Celebrating Five Years of Incredible Stories: 2020–2025

As the world faces a rise in stress-related disorders, depression¹ and extreme climate challenges², cats and dogs stand as strong allies, offering healing, comfort and lifesaving support to people worldwide.

In hospitals, nursing homes, courts, schools, and disaster zones, cats and dogs provide significant support, contributing to soothing anxiety, strengthening social bonds, alleviating pain, helping reduce stress, detecting diseases. 

At the occasion of its fifth anniversary, the Royal Canin Foundation is proud to showcase concrete projects she funded since its creation. Each highlighting how cats and dogs support human health and deliver tangible impact to communities around the world. 

Cats and Dogs: Unique Abilities 

Cats and dogs possess remarkable skills that extend beyond companionship. Cats, through their purring can soothe, promote healing, and help reduce pain or anxiety. Dogs, endowed with an extraordinary sense of smell, can detect minute fractions of substances, such as half a teaspoon of sugar dissolved in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Thanks to these extraordinary abilities, cats and dogs can become true heroes. With specific training and a trusting relationship with their professional handler, they help support the physical and mental health of people and intervene in emergency situations.

Indispensable Allies for Mental and Physical Health and Lifesaving

Programs in Ireland and Greece demonstrate the transformative impact of assistance and therapy dogs on hospitalized or neurodivergent children. 

Michelle, mother of Charlie, a pupil benefiting from the Animal Assisted Educational Program, developed by Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) shares:

 “The presence of a school assistance dog like Mabel has changed our lives. She provides calm, encouragement, and empowerment every day. Every school should have a Mabel.” 

Vivi Charalampidi, General Director of the association “Save a Greek Stray” which runs an Animal-Assisted Therapy program using trained shelter dogs to support children with cancer, says:

“Contact and interaction with therapy dogs can provide a comprehensive support environment, improving patients’ quality of life and helping manage the physical and psychological challenges they face.”

They can go even further. Specially trained dogs can detect and alert the presence of diseases, supporting early diagnosis that can save lives.

In New Zealand, K9 Medical Detection (K9MD) is developing a non-invasive test based on canine olfaction to detect ovarian cancer at an early stage. 

Dogs also play critical roles in rescue missions, locating victims in disasters where technology falls short. Juan Carlos Lombardi, President of the Asociación Civil Escuela Canina de Catástrofe (ACCEC) in Argentina, emphasizes:

“One of my greatest satisfactions is preparing a dog to save lives. There is no nose faster, nor ear more sensitive than a dog to find what we are looking for in a minimum amount of time.” 

The Royal Canin Foundation: Five Years of Commitment and Impact

Since 2020, the Royal Canin Foundation has supported 26 projects across 19 countries, involving over 300 cats and dogs and helping more than 16,000 people. By partnering with 22 locals Associations, the Foundation funds innovative programs where these hero pets serve as central contributors to human health and wellbeing.

“By supporting local organizations who know and understand their communities’ needs, we fund sustainable, humane projects that truly make a difference.” said Anne-Sophie Thomas Foundation’s programs manager.

To mark its fifth anniversary, the Foundation is sharing authentic stories from beneficiaries in Argentina, Taiwan, Ukraine, and beyond, highlighting the key role of these animals and their handlers. These testimonials will be featured on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.