How Adopting A Pet Can Change 2 Lives
How Adopting A Pet Can Change Two Lives
The connection between pets and wellbeing is more than anecdotal. A survey commissioned by Mars, the pet care company, and Calm, leadind mental health company, found 87% of UK pet owners say their pet has improved their mental wellbeing, while 68% say their pet helps them stop overthinking or worrying. “The relationship between people and their pets is both unique and can be mutually beneficial,” explains Dr Tammie King, senior research manager at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. “There’s growing evidence to show the positive impact this bond can have. Within three months of adoption, dogs display signs of increased confidence and cats become less stressed. Adoption has the potential to change two lives – yours and theirs.”
How Pets Help Us Feel Calmer
It’s no surprise that time spent with animals has measurable effects on mood. Stroking a dog, sitting quietly with a cat or simply observing the way they live in the present can all trigger a cascade of calming hormones – like dopamine and serotonin – that ease anxiety and boost feelings of contentment. “For many people, pets provide companionship without the need for words,” says Tammie. “Their quiet, non-judgemental presence can feel especially valuable in stressful moments.” It’s this unconditional presence that makes pets such powerful emotional anchors. In times of stress, 58% of people say they’d rather spend time with their pet than their partner, highlighting just how vital these bonds can become.
How Pets Encourage Healthier Habits
Pets give people permission to look after themselves, Tammie continues. “They create natural breaks in busy days – their gentle nudges act as reminders to stop, breathe and reset.” Research supports this – 78% of pet owners say their animal encourages them to take breaks from work, chores or social media. From a lunchtime stroll to the gentle clatter of bowls at feeding time, these small rituals ground us amid the rush of everyday life."
The Unexpected Benefits
The benefits of living with animals go beyond simple companionship. “They make us smile with their silly antics, get us out into nature and help us connect with others we may meet on walks,” says Tammie. The positive effects extend across generations, too. Studies haev shown that when children interact with dogs, both the child and the animal can benefit. “Children experience increased oxytocin – the ‘bonding hormone’ – while dogs show reduced stress levels,” she adds. “It’s a beautiful example of how powerful this connection can be for everyone involved.”
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re ready to get a pet or want to support the cause, there are plenty of ways to make a difference. This October, Mars is partnering with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for its flagship Walk for Rescue event – a nationwide initiative encouraging pet owners and supporters to walk in honour of the 139,000 animals currently waiting in shelters. By signing up or donating, you’ll directly support rescue centres across the UK, helping fund essential care, food and rehabilitation for animals in need. Throughout October, Mars will also be distributing thousands of adoption welcome boxes – including treats, toys and care advice – to new pet parents via partner shelters. If adoption isn’t possible right now, consider volunteering, fostering or donating to your local shelter, all of which play a part in creating a more caring, connected world for animals and humans alike.
Finding Calm With Your Pet
To celebrate the campaign, Mars and Calm have also launched the first-ever pet-inspired content collection on the Calm app – a series of free-to-access Sleep Stories, meditations, breathing exercises and soundscapes that explore the joy of connecting with pets. Among them is a new Sleep Story narrated by Shailene Woodley, the award-winning actor and devoted rescue cat mum. Inspired by her own experiences, it celebrates the grounding rituals that come with pet ownership. Every adopter through Mars’ partner shelters will receive three months of complimentary Calm membership, helping you find balance as you settle into a new routine together.
To learn more about Mars Global Adoption Weekend & explore the pet-inspired Calm collection, visit KINSHIP.COM/PETSANDWELLBEING
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