Nestle Purina PetCare in Fort Dodge took action close to home through the company’s Purple Leash Project to help survivors of domestic violence.

Associates at the local cat food plant donated necessities to the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center, making it possible for more survivors and their pets to have safe options and vital support in the Fort Dodge area.

The Purple Leash Project, a partnership between Nestle Purina and RedRover, addresses a critical barrier faced by domestic violence survivors: the fear of leaving pets behind. Fewer than 20 percent of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. accept pets, forcing nearly half of survivors to delay leaving abusive environments, according to an announcement from the company. Nestle Purina is committed to changing these statistics through grants, volunteer efforts and raising awareness. A previous donation from Nestle Purina enabled the D/SAOC shelter to become pet friendly.

“We’re proud to take action in support of the Purple Leash Project, helping domestic violence shelters become accessible for survivors and their pets,” Trever Morgan, the local Nestle Purina factory manager, said in a written statement. “We’re honored to expand our work with the Fort Dodge Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center to support local survivors’ needs. We recognize the challenges they face, and our partnership is about supporting our community and showing up for each other.”

This year, the staff of the Nestle Purina plant provided donations of pillows, towels, hair brushes and paper products.

“We are so grateful for the support of Purina Fort Dodge,” Leah Bair, program development director at the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center, said in a written statement. “These funds were able to help provide survivors with necessary goods in such a difficult time. This support benefits the entire Fort Dodge community and provides a vital lifeline for survivors during challenging times.”