A new global study, 'The State of Pet Homelessness Project,' conducted by a coalition of animal welfare experts in collaboration with Mars, exposes the widespread issue of pet homelessness. The research estimates a staggering 362 million homeless cats and dogs across 20 countries.
Key Findings:
- Nearly 35% of cats and dogs are either on the streets or in shelters
- 143 million dogs and 203 million cats are living on the streets, with an additional 12 million dogs and 4 million cats in shelters
- Pet-friendly housing limitations contribute to pet surrenders, affecting 1 in 5 individuals
- Globally, around 15% of pet owners are considering giving up their pets in the next 12 months due to various challenges
- A significant portion of lost pets remains un-reunited, emphasizing the need for interventions
- Only ~50% of owned dogs and ~60% of cats are sterilized globally, contributing to unplanned litters
Action Plan:
- The project aims to drive informed and targeted action to reduce pet homelessness globally
- Mars commits to supporting 30 million vulnerable pets over the next five years
- A $500,000 donation by Mars to Humane Society International will fund projects in India, South Africa and Mexico based on the study's insights
- Collaboration with leading animal welfare organizations, including Humane Society International and Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs
For more information and in-depth data analysis, visit www.stateofpethomelessness.com.
