During London Climate Action Week, Mars, Inc. highlighted the need for cities to accommodate pets and support more urban green spaces to promote healthier, more connected communities.
An estimated 46% of London households own a dog, nearly double the European average of 25%, underscoring the significant role pets play in everyday life across the capital. London is also one of the world's top green cities, with 47% of its area covered by parks and commons.
A walk through King's Cross brought together global climate expertise and the pet care industry to make the case that pet ownership and climate-resilient urban planning go hand-in-hand, and that the London model offers a strong example of creating better cities for pets around the world.
The demand for pet-friendly green spaces is expected to intensify. With the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act on May 1, 2026, pet ownership is projected to rise across the 4.6 million households that rent privately in the U.K., placing greater pressure on cities to prioritize green urban planning.
"Pet ownership brings clear benefits for our physical and mental health, and helps foster stronger connections with the places we live, work and play," said Anthony Guerrieri, global vice president of corporate affairs at Mars Pet Nutrition. "With the Renters' Rights Act opening up pet ownership to millions more people in the U.K., there's a real opportunity to use London as a best-in-class example of how investment in green spaces helps create cities that are better for people, pets and the climate."
Research by Mars and C40 Cities shows that well-planned green spaces can help cities respond to climate pressures by reducing heat, managing flood risk and supporting biodiversity. Research from the National Institute for Health Research links a 10% increase in green space access to a 7% reduction in the risk of anxiety and depression.
Research by Mars and C40 Cities links well-planned green spaces to reduced urban heat, flood risk and biodiversity loss, while a Mars study found 73% of pet owners say their pets encourage them to spend time outdoors.Mars Petcare Inc.
Mars and C40 Cities collaborated on the launch of an Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets and the Planet, which offers a framework for how cities can integrate pet-friendly design with climate-resilient urban planning. London is cited as a leading proof of concept, with examples such as Kneller Garden offering safe and sustainable river access for both dogs and people.
"Bringing more nature into urban spaces has such a huge role to play in making cities more pleasant — and liveable — places to be," said Mark Watts, executive director of C40 Cities. "Yet, what the Urban Nature Playbook makes clear is that nature in urban environments is not just a 'nice to have.' It is essential infrastructure for resilient cities. London is a strong example of how integrating green space into everyday life can deliver for climate, public health and communities all at once. This is the direction cities around the world need to move in."
Helen Kirkpatrick, clinical director at Village Vet London, which is part of Linnaeus, addressed the immediate welfare implications for pets in warming urban environments.
"As temperatures soar in London, ensuring our pets have constant access to cool, shaded spaces is a critical priority for immediate pet welfare, especially as they are more vulnerable to the heat than us," Kirkpatrick said. "For urban environments, investing in green infrastructure like shaded parks and tree canopies is essential to protect our animal companions and keep our city safe and liveable for everyone.
"On weeks like this, we advise keeping your dog indoors with plenty of access to water and cold treats, or sticking to early morning or late evening walks when conditions are cooler," Kirkpatrick added. "If you have any concerns about caring for your pet in a heatwave, you should contact your vet for advice."
Key findings from Mars and C40 Cities research
- 46% of London households own a dog, nearly double the European average of 25%
- 47% of London is covered by green spaces such as parks and commons
- The Renters' Rights Act, effective May 1, 2026, is expected to expand pet ownership across 4.6 million U.K. renter households
- A 10% increase in green space access is linked to a 7% reduction in anxiety and depression risk
- 73% of pet owners report their pet encourages them to spend time outdoors
