How Pets As Therapy benefited from the Purina BetterWithPets Prize – and why your organisation should apply for 2025
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Every year, over 400,000 people across the UK experience the calming and uplifting presence of a therapy animal, thanks to the work of national charity, Pets As Therapy. From helping a child feel more confident when reading aloud, to supporting someone with dementia, or bringing comfort during a hospital stay, Pets As Therapy’s work makes a real difference to lives up and down the country.
In 2023, Pets As Therapy was named a winner of the Purina BetterWithPets Prize, receiving a two-year grant of over £45,000 per year to help widen its reach and scale its impact. The award has supported Pets As Therapy’s growing volunteer network and enhanced its training programme, helping to address a rising waiting list from communities in need of its services.
Steven Wibberley, CEO at Pets As Therapy, said: “Every day, our volunteers and their pets bring joy, comfort and connection to people who really need it. Winning the BetterWithPets Prize has made a big difference – it’s helped us improve our training, reach more people, and give our volunteers better support.
“Being part of the BetterWithPets community has also introduced us to new partners and ideas. I’d encourage any organisation supporting people through the pet-human bond to apply.This kind of support can really help you grow, make a bigger impact and reach more people.”
The Prize forms part of Purina’s mission to improve the lives of one million people in vulnerable situations by 2030, and applications for 2025 are open now. A total of £170,000 in grant funding is available for organisations across Europe working to improve wellbeing through animal companionship, therapy, or assistance.
In addition to funding, winners benefit from expert guidance, collaborative opportunities, and membership in a vibrant BetterWithPets community of changemakers.
If your organisation is making a difference through the pet-human bond, now is your chance to grow your mission and impact.
Apply before 12th September 2025 at: Purina Better with Pets Prize | Purina
