How Mars is Exploring the Effects of Pets on Wellbeing
It is estimated that 70% of households around the world have at least one pet.
From cats and dogs to lizards and frogs, these furry, scaly or even slimy creatures can bring a lot of joy.
Mars, a giant in human snacking and pet food, has announced the worldās largest multi-year research programme exploring the impact of cats and dogs on mental health and wellbeing.
This research, titled the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) programme, will engage more than 35,000 people across more than 20 countries in its initial phase and build out further over time.
LoĆÆc Moutault, President of Mars Petcare, says: āAs 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.
“We're aiming to deliver on our Purpose: A Better World for Pets, because we believe pets make our lives better, and through this study program we aim to provide deeper, science-backed understanding of the mutual bond between people and pets.”
Why this research matters
The World Health Organisation estimates that 4% of the global population experience an anxiety disorder, and although highly effective treatments exist, just a quarter of people in need receive any treatment.
Mental health was ranked as the top health concern in 2024 across 31 countries surveyed for the Ipsos Health Service Report.
The study's primary focus will be examining the connection between pets and human mental health, including their impact on stress, anxiety, loneliness and overall wellbeing.
By providing deeper insights and scientific data, PAWS aims to illuminate how pets enrich human lives and how this bond contributes to the wellbeing of pets themselves.
Dr. Maggie O’Haire, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, says: “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.
āWe are proud to continue to collaborate with Mars and its world-leading research institute as it embarks on this transformative work.ā
Collaboration for the PAWS programme
Mars wonāt be working alone on this wide-reaching study.
- 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
- The Human Animal Bond Research Institute
The company is also partnering with Calm, a leading mental health company, to combine its experience in mental wellness with Marsā leading research through 2025.
Dr. Chris Mosunic, Chief Clinical Officer at Calm, says: āPets are daily sources of calm, joy, and connection.
“Through our partnership with Mars, we aim to understand these relationships better and illuminate the unique role pets play in mental health and wellbeing, supported by new in-app resources.”
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