Eukanuba, Canine Companions Extend Strategic Partnership to Include VCA Animal Hospitals

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EUKANUBA, a division of Mars, Incorporated and leader in premium performance nutrition for sporting, working and service dogs, recently announced a renewal of its strategic partnership with national nonprofit Canine Companions, building on 30+ years dedicated to improving people’s lives with the support of service dogs.

Canine Companions is the first and largest service dog organization in the U.S. matching children, adults and veterans with a service dog specifically trained to meet their needs and disabilities. The expanded partnership will now include VCA Animal Hospitals, the global leader of comprehensive veterinary services and proudly part of Mars Veterinary Health.

Since 1991, Canine Companions has trusted Eukanuba premium formulas to support all stages of development of the dogs in their program. From gestational support in utero, through puppy growth, development and training, and as expertly trained adult service dogs, Eukanuba nutrition is continuing to support the unique physical and mental performance of these service dogs that are critical to their successful daily performance.

For service dogs, performance is a lifelong endeavor, and Eukanuba knows nutrition is critical from start of life, which is why the Premium Performance line delivers a tailored nutrition profile for service dog needs. Working dogs and those in training can both benefit from DHA and antioxidants to support brain health and development.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Canine Companions to play an important role in fueling these service dogs throughout their critical stages of growth,” said Brad Wadler, vice president marketing, Eukanuba. “Each dog alters the story of someone’s life in ways that are beyond comprehension to many, and we are honored to play a part in providing the opportunity to create more independence for each recipient. We are also thrilled to bring our partners at VCA Animal Hospitals into the partnership to provide optimal care to these service dogs.”

Additionally, VCA Animal Hospitals will expertly serve as a pet care network for Canine Companions, providing the world-class medicine and hometown care that many pet owners know and expect from the organization.

“We carry a strong sense of pride for our legacy of dedicated support to the canine community at the local level across various groups such as police dogs, military dogs, DEA dogs, search and rescue dogs and service dogs.” said VCA’s chief operating officer Aaron Frazier. “Through this partnership, we have the opportunity to scale nationally and extend the level of care to prioritize well-being and deliver a complete preventive health solution for Canine Companions service dogs and the people that care for them.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 64 million people in the United States live with a disability. ¹ Canine Companions serves clients in all 50 states and provides support for more than 65 disabilities, free of charge. The organization maintains a 99 percent satisfaction rate, with nearly 100 percent of clients reporting their service or facility dog’s skills meet their needs.

“We’re delighted to continue our long-standing, 33-year partnership with Eukanuba,” said Paige Mazzoni, CEO of Canine Companions. “Not only has Eukanuba provided financial support for our mission year after year, but they are also furthering our ability to advance nutrition and optimal healthcare for our service dogs at all stages of their lives. As we expand further into the Mars pet ecosystem with the inclusion of VCA Animal Hospitals, we look forward to continuing to grow the partnership in multiple strategic ways in the months and years to come.”

Mars is a leader in pet care products and services, confectionery, snacking and food, and the maker of some of the world’s most-loved brands, including ROYAL CANIN, PEDIGREE and pet care across Mars’ VCA veterinary clinic chain.