Purina is Searching for America’s Most Pet-Friendly Companies!

Actor John O’Hurley to Visit Top Business

Present $10,000 Donation to Local Pet Organization

Studies Show Bringing Pets to Work Can Reduce Stress, Increase Productivity

One of the MANY things that I loved when I was one of 15 lucky bloggers who  attended the “Meet Purina Pet Blogger Summit” this past October was the “pet-friendly” philosophy of the company.

“Ava Kitty” from the Meet Purina Blogging Summit. Photo taken by “Nestlé Purina PetCare”

From cats lounging in meeting rooms, to a Bark Park for dogs, to seeing employees walking their dogs on campus, Purina is a company that “walks-the-walk” when talking about pet-friendly work places!

Brian Frum of the blog Brian’s Home. Participants in the Nestlé Purina Blogger Summit visited Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Mo. Photo taken by “Nestlé Purina PetCare” Visit Brian’s blog at http://www.brianshomeblog.com/

Fifteen years ago, Nestlé Purina PetCare recognized the benefits of allowing employees to bring their pets to work and started a “Pets at Work” program.  For a company whose motto is “Your Pet, Our Passion,” it seems natural that every week hundreds of dogs and cats are brought to Purina’s St. Louis campus, and associates and their furry friends enjoy each other’s company every day.

The “Meet Purina”, Purina Blogger Summit at Nestlé Purina HQ in St. Louis. That’s me! Photo taken by “Nestlé Purina PetCare”

Purina is now conducting a nationwide search to identify America’s most pet-friendly workplaces with the “Purina Pets At Work Contest.”  Pet lovers can submit a story and photos about how their company is pet friendly, and Purina will help one winning business become even more pet friendly and donate $10,000 to a local pet welfare organization.

Award-winning actor John O’Hurley, well-known for his role as J. Peterman on the television show “Seinfield,” will help pick the winning company and will visit their office next spring to present the Grand Prize – a makeover to outfit the business with pet-friendly materials (valued at $5,000), and a $10,000 donation to a local pet shelter.  O’Hurley also appeared in a video that aired during the National Dog Show Presented by Purina on NBC on Thanksgiving Day to discuss the benefits of bringing pets to work.

    “I’ve visited the Purina offices and they clearly believe that spending time with pets can help make life better – for pets and pet owners,” said O’Hurley, who serves as co-host of the National Dog Show Presented by Purina.  “As a lifelong dog owner and someone who shares Purina’s passion for pets, I’m thrilled to celebrate other companies that see the benefits of encouraging pets in the workplace.”   

Purina “Pets At Work Contest”  

Pet lovers can log on to www.purina.com/contest and tell how pets have made a positive impact on their workplace and why their workday is better – for them and their pet – because their office is pet friendly.  Entrants must describe their employer’s “Pets at Work” program, answer both of the following questions, and provide 3-5 photos that show pets in their workplace:

• How do pets truly have a positive impact in your workplace?
• How is having a pet-friendly office mutually beneficial for employees and pets?

The nominations will be judged by three criteria:

• Does the nomination demonstrate how pets make life at work better for both the employees and the pets?
• Will the nomination inspire other businesses to integrate pets into their own office environments?
• Does the nomination include a description of the nominee’s “Pets at Work” program?

Nominations will be accepted until January 15, 2013. The winner will be announced in the spring of 2013.

Purina provides five simple steps for pet owners to help create a welcoming, pet-friendly program at their workplace.  For more information, visit www.purina.com.

No purchase necessary to participate or win.  For complete contest information, visit www.purina.com/contest for the official rules, nomination requirements and eligibility details.  Valid in the 50 United States and D.C.  Void where prohibited.

About Nestlé Purina

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is a global leader in the pet care industry and promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri. Nestlé Purina is part of Swiss-based Nestlé, the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company.

 

In full disclosure: Purina paid for all the bloggers to attend the Meet Purina Pet Blogging Summit. I am a member of the Purina Pet Blogger Panel and was given the information about the contest to share with my readers. I was not compensated for this post.