Mars, Inc has launched the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS), world’s largest research programme yet on the human-animal bond and the impact of pets, particularly cats and dogs, on mental health. The multi-year study will engage over 35,000 participants across more than 20 countries, aiming to provide insights into how pets influence stress, anxiety, loneliness, and overall mental wellbeing.
The research is led by Mars’ Waltham Petcare Science Institute in collaboration with prominent academic institutions, including Tufts University, University of Maryland, and the University of Arizona. PAWS will assess the mutual benefits of pet ownership and how the bond between humans and pets contributes to both human and animal wellbeing.
Loïc Moutault, President of Mars Petcare, emphasised the growing evidence that pets provide mental health benefits. “Through this study program, we aim to provide a science-backed understanding of the mutual bond between people and pets.”, he said.
In addition to the academic partnerships, Mars has teamed up with Calm, a mental health company, to further explore the role of pets in mental wellness. This collaboration will include research and content development throughout 2025, using Calm’s expertise in mental health and Mars’ research on human-animal interaction.
The study is launched amid a global rise in mental health concerns, with 45% of people across 31 countries listing mental health as their top health concern.
