Put Yourself in Their Paws

TOPEKA, Kan., Feb. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, Hill's Pet Nutrition, a global leader in biology-based pet nutrition, has opened the doors to all pet lovers for a virtual reality tour of their Global Pet Nutrition Center in Topeka, Kansas, U.S.

"We are opening the doors of the Global Pet Nutrition Center to share our passion and commitment to improving pet health and nutrition," said Dave Baloga, Hill's VP of Science and Technology. "With our new virtual reality tour, you can experience the Pet Nutrition Center just like our pet partners do!"

Hill's Global Pet Nutrition Center is a 180 acre state-of-the-art facility where a team of veterinarians and scientists conduct groundbreaking nutritional research and new product development. 

More than 900 dog and cat pet partners live in Hill's Global Pet Nutrition Center. The main responsibility for many of them is to participate in taste preference evaluations. Dogs and cats are offered different choices of food and can select whichever one they prefer.

When they are not 'working,' the pets can play with their caregiver or roommates, or relax at will.

"Our housing areas are designed to allow our pet partners choices in how they spend their day; they can play in an outdoor bark park with their caregiver and roommates, nap in the sunshine or rest indoors in their den.  We believe that the ability to choose and have flexibility in how they spend their free time is important to their overall health and wellbeing," Baloga said.

The virtual tour includes visits to the dining and housing areas. It also explains how the pets help Hill's scientists create food that delivers proven health and wellness benefits in a taste and form that the pets love to eat.

"You can choose whether you want to be a dog or a cat, and then explore the facilities from a pet's-eye view in an immersive 360° experience," Baloga said. "Please join us on the tour and see what life at the Pet Nutrition Center is like for our pet partners. Don't miss this opportunity to put yourself in their paws."

The high-definition 360° virtual reality tour is best experienced with a VR set or Google Cardboard.

Guides to Hill's Global Pet Nutrition Center VR Experience

Many passionate Hill's Pet Nutrition employees took part in the Virtual Reality experience. In addition to the pet caregivers, the following Hill's Pet Nutrition employees are featured in the video tour:

• Dave Baloga, Vice President, Science & Technology
• Susan Wernimont, Principal Scientist, Global Clinical Nutrition and Claims
• Melissa Vanchina, Manager, Taste Technology
• Adam Craig, Manager, Product Development (Dog experience)
• Geoff Bednar, Senior Scientist, Product Development (Cat experience)

Hill's is passionate about health and welfare of all animals – for Hill's Pet Nutrition Animal Welfare policy, click here.

About Hill's Pet Nutrition

Founded 80 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill's mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets.  The right nutrition, combined with the devotion of veterinary professionals can transform the lives of pets; and healthier and happier pets can transform the lives of pet parents.  Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research and ground-breaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs.  Hill's® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods. Hill's® Science Diet® and Hill's® Ideal Balance™ wellness pet foods are sold through veterinarians and pet specialty retailers worldwide.  For more information about Hill's, our products and our nutritional philosophy, visit us at HillsPet.com, HillsVet.com for Facebook, keywords "Hill's Pet Nutrition."

SOURCE Hill's Pet Nutrition