$1.5 Million Gift from Nestlé Purina PetCare Company Fuels Growth of Canine Cognition and Performance Research at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s (Penn Vet) Working Dog Center (WDC) has received a transformative $1.5 million gift from Nestlé Purina PetCare Company to establish the Purina Canine Cognition and Performance Program Fund. This fund will provide vital financial support to the WDC’s pioneering mobility and health program for dogs, advancing research that enhances the performance, well-being, and longevity of working canines. The Penn Vet Working Dog Center is one of five U.S. veterinary school programs that received Purina’s support.

In addition to establishing the Cognition and Performance Fund, the gift also establishes the Purina Working Dog Center Fund, which will support the infrastructure necessary for advanced canine training. Together, these funds ensure that dogs can perform critical roles—from search and rescue to law enforcement to environmental monitoring—with strength, resilience, and vitality.

“Nestlé Purina PetCare’s generous gift allows us to pursue crucial research that will improve the lives of working dogs everywhere,” said Cynthia Otto, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, DACVSMR, founder and executive director of the Working Dog Center, and professor of working dog sciences and sports medicine. “From enhanced mobility studies to training innovations, these funds ensure that our teams can continue to optimize the health and performance of scent detection dogs and translate our findings to all dogs. I want to thank Nestle Purina PetCare’s commitment to advancing an environment where dogs and trainers can succeed together, expanding both science and practice at the Center.”

Over the past decade, the WDC has emerged as a national leader in training and research dedicated to advancing the health, performance, and well-being of working dogs. Founded in 2012 by Otto, based on the belief that working dogs play an indispensable role in society, and inspired by her experience caring for search-and-rescue dogs at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks, the Center has trained 204 dogs for careers in search and rescue, law enforcement, medical detection, and beyond. The Center’s science-driven approach integrates research on canine cognition, mobility, and scent detection with innovative training that prepares dogs for lifesaving work. The Purina Canine Cognition and Performance Program Fund and the Purina Working Dog Center Fund position the Center to accelerate discovery, strengthen training programs, and extend its impact for years to come.

Founded in 1894, Purina has a long history of charitable support. In 2024, their donations exceeded $37 million, with more than $6 million allocated to veterinary schools and pet organizations dedicated to enhancing pet health and providing opportunities for emerging veterinarians.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for January 2026 to commemorate the gift and the launch of the Canine Cognition and Performance Program, featuring remarks, training demonstrations, and a reception.

Penn Vet’s Working Dog Center is dedicated to improving the lives of working dogs and the people who rely on them. To learn more about the WDC’s mission, research, and programs, click here.