Mars has launched what it claims is going to be the world’s largest, multi-year research programme exploring the impact of cats and dogs on mental health and wellbeing.
Led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in collaboration with leading academic institutions and experts, the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) will examine the connection between pets and human mental health and wellbeing, including stress, anxiety, loneliness and overall wellbeing. The multi-disciplinary research program will engage more than 35,000 people across more than 20 countries in the initial phase and will continue to build over time. The study aims to bring deeper insight and scientific data into the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, including how pets may enrich lives and how the bond contributes to the life of pets.
Over the lifetime of the programme, the collaborative research will include work with academic institutions and partners including Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, University of Maryland School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liverpool, University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, YouGov and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, with the aim to deliver novel research and new insights. Mars is also partnering with mental health experts Calm as part of the activity.
Anxiety and stress affect more than 301 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organisation, with 45% of people across 31 countries identifying mental health as their top health concern (IPSOS).
Loïc Moutault, president of Mars Petcare, said: “As a pet owner, I know first-hand 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.”
Dr Maggie O’Haire, associate dean for research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine continued: “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.”
Dr Chris Mosunic, chief clinical officer at Calm, added: “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.”
