St. Louis CITY SC and Purina have introduced a 2-year-old English Labrador Retriever named Petey as the Major League Soccer club's first team pet. The certified facility dog was trained by local nonprofit CHAMP Assistance Dogs and will provide wellbeing support to players, coaches, staff and fans while serving as a community ambassador.
CHAMP, working with Purina pet experts, selected Petey from seven candidate dogs based on his temperament and ability to adapt to large groups and crowds. The selection process focused on identifying a dog with a calm demeanor suitable for the high-energy environment of professional sports.
"Petey was one of seven dogs in the running to become the team pet," according to the announcement. "CHAMP, with the consultation of Purina pet experts, selected Petey because of his easygoing nature and ability to adapt to large groups and crowds."
The facility dog will participate in matchday activities at Energizer Park, join daily training and recovery sessions with players, and make appearances at community outreach events. Certified facility dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety, decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, and lower blood pressure, according to research.
Petey's role extends across the entire organization, from first team players to Academy teams and front office personnel. The dog will support CITY SC's community engagement mission while providing therapeutic benefits to staff and supporters.
The team officially welcomed Petey through a ceremonial signing featuring a paw print and jersey presentation from players João Klauss and Simon Becher. Petey will make his Energizer Park debut on Saturday, August 9, when CITY SC faces Nashville SC.
The team pet selection process is documented in a four-part series titled "TEAM PET" available on CITY SC's YouTube channel, with episode three scheduled for release on August 13.
