Mars Incorporated has launched its first-ever Global Pet Adoption Weekend, aiming to find loving homes for pets around the world. The event aligns with the company’s mission, “A Better World for Pets,” and comes after revealing the results of the largest global study of pet parents. Mars, a global leader in pet care, food, and confectionery, gathered insights from over 20,000 pet owners across 20 countries, highlighting the growing importance of pets in people’s lives.
The study found that more than half (56%) of people now consider themselves “pet parents,” with 47% being first-time owners. Pets, particularly dogs and cats, have become essential companions for many, with 37% of respondents viewing their pets as the most important aspect of their lives. This connection is particularly strong among younger generations, with 45% of Generation Z and 40% of millennials saying their pets hold the top spot in their priorities.
The research also revealed interesting global trends in pet ownership. Cat ownership is now more common than dog ownership, with more men (52%) than women (48%) owning cats. While the most popular dog breeds are the Labrador, Chihuahua, and Golden Retriever, Persian, British Shorthair, and Siamese are the top cat breeds.
Ikdeep Singh, Global President of Mars Pet Nutrition, highlighted the evolving nature of pet ownership: “Almost half of the pet parents we surveyed are first-time owners. The bond between pet parents and their pets is stronger than ever, and we are committed to supporting them on this journey. We aim to transform the pet parenting experience by embedding pet parent centricity into everything we do.”
Mars has been actively involved in promoting pet welfare and adoption for over 16 years through its family of pet care brands such as Pedigree, IAMS, and Royal Canin. This year, Mars Pet Adoption Weekend will be hosted globally for the first time, spanning twelve countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Mexico, the UK, and the U.S.
Despite the rise in pet ownership, adoption from shelters remains low. Only 11% of dog owners surveyed had adopted their pets from shelters, highlighting a gap in the adoption process. With an estimated 362 million homeless cats and dogs worldwide, Mars is committed to addressing this issue through the adoption weekend. The initiative will involve financial contributions to shelters, volunteer efforts, and awareness campaigns to promote pet adoption.
The Mars study also delved into the challenges faced by pet parents. A significant proportion (32%) reported feeling guilty about leaving their pets alone, while 26% found travelling with their pets challenging. To address these concerns, Mars has implemented various initiatives, such as the “Better Cities for Pets” programme, which aims to create more pet-friendly urban environments. The company has also launched a pet travel hub in partnership with Tripadvisor, offering resources and guidance for travelling with pets.
Singh concluded, “As the world’s leading pet care company, we have a responsibility to make pet ownership more accessible and fulfilling. Our Global Pet Adoption Weekend marks a significant step in connecting pets with loving homes, helping to reduce pet homelessness and enhance the lives of pet parents around the world.”
For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com