As more people treat pets like family, the need for pet-friendly urban spaces has never been greater. That’s where Mars, Incorporated—one of the world’s largest pet care companies—is stepping in with a mission: to reimagine cities as pet-inclusive environments. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and research-backed initiatives, Mars is leading a global movement to make life better for pets, pet parents, and entire communities.
🏙️ Why Pet-Friendly Cities Matter in 2025
In today’s modern society, pets are more than just companions—they’re part of our families, emotional support systems, and even our fitness partners. But despite rising pet ownership, most urban infrastructures are not built with animals in mind.
According to a 2024 Mars Petcare survey:
81% of pet owners feel cities are not pet-friendly enough.
56% would prefer businesses, parks, and housing to be more accommodating to pets.
Enter Mars Petcare’s Better Cities for Pets™ initiative, an ambitious, multi-country program launched to make communities more inclusive, healthy, and safe for pets.
🐾 Mars’ Mission: A Better World for Pets
The Core Philosophy
Mars, which owns popular pet brands like Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin, and Banfield Pet Hospital, believes that pets make the world a better place—and people thrive when pets thrive too.
Their initiative, “Better Cities for Pets™,” reflects this vision. Launched in 2017, it combines research, public-private partnerships, and urban planning tools to help cities become pet-friendly—socially, logistically, and economically.
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🌎 Expanding Global Impact: 2025 and Beyond
Certified Pet-Friendly Cities
Mars has certified dozens of U.S. and international cities as “Pet-Friendly,” including:
Nashville, Tennessee
St. Petersburg, Florida
Calgary, Canada
Chennai, India
Berlin, Germany
Cities that receive certification meet key criteria like:
Adequate pet-friendly housing
Access to parks and green spaces
Availability of pet-inclusive businesses
Commitment to public health and safety standards for animals
City Scorecards & Assessments
Using data-driven tools, Mars helps cities assess their pet-friendliness score. They offer guidance to mayors, planners, and developers on:
How to design inclusive parks
Improve pet adoption rates
Reduce shelter overpopulation
Provide safe transportation options for pet owners
🏘️ How Mars Is Helping Cities Change: 5 Key Focus Areas
1. Pet-Friendly Housing
Mars is advocating for more inclusive rental policies that allow pets in apartments and condos. Through landlord education and policy support, the company is helping reduce pet surrenders due to housing restrictions.
2. Access to Green Spaces
They’re working with urban planners to design off-leash dog parks, pet waste stations, and green corridors where pets and humans can safely walk, exercise, and socialize.
3. Pet-Inclusive Businesses
Mars is helping cafes, shops, and offices become pet-welcoming spaces. Their “Pets Work at Work” toolkit even supports businesses in allowing pets at workplaces, boosting employee morale and reducing stress.
4. Safe Travel & Transit
They support pet-friendly public transportation, offer training to rideshare companies, and promote walkable neighborhoods that encourage outdoor pet activity.
5. Animal Welfare & Adoption
Through support for local shelters and adoption drives, Mars helps reduce stray populations and encourages responsible pet ownership. They’ve funded free vaccination clinics, microchipping, and low-cost vet care across multiple cities.
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🧪 Data-Driven Strategy: The Power of Research
Mars leverages insights from:
The Waltham Petcare Science Institute (its research division)
Studies on urban pet behavior and well-being
Collaborations with universities, city councils, and NGOs
These data help guide actionable steps that cities can take to improve public health, community interaction, and infrastructure through pet inclusion.
📊 “Our goal is to help cities be healthier and more livable for both pets and people,” says Jam Stewart, VP of Corporate Affairs at Mars Petcare.
🌟 Success Stories: Real Cities, Real Change
🐶 Nashville, Tennessee
One of the first U.S. cities to be certified, Nashville introduced:
Pet-friendly housing incentives
Dog-friendly bus routes
Improved shelter adoption systems
🐕 Chennai, India
Through collaboration with Mars India, Chennai launched:
Free neutering programs
Public education on responsible pet ownership
Local campaigns to reduce street dog bites
🐾 Berlin, Germany
Mars supported Berlin’s efforts to:
Allow dogs in cafes and offices
Promote “Adopt, Don’t Shop” campaigns
Fund shelter renovations and training programs
💡 Why It Matters: The Economic & Social Benefits
Creating pet-friendly cities isn’t just good for animals—it’s good for people and economies too.
Pet-friendly cities attract younger populations and skilled workers who often own pets.
They boost local business (think: dog-friendly cafes, vet clinics, pet grooming).
Pet ownership has proven links to reduced depression, increased exercise, and stronger community bonds.
In essence, cities that invest in pets are investing in people.
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📣 Final Thoughts: A Future Built for People and Pets
As cities around the world rethink what it means to be inclusive, pets are finally becoming part of the conversation, thanks to companies like Mars. With its commitment to science, community, and compassion, Mars is transforming urban spaces into pet-positive places—where wagging tails and happy homes can thrive together.
Whether you’re a city official, pet parent, or someone who dreams of living in a place where dogs roam freely and cats sunbathe in windows, Mars’ vision is making that dream a reality—one city at a time.
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