Purina marks 25th Cares Day with nationwide volunteer push

Purina marked its 25th annual Purina Cares Day on May 21, with more than 11,000 U.S. employees logging an estimated 5,000 volunteer hours across 24 operating communities, according to the company’s announcement. Projects supported pet welfare agencies, food banks, service and therapy dog groups, nonprofits serving pets and people in crisis, and community revitalization efforts. The event also doubled as a brand milestone moment, with Purina tying the volunteer day to the 100th anniversary of Dog Chow and highlighting more than $30 million in annual financial and in-kind support for pet-related and community nonprofits. (prnewswire.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the announcement is less about a one-day volunteer event than what it signals about where a major pet care company is putting its community dollars and visibility. Purina says it has contributed more than $150 million over the past five years to organizations focused on keeping pets and people together, and its broader pet care platform also includes veterinary-facing initiatives such as the Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission, which has provided more than $3.5 million since 2024 to groups addressing barriers in the profession. That matters for clinics, shelters, and community partners working at the intersection of access to care, pet retention, and crisis support for pet parents. (prnewswire.com)

What to watch: Watch for whether Purina translates the visibility from Cares Day into new grants, shelter partnerships, or veterinary support programs later in 2026. (prnewswire.com)