Saint Rocco’s Treats, a startup that makes handmade dog treats baked with just seven restaurant-quality ingredients, is announcing that it is serving as the primary Treat and Enrichment Sponsor for PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest No Kill humane organization.
Founded in 1997, PAWS Chicago is one of the largest comprehensive No Kill animal welfare organizations in the nation, helping over 27,000 homeless and at-risk cats and dogs per year. It operates the largest high-volume spay/neuter clinic and since opening, has led reduction in homeless pet euthanasia in Chicago by 88.8%.
As part of the partnership, Saint Rocco’s will donate 1,000 pounds of handcrafted treats over the next 12 months to support positive reinforcement training, enrichment and medical care for dogs awaiting adoption.
The company said it has already donated 150 pounds of treats since August.
“Dogs give us so much without asking for anything in return—they’re loyal, joyful, forgiving and completely present,” said Kolby Rush, CEO and Co-Founder of Saint Rocco’s Treats.
“We believe returning that love means more than making great treats. It means standing behind the organizations doing the hard work every day to care for dogs in need. PAWS Chicago has transformed the lives of thousands of animals, and we’re incredibly proud to support their mission and help make every dog’s journey to a forever home a little brighter and a lot yummier.”
According to a company statement, throughout the partnership, Saint Rocco’s Treats will support two of PAWS Chicago’s foundational pillars of care:
- At the PAWS Chicago Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center, treats will be incorporated into daily enrichment activities and positive reinforcement training to help dogs gain confidence, encourage desirable behaviors and prepare for life with their new families.
- At the PAWS Chicago Kocourek Medical Center, treats will be used during examinations, treatments and recovery to create calmer, less stressful experiences for animals receiving care.
“Positive reinforcement is essential to helping dogs feel safe, reduce stress and build confidence throughout their time in our care,” said Jordan Michaels, KPA CTP, PAWS Chicago’s Assistant Director of Animal Behavior.
“Healthy, high-quality treats are an important part of that approach, and Saint Rocco’s small-batch treats, handcrafted in the U.S., make the company a natural partner in our work. From training and enrichment to providing comfort during medical exams, these treats will help our behavior and veterinary teams meet each dog’s individual needs. We’re grateful to Saint Rocco’s for investing in our mission and helping us provide exceptional care for every dog we serve.”
Founded in 2020 by brothers Kolby and Kaleb Rush after being sent home from college during COVID, Saint Rocco’s Treats produces handmade dog treats made with human-grade ingredients and no harmful preservatives.
Named for Saint Rocco, the patron saint of dogs, their startup also draws on dog treat craftsmanship passed down through Kolby and Kaleb’s dad and grandpa, and recipes they spent months perfecting in their family kitchen.
The company is based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
