The Purina Family Pet Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer. Since opening in May 2016, the center has reunited young patients with their pets during extended hospital stays, facilitating more than 600 pet-patient reunions over the past decade.
The center serves children from departments including general medicine, behavioral health, hematology-oncology and neurology.
"It's been well-documented in academic studies that children bond deeply with their pets," said Annie Valuska, principal scientist on Purina's pet behavior team. "That strong connection can help improve a child's well-being and reduce the effects of stress. In an environment as stressful and isolating as a hospital setting can be, the Purina Family Pet Center can aid in facilitating positive health outcomes for patients through the impact of the human-animal bond."
St. Louis Children's Hospital patient Molly O’Keefe with her dogs Sally and Cocoa in Purina Family Pet Center.Nestlé Purina PetCare
"As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Purina Family Pet Center, we are deeply grateful for our partnership with Purina and their commitment to our patients and families," said Trish Lollo, president of St. Louis Children's Hospital and group president for BJC East Region.
"For patients facing extended hospital stays, reconnecting with a beloved pet brings comfort, joy and a sense of normalcy during difficult moments. Over the last decade, the Pet Center has made these meaningful reunions possible, supporting patients' emotional well-being throughout their healing journey."
Updates over the past five years
The center underwent a design refresh that added a library, upgraded accessible furniture and a new paint scheme. Personalized signage welcomes children and pets by name. Overhead audio plays dog-related music during visits, and the center offers a wider selection of pet toys and Purina treats.
Broadcasting equipment now allows the hospital to host a dedicated television channel featuring programming live from the center, accessible from patients' rooms, giving patients without pets of their own access to pet-themed content.
"Pets have an incredible way of lifting spirits, and we've seen that firsthand over the last 10 years with these patients and their families," said Bill Etling, senior vice president of corporate affairs at Purina. "The Purina Family Pet Center is more than just a space; it's a refuge where kids can find comfort and joy with their own furry friends when they need it most. At Purina, we believe people and pets are better together, and through this partnership with St. Louis Children's Hospital, we're able to bring that belief to life in a really meaningful way."
Purina also supports two other pet-related programs at the hospital: the Purina Paws for Hope program and the hospital's resident facility dogs, Duo Dogs Casey and Opal. Purina Paws for Hope includes 58 certified therapy dog teams that volunteer across St. Louis Children's Hospital facilities. In 2025, the teams reported 141,903 interactions with patients, family members and staff, and logged 5,327 hours of service. Casey and Opal were credited with 9,115 interactions with patients and staff.
More information is available on the St. Louis Children's Hospital website.
