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BRUSSELS, Belgium (February 20, 2025) — Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in pet care, has announced the launch of the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program, the world’s largest international research initiative exploring the impact of cats and dogs on human mental health and wellbeing.
The Waltham Petcare Science Institute will lead the multi-year PAWS research project in collaboration with top academic institutions. PAWS will engage over 35,000 people across more than 20 countries in its initial phase, and aims to deepen our understanding of the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, particularly in relation to stress, anxiety, loneliness, and overall mental wellbeing.
The Importance of Studying the Human-Animal Bond
Mental health is an increasing global concern, which is why the launch time of this project is so significant. According to an Ipsos Health Service Report, 45% of people across 31 countries identify mental health as their top health concern,1 surpassing worries about cancer, drug abuse, and infectious diseases. Additionally, over 301 million people worldwide experience anxiety disorders.2 As more evidence suggests that pet ownership and interaction can positively impact mental health, PAWS aims to provide scientific insights into how pets contribute to human wellbeing and how this bond benefits the animals themselves.
Loïc Moutault, President of Mars Petcare, emphasized the significance of this research:
“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. 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.”
A Collaborative Research Effort
The PAWS program brings together leading institutions such as the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, University of Maryland School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liverpool, and the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. Research organizations such as YouGov and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute will also contribute to the initiative.
Dr. Maggie O’Haire, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, shared her perspective on the program’s potential impact:
“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. We are proud to continue to collaborate with Mars and its world-leading research institute as it embarks on this transformative work.”
The research will explore various aspects of the human-animal bond, from the impact of pet interactions on older adults to the effects of pet adoption on the wellbeing of animals themselves. One study will evaluate how pet ownership influences sleep patterns globally, while another will examine the role of pets in reducing loneliness and anxiety.
Mars has also announced a partnership with Calm, a leading mental health company. This collaboration will integrate Mars’ research on the human-animal bond with Calm’s expertise in mental wellness, resulting in new studies and content designed to highlight the role of pets in mental health.
Dr. Chris Mosunic, Chief Clinical Officer at Calm, commented on the collaboration:
“Pets 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.”
The Growing Significance of Pet Ownership
With 56% of people worldwide owning pets and the global pet population exceeding 1 billion, understanding the relationship between humans and animals has never been more relevant. Scientific studies have already shown that pet interactions can lower stress levels, promote social interaction, and improve overall mood. Through PAWS, Mars aims to build on this existing research, providing a deep scientific foundation for the benefits of pet companionship.
Mars is also committed to addressing pet homelessness. Over the next five years, the company aims to support millions of vulnerable pets worldwide alongside a coalition of dedicated partners, believing that a deeper understanding of the role pets play in human lives will contribute to better welfare for both people and animals.
Mars’ Leadership in Pet Care
Mars, Incorporated, has a long-standing commitment to pet care, spanning veterinary services, nutrition, diagnostics, wearable health monitoring, and pet parent platforms. The company’s pet care brands include:
- Veterinary care: AniCura, BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, Linnaeus, and VCA™
- Nutrition: PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, and WHISKAS®
- Veterinary diagnostics: ANTECH®
With over 100,000 Associates working across 130 countries, Mars continues to advocate for the essential role companion animals play in people’s lives while investing in groundbreaking research to enhance human and animal wellbeing.
For more information on the PAWS program, visit: https://www.mars-petsandwellbeing.com.
