Thanks to a longstanding partnership between the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and Nestlé Purina PetCare, Cornell faculty and students will be providing veterinary care to the canine participants at the 144^th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which will take place this weekend in New York City.

This sponsorship is part of an ongoing partnership between the college and Purina, which has spanned three decades and provided funding for professors, technicians, residents, veterinary student scholarships, and additional support for a nutrition program and the annual Animal Health Hackathon. Purina is a proud supporter of the education and professional development of veterinary students in order to enrich the beautiful bond between pets and the people who love them.

“Purina’s support allows us to provide high-quality veterinary care to the canine competitors at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and to further train our students to become experts in the field,” says Christopher Frye, D.V.M. ’11, assistant clinical professor and this year’s lead veterinarian at the show. Purina funded Frye’s dual residency at Cornell, in which he was able to combine clinical nutrition with sports medicine and rehabilitation.

“The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an excellent opportunity for Cornell and Purina once again to come together and showcase our shared passion for helping pets live longer, healthier and happier lives,” says Kurt Venator, D.V.M. ‘03, chief veterinary officer at Purina.

This is the second year that the college and its satellite clinic, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, will be the official veterinary care providers for the dog show, which is world-renowned for its best-in-show event as well as its agility and obedience competitions. This year’s event will take place Feb. 8-11 at Pier 94 and Madison Square Garden.