Purina awards 200,000 euros to pet–human bond projects

Purina Europe has announced the winners of its latest BetterWithPets Prize, awarding grants totalling up to €200,000 over two years to organisations that empower people in vulnerable situations through the pet–human bond, according to a press statement.

Now in its fourth edition, the BetterWithPets Prize recognises the impact of social entrepreneurs and charities using pets to improve human health and wellbeing. The 2025 winners are Wag & Company in the United Kingdom, Acadia in France, and 100% Life Dniprov Region in Ukraine. All three organisations focus on harnessing the unique companionship, empathy, and healing that animals bring to people facing isolation, illness, or trauma.

Wag & Company: Wag & Company North East Friendship Dogs is the only visiting dog charity in the UK befriending elderly dog lovers in their own homes, as well as offering support to residents in care and medical establishments. Since 2016, its 450 volunteers—both human and canine—have delivered more than 200,000 visits, combating loneliness and improving the wellbeing of countless older people in the North East and North Yorkshire.

Acadia: In France, Acadia is training assistance dogs for young insulin-dependent diabetics. Founded in 2015, the organisation prepares dogs to detect blood sugar fluctuations with their extraordinary sense of smell and alert their partners before emergencies occur, helping children stay safe and supporting family life.

100% Life: Meanwhile, Ukraine’s 100% Life Dniprov Region is integrating animal-assisted therapy into its humanitarian programmes for people affected by war. With over 115 staff and volunteers, the charity works with local trainers and certified canine therapists to use the power of pets in fostering healing, confidence, and resilience.

The grants, valued at up to 200,000 euros, will support each organisation in scaling its operations and extending its impact. Purina will also offer mentoring, training, and opportunities to connect with its network of social entrepreneurs working to achieve positive change through animals.

Purina’s BetterWithPets Prize forms part of the company’s broader goal to enhance the health and wellbeing of one million people in vulnerable situations by 2030. As Purina Europe’s CEO Rafael Lopez explained, the initiative highlights how people ‛harness the power of the pet-human bond to address and tackle societal issues and deliver real-change to those in need.’