Mars is expanding its ‘Better Cities for Pets’ programme, which aims to help urban centres around the world become more pet-friendly.
The company is investing more than US$1million focused on increasing access to more green spaces and pet-friendly places, via a strategic partnership with C40 Cities, a global network of city mayors that includes Sadiq Khan of London and Michael R Bloomberg of New York City among its members.
The partnership will see the creation of the ‘Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets and the Planet’, a guide to inspire and equip city leaders with ideas to create greener urban spaces. Mars and C40 Cities will work closely with cities, starting in London, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Bengaluru, and Bangkok, to bring the ideas to life, with the aim of benefiting 10 million people and pets around the world by 2030.
In addition, Mars is expanding a partnership with Tripadvisor under the Cesar brand to identify pet-friendly locations. After a successful pilot in the US, the partnership is being expanded to the UK and Italy, as well as with My Dog in Australia.
Ikdeep Singh, global president of Mars Pet Nutrition, said: “With the urban pet population set to rise by almost 10% by 2030, Mars is more committed than ever to improving city living for millions of pets and pet parents around the world.
“Giving pet parents a voice in how our cities are designed for the future won’t just benefit our pets – it will contribute to healthier communities and a better planet for all. Because a better city for pets is a better city for all.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and co-chair of C40 Cities, added: “Everyone should be able to enjoy safe, green spaces – including with our pets.
“London is proud to be one of Europe’s most pet-friendly cities, where people and their pets can relax and enjoy a healthy, green environment. I’m happy to support this funding to keep making life better for both people and their pets here in London, and to help other cities do the same.”
