Purina Family Pet Center Celebrates 10 Years of Bringing Comfort to Families at St. Louis Children's Hospital

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Unique facility connects hundreds of pediatric patients with their petsduring extended hospital stays ST. LOUIS, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer marks a significant milestone as the Purina Family Pet Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital celebrates its 10th anniversary. Since the opening in May 2016, the center has been a pioneering facility in the country, dedicated to incorporating the healing power of pets into patient care. "It's been well-documented in academic studies that children bond deeply with their pets," said Dr. Annie Valuska, Principal Scientist on Purina's Pet Behavior team. "That strong connection can help improve a child's well-being and reduce the effects of stress. In an environment as stressful and isolating as a hospital setting can be, the Purina Family Pet Center can aid in facilitating positive health outcomes for patients through the impact of the human-bond." The mission of the Purina Family Pet Center is to bring joy and comfort to families by reuniting young patients with their beloved pets during extended hospital stays. Over the past decade, the Pet Center has facilitated more than 600 pet-patient reunions, providing essential emotional support to children from various departments, including General Medicine, Behavioral Health, Hematology-Oncology, and Neurology. "As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Purina Family Pet Center, we are deeply grateful for our partnership with Purina and their commitment to our patients and families," said Trish Lollo, President of St. Louis Children's Hospital and Group President for BJC East Region. "For patients facing extended hospital stays, reconnecting with a beloved pet brings comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy during difficult moments. Over the last decade, the Pet Center has made these meaningful reunions possible, supporting patients' emotional well-being throughout their healing journey." In more recent years, St. Louis Children's Hospital placed a strong emphasis on expanding access to the Pet Center's services. In 2025, this commitment enabled 23 personal pet reunions, allowing more patients than ever to heal alongside their family pets. Additionally, the Pet Center enriched the lives of more than 3,800 individuals participating in spe...

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