Mars Global Adoption Survey and New Initiatives
Mars conducted a global research programme on pet adoption across 14 markets and a Censuswide survey of 2,000 adults aged 18 and above in India between 16 July 2026 and 23 July 2026. The company also launched an online Mars Adoption Hub, offering expert‑backed pre‑ and post‑adoption guidance drawn from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, and expanded the 2026 Global Adoption Weekend to more than 30 countries.
The Indian survey revealed that 56 % of respondents have experienced a shelter or rescue adoption, compared with 42 % globally. Among the 25‑34‑year‑old cohort, 69 % have adopted and 23 % say they are ready to adopt today, making this age group the strongest adoption cohort. 44 % of Indian respondents cite housing rules as a barrier, more than double the global figure of 20 %. Work arrangements influence adoption decisions for 54 % of working Indians, versus 34 % globally, rising to 66 % among 25‑34‑year‑olds.
Nutrition changes are prominent: 89 % of Indian adopters change their pet’s food after adoption, compared with 71 % globally, and almost half make the switch immediately rather than gradually. Only 44 % of Indian pet owners trust a veterinarian most for feeding advice, versus 57 % globally, indicating an opportunity to strengthen veterinary guidance.
The survey identified key deterrents: 34 % are concerned about unknown medical history, 23 % about behavioral background, and 27 % about household compatibility. Nevertheless, 25 % of current pet parents who have not adopted said they would consider adoption with the right guidance and support.
Manish Syag, Managing Director of Mars Pet Nutrition India, emphasized that 56 % of Indian respondents have shelter adoption experience and highlighted Mars’ broader ecosystem work, including animal birth control, vaccination, community education, support for Humane World for Animals’ National ABC Training Centre in Lucknow via the Mars Impact Fund, feeding programmes with NGOs, and the Better Cities for Pets initiative in Bengaluru.
Geeta Seshamani, Vice President of Friendicoes, praised the collaboration to promote responsible pet parenting and increase awareness. Esther Bijsmans, DVM, PhD, Mars Pet Nutrition, underscored the importance of the “3‑3‑3 rule” (first three days for safety, first three weeks for routine, first three months for settlement) and advised a gradual food transition over 7–10 days to support digestion.
During the 2026 Global Adoption Weekend, adoption drives were held in eight Indian cities—Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Jaipur, Ranchi, and Hyderabad—partnering with local shelters and rescue organisations such as Friendicoes, Street Dogs of Ranchi, Humane Animal Society, Ubasti Cat Café, Help in Suffering, and YODA. Prospective adopters can visit the Mars Adoption Hub to locate participating shelters and access resources.
The global component of the research covered 26,002 consumers across the UK, USA, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, India, Poland, Philippines, Canada, Italy, and Japan, collected between 16 July 2026 and 29 July 2026. Censuswide, a member of the Market Research Society and British Polling Council and signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge, conducted both the global and Indian surveys in adherence to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.