About the Purple Leash™ Project
At Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada, we believe that pets are family. This belief is at the heart of our work—and it's also the driving force behind the Purple Leash Project, our powerful philanthropic initiative in partnership with Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC).
Our goal is to help Women's Shelters across Canada become pet-friendly, so no survivor has to choose between safety and leaving their beloved pet behind.
For help, visit sheltersafe.ca
Sheltersafe.ca
4 in 10 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes.
Only 13 percent of domestic violence shelters accept pets.
50 percent of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving because they can't take their pets with them.
Over 70 percent of women in domestic violence shelters report their abuser threatened, injured or killed a pet as a means of control.
The Journey to the Purple Leash Project
Nearly a decade ago, a Purina associate at Nestle Purina U.S. read about the difficult decision many abuse survivors with pets are forced to make: stay with an abuser or leave a beloved pet behind. It seemed unfair that pets, who may be the only source of unconditional love and support for a survivor, weren’t considered. So, Purina U.S. launched the Purple Leash Project in the US and to date they have provided grants totaling $1.5 million to 52 shelters across the United States.
To mark Purple Leash Project’s arrival in Canada in 2024, Purina Canada committed $75,000 to Women’s Shelters Canada, which will enhance shelters that are already pet-friendly by adding washing stations, beds, litter, cages, and ramps.
Making a tangible difference
With the support from the Purple Leash Project, the shelters put these funds to work in practical, meaningful ways, including:
- Pet crates and carriers
- Grooming areas and supplies
- Outdoor fenced-in dog runs
- Pet food and waste disposal
- Vinyl flooring to replace carpet
- Indoor pet enrichment spaces
Voices from the Front Lines who Received Funding
“Survivors were able to access shelter without the fear of losing their beloved animals, which are often their only source of comfort, emotional grounding, and security. Several clients said that they would not have come to the shelter at all without this support.”
“For clients, this space became more than just a room—it became a sanctuary. Survivors reported reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and a stronger sense of stability. Children who were once withdrawn began to re-engage once reunited with their pets. One mother shared, through tears, that having her dog with her ‘made it feel like home again, even just for a while.’”
The Colour Purple & Domestic Violence Awareness
The colour purple represents domestic violence awareness. During November, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a purple ribbon is used to show symbolic support of domestic abuse survivors.