Purina Announces Donations to Five Leading Veterinary Schools

December 9, 2025 by PUCCI Cafe Media

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Purina Reinforces Commitment to Veterinary Education on International Day of Veterinary Medicine

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Veterinarians are vital partners in ensuring the health and well-being of pets. In celebration of International Day of Veterinary Medicine, Purina announces significant donations to five prestigious veterinary schools across the U.S. This initiative aims to support veterinary education and foster advancements in pet health. Collaborations will focus on critical research areas such as nutrition, dermatology, cognition, and canine performance, enhancing the scientific understanding of feline and canine health.

Dr. Kurt R. Venator, Purina’s Chief Veterinary Officer, stated, “For decades, we have collaborated with veterinary schools to enhance pet health and nurture the veterinary community. These five new programs promise to yield nutritional and scientific breakthroughs, enriching the education of the next generation of veterinary leaders.”

The Beneficiaries and Their Programs Include:

  1. University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet): Launching the Purina Canine Cognition and Performance Program, this initiative aims to elevate the Penn Vet Working Dog Center through innovative research in canine cognition and performance, benefiting both pets and the public.
  2. Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine: Establishing the Purina Professorship in Veterinary Nutrition, this program will enhance education on vital nutrition topics, crucial for caring for both young and aging pets.
  3. University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine: Introducing the Purina Endowed Professor of Dermatology, which will enhance research and training in veterinary dermatology, focusing on common skin and gastrointestinal issues in pets.
  4. Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Developing the state-of-the-art Purina Nutrition Suite in the new Veterinary Health and Education Complex will provide exceptional training in nutrition, furthering patient care and outcomes.
  5. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Launching the Purina Cornell Veterinary Nutrition Program, this initiative will expand Cornell’s expertise in nutritional strategies for both healthy and health-compromised pets, in conjunction with the existing Purina Cornell CHAMP (Canine Healthy Aging and Mobility Program).

“Together, these initiatives embody our core values at Purina, driving innovation and scientific progress to ensure pets live longer, healthier lives and supporting the veterinary profession,” said Dr. Venator.

For more information about Purina’s research and academic partnerships, click here.