Purple Leash Project awards 2026 grants to expand pet-friendly domestic violence shelters

Purina and RedRover have announced the recipients of the first 2 rounds of 2026 Purple Leash Project grants.¹ The program launched in 2019 to increase access to pet housing at domestic violence shelters across the US.

When the project began, less than 10% of US domestic violence shelters allowed pets on-site, and as of today about 20%. That still leaves many survivors facing a difficult choice when they seek safety. To date, Purina and RedRover have awarded nearly 70 grants totaling $2.2 million. Each grant helped create more than 335,000 safe nights for survivors and their pets through renovations, dedicated pet spaces, shelter accommodations, and pet care resources.¹

"No one should have to leave a beloved pet behind to escape abuse," said Nina Leigh Krueger, Purina CEO, in the announcement.¹

2026 grant recipients

Six shelters and service providers have received funding so far this year:

• TESSA (Douglas County, Colorado): $20,430 to convert bedrooms into pet-friendly spaces, add cat enrichment structures, and buy pet supplies
• Peace Place (Jackson County, Georgia): $60,000 for new dog runs, kennel spaces, and a dedicated cat room
• The Heights Ellis County Family Resources (Ellis County, Texas): $60,000 for veterinary care, pet boarding, and pet supplies
• The Family Life Center of Butler County (Butler County, Kansas): $59,850 for a climate-controlled, freestanding pet area with indoor and outdoor runs and a secure play yard
• Tri-County Protective Agency, Inc. (Liberty County, Georgia): $60,000 for climate-controlled pet areas and secure storage for pet food and supplies
• Meriden Wallingford Chrysalis (New Haven County, Connecticut): $53,235 for fencing, veterinary care, and pet equipment and supplies¹

"These grants represent more than physical improvements to shelter facilities," said Katie Campbell, president and CEO of RedRover. "They help ensure survivors can seek safety without leaving behind the pets who often provide critical emotional support throughout the healing process."¹

Support beyond funding

Purina associates have contributed more than 2,500 volunteer hours to shelter renovations. These include Lydia's House in Missouri, Safe Voices in Maine, and DVIP in Colorado. The company also helped found the PAWS Act Coalition, which successfully advocated for the Pets and Women Safety (PAWS) Act. The act secured federal grants for pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, and Purina continues to advocate for its reauthorization and federal appropriations.¹ This fall, Purina is donating up to $500,000 to RedRover through a national fundraising initiative.

"For many survivors of domestic violence, fear for a beloved pet's safety is a major barrier to leaving abuse," said Jordan Molina, advancement director at The Heights Ellis County Family Resources.¹

Reference

1. Purina and RedRover announce 2026 Purple Leash Project grant recipients. News release. Purina. October 16, 2026. Accessed October 16, 2026.https://newscenter.purina.com/2026-10-16-Purina-and-RedRover-Mark-Domestic-Violence-Awareness-Month-by-Announcing-2026-Purple-Leash-Project-Grant-Recipients