Royal Canin Foundation
For generations, cats and dogs have been much more than just companions. They have been an integral part of human life, offering warmth, affection, and vitality. Their unconditional love enriches our lives and brings us endless joy. Beyond companionship, their positive impact on human health, psychology, and social connection has been increasingly acknowledged. From disease detection and therapeutic interaction, to aiding people with disabilities and performing lifesaving rescues in times of disaster, cats and dogs are true heroes, dedicating themselves to supporting and even saving human lives
Established in 2020, the Royal Canin Foundation was created to celebrate and amplify the positive influence pets have on our lives. The Foundation provides financial and organizational support for initiatives that advance human health and well-being through pets, with the goal of nurturing a more caring and inclusive world for both people and animals. Every project reflects the Foundation’s mission to recognize and reinforce the irreplaceable role cats and dogs play in society.
Its work centers on three key priorities:
- Promoting the health and welfare of service dogs
- Supporting projects where pets contribute to human health
- Supporting projects where pets contribute to medical needs
“The Royal Canin Foundation has been guided by a deep conviction that cats and dogs have exceptional ability to enhance our physical and mental well-being,” said Olivier Reymond, President of the Royal Canin Foundation. Through the initiatives the Royal Canin Foundation supports, we aim to expand knowledge of the human–pet relationship and create long-term value for pets, people, and society.
Since its inception, the Foundation has already funded 20 projects across 15 countries.
Protect the hero dogs in the rubble: Enhancing their medical care and welfare
In partnership with Royal Canin Hong Kong & Taiwan and the Taiwan Working Dog Association (TWDA), the Foundation supports a project dedicated to enhancing the health and welfare of 45 search and rescue dogs and their handlers. The program focuses on improving caregiving skills and creating an improved caregiving environment, making sure that every dog receives proper medical attention and emergency rescue equipment support. The initiative covers a wide range of veterinary support; from vaccination, parasite prevention, and health checks, to physical rehabilitation and disaster-site emergency aid. Ten veterinarians involved in the project also undergo thorough daily care, as well as emergency relief training, equipping them to deliver effective medical care to the search and rescue dogs, even under extreme conditions. This helps to ensure that these brave canines will receive the best possible on-site protection and support.
Hearing assistance dogs: A remarkable aid for the deaf and hard of hearing
The Foundation supports Association les Chiens du Silence, a nonprofit organization in France that helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing regain independence through the companionship of professionally trained assistance dogs. Each dog receives 22 months of rigorous training before being placed with its new owner. The association works closely with breeders, foster families, veterinarians, and in-house trainers to ensure the dogs’ welfare and quality of training. Officially recognized by the French government since 2017, the organization has already provided more than 120 hearing assistance dogs free of charge, empowering recipients to live more independent and confident lives.
Animal assisted education: Creating inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students
The Foundation supports the Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) through its Animal Assisted Education Program, which brings trained assistance dogs into classrooms to foster a more inclusive and understanding school environment. Launched in March 2024, the initiative has already reached over 5,000 students, teachers, and families. By integrating assistance dogs into ten schools across the country, the program has significantly improved the learning experiences of neurodiverse students, helping them engage more comfortably and confidently in their education.
Medical alert dogs: Supporting diabetic patients toward healthier lives
In Portugal, nearly two million people live with diabetes, and their household medical expenses are often substantial. The nonprofit Patas d’Açúcar is implementing a medical alert assistance dog program to help patients adopt healthier lifestyles while offering abandoned shelter dogs a fresh start.Medical alert assistance dogs are specially trained to recognize subtle changes in a person’s blood glucose levels, enabling people with diabetes to manage their condition more effectively. Trained dogs help reduce the need for emergency interventions and associated costs, and significantly enhance patients’ overall quality of life. By alerting their owners or family members before a dangerous drop in blood sugar occurs, these dogs offer reassurance, help individuals accept and live with their condition, and foster social participation. The responsibility of walking and caring for a dog naturally promotes more active and balanced routines, helping people build healthier habits and enjoy a better quality of life over time.
The establishment of the Royal Canin Foundation reflects Royal Canin’s deep commitment to being a purpose-driven organization. We all hold a strong belief that pets make the world a better place!
