$1.5 Million Gift from Nestlé Purina PetCare Company Fuels Growth of Canine Cognition and Performance Research at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center
Funding will advance canine mobility and health initiatives, and enhance training facilities at the 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.
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About Penn Vet
Ranked among the top ten veterinary schools worldwide, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the first veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.
Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 30,000 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 6,300 patient visits a year, while our Field Services have gone out on more than 5,500 farm service calls, treating some 22,400 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.