Dogs Trust and Purina PetCare Europe have announced a new partnership at the charity’s International Companion Animal Welfare Conference (ICAWC) which started in Bulgaria on Tuesday 4 October, marking World Animal Day.
The exciting new partnership for Dogs Trust Worldwide (DTWW), an affiliated organisation with Dogs Trust, and Purina Europe, headline sponsor of ICAWC, will provide animal welfare charities across the region with the tools and financial resources to improve welfare and rehome more effectively. The announcement marks World Animal Day at a crucial time for pets, with the ongoing cost of living crisis throughout Europe, when many pet owners and small animal shelters will feel the impact.
The innovative partnership includes a collaborative launch of a European Champions Programme providing expertise and best practice in welfare and rehoming, as well as the opportunity to apply for a grant to support NGOs with pets in their care, on their facilities, or on building practical skills. To gain valuable insight on grants required by NGOs, Purina Europe will be hosting an interactive workshop at ICAWC to scope the needs and experiences of small charities. Applications for the European Champions Programme will open in early 2023.
Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Owen Sharp said: “We are incredibly excited about our transformational partnership with Purina Europe, and I am delighted to share this announcement on World Animal Day, with its aim to unite the animal welfare movement to improve standards around the globe.
“Our vision is to make the world a better place for all dogs, by creating lasting improvements in welfare, as well as changing attitudes and behaviours towards them. To achieve this, it’s vital that we collaborate with other leaders in pet welfare, and together we can provide expertise and support to make a real difference.”
CEO, Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe, Jeff Hamilton said: “Every single day we work to create richer lives for pets and the people who love them. We are convinced this collaboration with Dogs Trust Worldwide, our first European strategic partnership will help us deliver against our commitment on pet adoption.
“Pet welfare is more important than ever. We have seen in some countries that the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis has exacerbated the issue of pet abandonment. So, we will work with DTWW to promote best practice and help improve adoption rates. Our community of partners and stakeholders are integral to enrich the pet-human bond and positively impact society as a whole.”
The 22nd edition of ICAWC, sponsored by Purina for 2022, is organised and founded by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, and it is the leading conference of its kind. Over three days the conference will bring together hundreds of animal welfare workers from across the globe, to participate in workshops and hear from inspiring speakers discussing all areas of companion animal welfare.
