Owen Sharp, said: “We are incredibly excited about our transformational partnership with Purina Europe, and I am delighted to share this announcement on World Animal Day, with its aim to unite the animal welfare movement to improve standards around the globe. 

“Our vision is to make the world a better place for all dogs, by creating lasting improvements in welfare, as well as changing attitudes and behaviours towards them. To achieve this, it’s vital that we collaborate with other leaders in pet welfare, and together we can provide expertise and support to make a real difference.” 

Purina PetCare Europe CEO, Jeff Hamilton said: “Every single day we work to create richer lives for pets and the people who love them. We are convinced this collaboration with Dogs Trust Worldwide, our first European strategic partnership will help us deliver against our commitment on pet adoption. 

“Pet welfare is more important than ever. We have seen in some countries that the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis has exacerbated the issue of pet abandonment. So, we will work with DTWW to promote best practice and help improve adoption rates. Our community of partners and stakeholders are integral to enrich the pet-human bond and positively impact society as a whole.”

To gain insight into the grants required by NGOs, Purina Europe will be hosting an interactive workshop at ICAWC to scope the needs and experiences of small charities. Applications for the European Champions Programme will open in early 2023.

Image (C) Dogs Trust.