Mars is teaming up with award-winning actor Shailene Woodley (Motor City, Paradise, and Big Little Lies) and leading mental health company Calm to shine a light on the power of pets for mental wellbeing and to encourage adoption as a path to pet ownership.
The company is a leading pet care company behind brands pets and pet owners love including ROYAL CANIN, WHISKAS, CESAR, BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, VCA, and ANTECH.
Globally, there are around 16 million dogs and cats in shelters waiting to find a home. For those who open their homes to pets, the rewards are huge. A recent global survey commissioned by Mars and Calm found a huge 83 percent of pet owners say their pet has improved their mental wellbeing, and 73 percent say their pet encourages them to stop overthinking or worrying.
“My rescue cats transformed my world. 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,” said Woodley.
Spending time with pets has also been found to increase levels of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, collectively known as the ‘happy hormones’ because they promote a sense of wellbeing and contentment. Plus, the benefits go both ways as studies have found that in 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, DVM; Chief Medical Officer at Banfield, commented. “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.”
As part of the campaign, Shailene has recorded a Sleep Story, exclusively available on Calm, inspired by her own experience welcoming pets into her life and other amazing stories of four-legged friends changing the lives of those around them.
MARS PHOTO