Mars, Inc. is launching the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS), a large, multi-year research program exploring the impact of cats and dogs on mental health and wellbeing, designed to deepen our understanding of the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond.
Led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in collaboration with leading academic institutions and experts, PAWS will examine the connection between pets and human mental health and wellbeing (including stress, anxiety, loneliness and overall wellbeing). The multi-disciplinary research program will engage over 35,000 people across 20-plus countries in the initial phase and will continue to build over time. Mars noted the program aims to bring deeper insight and scientific data into the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, including how pets may enrich lives and how the bond contributes to the life of pets.
"As a pet owner, I know firsthand the joy and comfort pets bring to our lives and there is increasing evidence that owning a pet or simply interacting with one can bring benefits to people of all ages and from all walks of life," said Loïc Moutault, president of Mars Petcare. “Through this study program, we aim to provide deeper, science-backed understanding of the mutual bond between people and pets.”
Over the lifetime of the study program the collaborative research will include work with academic institutions and partners including Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, University of Maryland School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liverpool, University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, YouGov and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, with the aim to deliver novel research and new insights.
“Both the breadth and depth of this study program promise to deliver novel data and greater insight into something many people instinctively feel – that the bond between pet and pet owner is a powerful and unique part of the human experience," said Dr. Maggie O’Haire, associate dean for research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine.
As part of the program, Mars is also partnering with Calm, a leading mental health company. The collaboration combines Calm’s expertise in mental wellness with Mars’ leading research into the human-animal bond and will encompass research and content through 2025.
According to Mars, wellbeing has become an increasingly vital priority with 45% of people across 31 countries identifying mental health as their top health concern. At the same time, global anxiety and stress levels are rising, affecting over 301 million people worldwide. A growing body of evidence shows that pets can have a positive impact on mental health, underscoring the powerful potential of human-animal interaction to enhance wellbeing. With 56% of people worldwide owning pets and a global pet population of 1 billion, understanding the universal and transformative bond between humans and animals has never been more important.
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Mars Petcare offers nearly 50 pet food brands include five, billion-dollar brands. The company is increasingly looking to diversify its revenue streams. Mars Petcare also owns the BluePearl chain of emergency and specialty veterinary care clinics Banfield and VCA animal hospitals.
Adapted from a press release.
