Purina and RedRover announced six Purple Leash Project grants totaling more than $345,000 to domestic violence shelters and service providers for 2025. The grants will fund pet-friendly renovations including outdoor relief areas, on-site housing solutions and supplies to enable survivors to shelter with their pets.
Since launching in 2019, the Purple Leash Project has increased the percentage of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters in the U.S. from fewer than 10% to nearly 20%. Purina and RedRover have awarded more than 60 grants that have created an estimated 282,825 safe nights for survivors and their pets.
"As pet lovers, we know the bond between people and pets is a powerful source of strength, especially in moments of crisis," said Nina Leigh Krueger, Purina CEO. "Through the Purple Leash Project, we're working to ensure that survivors can begin their healing journey with the support of their pets by their side. We've made great strides so far, but there's still more to do, and we remain committed to finding new ways to create even more safe nights for survivors and their pets."
2025 grants
In 2025, Purina and RedRover provided six Purple Leash Project grants totaling more than $345,000 to domestic violence shelters and service providers across the country, including:
- Women and Children First: The Center Against Family Violence in Pulaski County, Arkansas, received a $60,000 grant to build a new Safe Paws kennel with a grooming station and secure outdoor play area for survivors.
- International Women's House in DeKalb County, Georgia, received a $24,200 grant to create two secure outdoor pet play areas.
- Mountain Comprehensive Care Center in Floyd County, Kentucky, received a $26,360 grant to construct a secure outdoor pet play area for survivors staying in the shelter.
- YWCA of Greater Cincinnati in Hamilton County, Ohio, received two grants -– one for $60,000 and one for $55,000 –- to renovate existing shelter rooms to become pet-friendly, create two pet-relief yards with privacy fencing, add indoor and outdoor enrichment activities, build waste stations and provide supplies.
- One Safe Place in Tarrant County, Texas, received a $60,000 grant to build a secure pet relief area, veterinary exam space and provide pet supplies.
- New Horizons Crisis Center in Sevier County, Utah, received a $60,000 grant to create indoor and outdoor covered sheltering spaces and equip the shelter with essential pet care items.
"Our work with Purina and the Purple Leash Project has shown what's possible when you remove one of the biggest barriers survivors face – not being able to bring their pets with them," said Katie Campbell, president and CEO of RedRover. "When shelters can welcome pets, survivors gain a path to safety that doesn't force them to leave behind the companion who has provided comfort, protection and unconditional love. These grants are helping transform services and lives in communities across the country."
Purina and RedRover, in partnership with Greater Good Charities, brought team members to YWCA Greater Cincinnati to convert an existing building into six pet-friendly rooms with specialized pet equipment and construct two pet-relief yards.
"YWCA Greater Cincinnati has operated the region's only domestic violence shelter since the 1970s, and the grants from Purina and RedRover through the Purple Leash Project and Greater Good Charities allow us to take a historic step forward," said Rickell Howard Smith, president and CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati. "Not only are they providing much-needed funding, but they are also offering hands-on support, creating dedicated spaces to house survivors' pets."
Purina matched consumer donations to the Purple Leash Project dollar-for-dollar in 2025, up to $500,000, bringing total contributions to $1 million.
Turning compassion into action on GivingTuesday
This GivingTuesday, pet lovers can continue to support the cause by making a donation to RedRover in support of the Purple Leash Project. Each donation helps to increase the number of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters nationwide and spread awareness about this vital issue. Those who commit to a monthly donation of $5 or more, or a one-time donation of $60 or more, can receive a special-edition purple leash or cat collar as a thanks for the support.
Supporters can also give back while shopping the Courageous Together Collection at shop.PurpleLeashProject.com, where 100% of every purchase is a donation to RedRover to help keep abuse survivors together with their pets. Purina partnered with actor, advocate and domestic abuse survivor, Sarah Hyland, to curate the collection, which features a variety of items for both pet lovers and their pets to wear (or display) courageously and inspire others.
For more information about the Purple Leash Project, Purina's commitment to supporting domestic violence survivors and their pets, or to make a donation, visit Purina.com/Courage.
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Nestlé Purina PetCare, founded in 1894, manufactures pet food brands including Dog Chow, Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. The company employs more than 11,000 associates in the U.S. and has contributed more than $150 million over five years to organizations supporting pets and communities.
