Mars Petcare launched the "Keeping People and Pets Together" report, which draws insights from consumer and shelter survey data to examine current trends in pet ownership. The report's findings center around the increased time families–including their pets–spent together and how the pandemic transformed the way we work, live and go about daily routines. The third annual report analyzes the strengthened relationships between people and their pets, as well as what is top of mind for pet parents in the year ahead, with a look across several key areas including: pets and emotional well-being, welcoming pets in more places (work, travel and play) and barriers to pet ownership.
"Keeping pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do allows us to focus on our purpose: A Better World for Pets," said Ikdeep Singh, regional president, Mars Petcare North America. "The insights from the 'Keeping People and Pets Together' Report will help us continue to drive data-driven innovation in pet care and nutrition–and help fuel our ambition to create a world where all pets are wanted, cared for and welcome."
The Mars Petcare "Keeping People and Pets Together" Report key findings1 include:
An Increased Emotional Bond:
Pet Parents Want their Pets with Them: Work, Travel and Play:
Despite Growing Bonds, There are Challenges to Pet Ownership:
Mars Petcare Launches First-Ever State of Pet Homelessness Index
The findings from the "Keeping People and Pets Together" report are grounded in Mars Petcare's first-ever State of Pet Homelessness Index, which measures the scale of pet homelessness. The Index, launched globally, leverages quantitative research from more than 200 global and local sources, and counsel from leading animal welfare experts and organizations, to better understand the problem and the best ways to make a meaningful impact.
According to the first-of-its-kind State of Pet Homelessness Index, the U.S. scores 6.4 out of 10–where 10 represents no pet homelessness. The Index looks at three main factors:
Challenges contributing to pet homelessness in the U.S., as identified by the Index, include:2
Within the Index, the U.S. scored highest in the "All Pets Welcome" and "All Pets Cared For" categories. Mars Petcare has contributed to these key categories through various efforts that further our ambition to help end pet homelessness, including:
While positive strides have already been made, there's still work to be done. Mars Petcare and its family of brands will continue to introduce programs that help to ensure more pets are wanted, cared for and welcome in support of the company's global purpose: A Better World for Pets.
To read the "Keeping People and Pets Together" report and learn more about how Mars Petcare is furthering its purpose, visit BetterCitiesforPets.com/2021report. To find out how to get involved, visit BetterCitiesforPets.com and EndPetHomelessness.com.
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