The program offers up to $40,000 in funding for accepted proposals on the human-animal bond
Photo: Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock
The application period for the 2026 Purina Sponsorship for Human-Animal Bond Studies (HAB) program is now open through August 15, 2025, 11:59 pm US Central Standard Time. The program offers funding globally for research on the distinct connections between humans and their pets.1
Funding is offered to applicants affiliated with universities, foundations, charities, and non-governmental organizations, but is not limited to these organizations. Applicants may receive up to $40,000 in research funding per proposal.
This year, proposals that explore the benefits of the human-animal bond for people in vulnerable positions, the impact of human-animal interactions on the wellbeing of pets, and the bond between people and cats will be given preference. The application form and requirements can be found here.
"At Purina, we truly believe that people and pets are better together, and we are invested in understanding how to create stronger bonds and more joyful lives together," Francois Martin, PhD, MA, manager, Global Pet Behavior and Welfare at Purina, said in a news release.1 "Through our Human-Animal Bond Studies program, we can better understand the healing power of pets and the variety of ways in which the bonds with our pets impact their lives and ours."
According to Purina, the rules for the 2026 Sponsorship Applications are as follows1:
Evaluations for applications will be completed in September 2025 and contracts for allocated sponsorships will be signed that fall. Funds will be allocated based on the specific requirements of each project once contracts are signed in early 2026. Additionally, the allocation of funds will occur following a review of the final project reports. All studies must be completed by December 2027, according to Purina.2
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