Mars Inc., parent company of Mars Petcare, is partnering with actor Shailene Woodley and mental health company Calm to promote pet adoption during its second annual Global Adoption Weekend, scheduled for October 3-5, 2025.
A global survey commissioned by Mars and Calm found that 83% of pet owners said their pet has improved their mental wellbeing, and 73% said their pet encourages them to stop overthinking or worrying. An estimated 16 million dogs and cats are currently in shelters worldwide waiting for homes.
"My rescue cats transformed my world," Woodley said. "They bring me peace when I'm overwhelmed with a busy filming schedule, and every day, they remind me to breathe, slow down and live in the moment. I want more people to see that adoption isn't just an act of compassion for an animal; it can also be an act of care for yourself. In rescuing Bear and Pharrah, they have changed my life as much as I have changed theirs."
Research has shown that spending time with pets increases levels of oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. Studies have found that within three months of adoption, dogs show signs of increased confidence and cats show signs of bonding and calmness.
"Our increased understanding of the human animal bond and how it can impact mental wellbeing highlights the unique relationship between people and their pets," Dr. Alea Harrison, chief medical officer at Banfield, said. "The first days with a new pet are key to learning about each other. Strong bonds are built slowly, through patience, consistency, and care -- and when they take root, they can bring joy, companionship and fulfilment."
Mars will support the adoption weekend through partnerships with shelters in more than 20 countries, including the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, India, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Thailand and Ukraine.
"With millions of pets waiting for their forever home, adoption is a tangible way to make a lasting difference -- and Mars Global Adoption Weekend is the perfect time to visit your local shelter," Tiffany Lacey, executive director of Animal Haven, one of the participating shelters in the U.S., said. "Every adoption is proof that compassion changes lives, giving pets a loving home and enriching the wellbeing of the people who welcome them."
During October 3-5, Mars will cover more than $185,000 in cat and dog adoption fees at partner shelters in 21 U.S. cities. The Pedigree Foundation will cover an additional $25,000 in dog adoption fees. In Poland, Mars will provide a six-month supply of pet food for cats and dogs adopted from partner shelters. In the Philippines, Mars will donate 33,000 meals for pets in partner shelters.
Throughout October, Mars and Calm are offering three months of free Calm membership to adoptive pet owners. Woodley has recorded a sleep story for Calm, "Finding Four-Legged Friends," inspired by her experience with pet adoption. The content is part of a pet-inspired collection on Calm created in collaboration with Mars.
Visit kinship.com/petsandwellbeing and follow @marsglobal for more information.
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Mars Petcare produces Royal Canin, Whiskas, Cesar, Banfield, BluePearl, VCA, Antech, PEDIGREE and SHEBA pet brands. The privately-held, family-owned US$55 billion company offers a diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services to support pets all around the world.
