In recognition of Purple Thursday and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Purina and RedRover announced the recipients of the first two rounds of their 2026 Purple Leash Project grants, which fund pet housing programs at domestic violence shelters.
Since launching in 2019, the Purple Leash Project has awarded nearly 70 grants totaling $2.2 million. The companies said the funding has created more than 335,000 safe nights for survivors and their pets through pet-friendly renovations, dedicated pet spaces, shelter accommodations and pet care resources. When the program began, less than 10% of U.S. domestic violence shelters allowed pets on-site. Today, about 20% accept pets.
“Pets are often a source of comfort, stability and unconditional love during life’s most difficult moments,” said Purina CEO Nina Leigh Krueger. “No one should have to leave a beloved pet behind to escape abuse. Through the Purple Leash Project, we’re helping remove barriers to safety and recovery for survivors on both ends of the leash, and we’re proud to support organizations creating more welcoming, pet-friendly spaces in communities across the country.”
2026 grant recipients
The six domestic violence shelters and service providers receiving grants so far this year are:
- TESSA in Douglas County, Colorado, received $20,430 to convert existing bedrooms into pet-friendly spaces, add cat enrichment structures and purchase pet supplies.
- Peace Place in Jackson County, Georgia, received $60,000 to build dog runs and kennel spaces and create a dedicated on-site cat room.
- The Heights Ellis County Family Resources in Ellis County, Texas, received $60,000 to cover veterinary care, pet boarding and pet supplies for survivors and their pets.
- The Family Life Center of Butler County in Butler County, Kansas, received $59,850 to build a climate-controlled, freestanding on-site pet area with indoor and outdoor runs for dogs and cats, a shared seating area with pet supplies and a secure play yard.
- Tri-County Protective Agency Inc. in Liberty County, Georgia, received $60,000 for new climate-controlled pet areas and secure storage for pet food and supplies.
- Meriden Wallingford Chrysalis in New Haven County, Connecticut, received $53,235 to install fencing, cover veterinary care and purchase pet equipment and supplies.
“These grants represent more than physical improvements to shelter facilities,” said Katie Campbell, president and CEO of RedRover. “They help ensure survivors can seek safety without leaving behind the pets who often provide critical emotional support throughout the healing process. We’re grateful to Purina and our shelter partners for helping expand access to pet-housing programs and making a meaningful difference for families affected by domestic violence.”
This grant is truly life-changing for the survivors and pets we will serve through Safe Pets at The Heights, said Jordan Molina, advancement director at The Heights Ellis County Family Resources.
"For many survivors of domestic violence, fear for a beloved pet’s safety is a major barrier to leaving abuse," explained Molina. "RedRover’s and Purina’s support allows us to create a safe, trauma-informed environment where families can remain together, heal together and begin a new chapter without having to choose between their own safety and the safety of their animals.”
Volunteer work and policy advocacy
Purina employees have logged more than 2,500 volunteer hours renovating shelters, including Lydia’s House in Missouri, Safe Voices in Maine and DVIP in Colorado.
Purina also helped found the PAWS Act Coalition, which advocated for passage of the Pets and Women Safety (PAWS) Act. The law provides federal grants to support pet-friendly domestic violence shelters. Purina said it continues to advocate for the program’s reauthorization and federal appropriations.
Awareness month activities and fundraising
Purina is organizing events and volunteer activities in October across its 25 operating communities. In St. Louis, where Purina is headquartered, employees partnered with Major League Soccer club St. Louis City SC to assemble 250 care packages for the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation to distribute to survivors. Several dozen local landmarks, businesses and public spaces were lit purple for Purple Thursday on Oct. 15.
Earlier in October, Purina, the official pet care partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation, highlighted the Purple Leash Project during a U.S. Women’s National Team match against Spain in Washington, D.C., with actress and advocate Mariska Hargitay serving as honorary captain.
On Sept. 23, Purina presented television personality and author Paige DeSorbo with the 2026 Variety Courage Award at Variety’s Power of Women event in Beverly Hills, California, recognizing her public discussion of surviving an abusive relationship.
Purina will donate up to $500,000 to RedRover this fall through a national fundraising initiative to expand pet housing programs and resources for domestic violence survivors and their pets.
More information is available at Purina.com/EscapeTogether.
