Mars Pet Nutrition Shares Homeless Animals Report and Global Research Results

Within the scope of October 4, World Animal Day, Mars shares the results of its new research, which was carried out with the participation of 26 thousand people from 14 countries, building on the "Homeless Animals Report" published in 2024 and this study.

The company, which reveals that approximately 362 million cats and dogs in the world are currently waiting for a warm home through its "Homeless Animals Report", examines the basic issues and uncertainties experienced when adopting animals from shelters or nursing homes within the scope of its new global research.

There is a desire to possess; But uncertainties can prevent decisions

The new research shows that there is a difference between the desire to adopt an animal and the adoption rates from shelters. According to global report findings:

• 58 percent of pet owners have not acquired their animals through adoption. In contrast, approximately one in every three pet owners states that they would like to adopt a cat or dog in the near future if they can get the right guidance and support they need.

• 33 percent of the participants state that they do not know the health history of the pet they are considering adopting, 27 percent are uncertain about the management of animal behavior, and 25 percent are uncertain about the animal's adaptation to its new life.

Thus, not knowing the health history of the animal, behavior management and adaptation issues stand out as areas that affect the decision to adopt from shelters or nursing homes.

Türkiye market findings of the "Homeless Animals Report" in 2024 are similar to the new global research results. According to the report, there is a clear trend towards acquiring cats and dogs in Turkey; The rate of those who stated that they want to get a dog in the near future is 45 percent, and for cats it is 47 percent. However, the rate of people considering adopting an animal from a shelter or nursing home varies. While the rate of those expressing this preference is 34 percent for dogs, it remains at 30 percent for cats.

PREPARING FOR AFTER ADOPTION IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE ADOPTION DECISION.

According to global research, a significant portion of the concerns and obstacles felt before adoption are among the issues encountered after the animal joins its new home. The most important of these is behavior management.

The second important area is nutrition. According to research findings, 71 percent of adopters change their diet after the animal leaves the shelter. This highlights the importance of new families having access to reliable expert information on transitioning to a complete and balanced diet that suits their pet's needs.

The third topic is getting support throughout the process. Reliable information and expert guidance provided by veterinarians, animal behavior experts, non-governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders contribute to people feeling more prepared and confident about adoption.

HEPAD: “WE FOCUS ON NOT ONLY THE MEETING OF THE ANIMAL WITH A FAMILY, BUT ON PREPARING BOTH PARTIES FOR THIS NEW LIFE.”

Pointing out that the concerns about health, behavior and adaptation highlighted in the research can be managed in the field, One Paw for Every Home Association (HEPAD) President Emre Demir emphasizes the importance of preparing animals for their new lives during the responsible adoption process.

Demir states the following on the subject:

"We deliver the dogs we adopt to their new families, having been neutered, vaccinated against rabies and internal and external parasites, and with their passports prepared. In this way, we aim for both the animal and the person who will add it to their family to have a safe and healthy start to their new life as possible."

“Also, as HEPAD, we focus not only on the animal meeting a family, but also on preparing both parties for this new life.”

"The temporary home model is very valuable in this respect. While it allows the animal to experience the home environment, bond with people and socialize, it also helps to get to know its needs and behaviors more closely. Foster parenting offers a different model of solidarity. People who cannot make room for an animal in their home for different reasons, but want to contribute to its life regularly, can support the care of a particular animal. We inform our foster families about the processes of the animals they support, and continue to share the good news with them when they find their permanent homes. Our aim is to ensure that every adoption is conscious, being safe and sustainable.”

“WE CAN ENSURE THE ADOPTION OF MORE ANIMALS WITH ACCURATE, ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION AND EXPERT SUPPORT”

Mars Pet Nutrition's purpose is "A Better World for Animals". In line with this purpose, the company considers adoption not only in terms of helping animals find a home, but also in terms of helping them live a healthy, happy and permanent life together with people.

Within the scope of this approach, Mars makes information based on expert opinions on issues such as health, behavior, nutrition and home adaptation available to all animal lovers before and after adoption, with the Mars Adoption Hub it has implemented globally.