Blue Buffalo held its annual Together For Pets award ceremony, marking a milestone of over $120,000 in grants donated to support veterinary initiatives. The program honors exceptional veterinarians by awarding each recipient a $10,000 grant to further their cause and improve the lives of pets and their caregivers. The company said the awards event, held during the Western Veterinary Conference, highlights Blue Buffalo’s commitment to supporting veterinary professionals and promoting excellence in the pet care industry.
"We’re thrilled to support veterinary professionals and advance their contributions to the profession," said Alex Miller, manager of veterinary services at General Mills. "Veterinarians are extraordinary people in so many ways. Through our Together for Pets program, we have been honored to showcase how so many go above and beyond to make the world and our industry a better place."
The 2025 winners include:
- Dr. Michael Blackwell, founder of the Program for Pet Health Equity, which provides underserved families access to veterinary care.
- Dr. Jane Brunt, executive director of CATalyst Council, a non-profit focus on elevating the standard of care for felines
- Dr. Stephanie Jones, founder of Pets Help the Heart Heal, a non-profit dedicated to improving the health of underserved youth through the human-animal bond.
- Dr. Philip Richmond, founder of Flourishing Phoenix Veterinary Consultants, which helps veterinary teams craft positive workplace cultures and enhances individual wellbeing.
Past recipients have included notable figures such as Dr. Cherice Roth, Dr. Jon Geller, Dr. Robin Downing, Dr. Terrence Ferguson, and Dr. Vernard L. Hodges. In 2024, Dr. Addie Reinhard, founder and CEO of MentorVet, described the grant as a game-changer for expanding evidence-based programs and mental health resources for veterinary professionals.
Vist Blue Buffalo Vet Connect to learn more.
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Blue Buffalo, the maker of Blue Natural Veterinary Diet, is dedicated to partnering with the veterinary profession and providing the best science-backed care for pets. Founded in 2003, Blue was created with a focus on high-quality, science-led nutrition that veterinarians expect and the natural nutrition that pet owners seek. Since 2018, Blue Buffalo has been a part of the General Mills family. Blue Buffalo is manufactured in the U.S. through a hybrid network of owned and contracted facilities.
Adapted from a press release.
