Purina and Lainey Wilson Join Forces to Raise Awareness for Domestic Violence Month

The iconic dog brand and the CMA winner are teaming up to do good!

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Purina and the nonprofit RedRover announced the recipients of seven new Purple Leash Project grants to help domestic violence shelters make pet-friendly renovations.

This is part of an ongoing effort to provide more resources and support for survivors of domestic abuse with pets, who often will delay leaving an abuser if they can't take their pet with them. Today, fewer than 20% of domestic violence shelters in the United States accept pets, and Purina and RedRover are on a mission to change that.

Lainey who is a life long pet lover knows the impact that having a furry friend can bring. Her own French Bulldog Hippie Mae serves as a companion during her busy touring schedule.

“I’m so proud to be partnering with Purina on their Purple Leash Project, which is dedicated to bringing awareness to the often-invisible struggle domestic violence survivors experience and the lack of pet-friendly shelter options,” Wilson said. “It’s crucial for many to have their pet by their side for comfort and healing, just like Hippie is my rock. That’s why we’re working to create change so no one facing these situations has to leave their pet behind," Lainey shared in a recent press release.

Lainey took to social media to share a little more about the partnership, with Hippie by her side. "No one should remain in an abuse because they can't take their family with them, and that means their pets," Lainey shares in the video.

"There simply aren't enough places to go with their pet, forcing many survivors to stay with an abuser rather than leave their pet behind," said Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO of Purina. "Our goal is to build a future where no one escaping abuse has to make that choice, because as pet lovers, we know that the bond we share with our pets is special and worth protecting."

Through the Purple Leash Project, Purina and RedRover have provided more than $1.2 million through 46 grants to domestic violence shelters and service providers across the country since it was founded in 2019, providing thousands of safe nights for survivors with pets. To continue this momentum, Purina also is supporting efforts to help ensure that at least 25% of domestic violence shelters are pet-friendly by 2025.

Throughout the month of October, for every donation made to RedRover in support of the Purple Leash Project, Purina will match 100% of donations up to $200,000. Purina encourages fellow pet lovers to help support all of the survivors of abuse, including pets, by making a donation. Those who donate $60 or more can receive a special Purple Leash Project dog leash or cat collar, symbolizing the important connection between survivor and pet in their journey to heal together.

To learn more about the Purple Leash Project, donate or sign up for ongoing updates, visit www.PurpleLeashProject.com. If you know someone who is being abused and is ready to leave with their pet, they can find information on pet-friendly shelters in their area at www.DomesticShelters.org.