• by Tanya Gazdik , March 7, 2024

Pets help bridge gaps between people and improve mental health.

That’s according to a 48-page “Pets Connect Us” study from global pet care leader Mars Inc., which leverages new consumer insights to shed light on the future of pet parenthood in the U.S. and Canada.

The report explores the positive impact of pets on people and communities, and the unique bonds formed through our mutual affection for our pets.

Nearly 60% of pet parents who are employed talk about their pets often with coworkers, and 90% of pet parents agree that pets contribute to a stronger sense of community.

KRC Research conducted online surveys of 1,000 adults each from the U.S. and Canada. The study was fielded from Dec. 15-17, 2023, in the U.S. and December 15-21, 2023, in Canada.

Among the findings: 

• 89% of adults say pets are one of the easiest conversation starters.
• 83% of adults say pets cause interactions with people they wouldn’t have connected with otherwise.
• 73% of pet parents have connected with someone from a different generation, culture or racial/ethnic background through mutual affection for their pets.
• 85% of pet parents say pets have made them feel more familiar with their neighbors.
• 70% of pet parents say owning a pet makes them more invested in their community.
• 88% of pet parents want more pet-friendly places to connect with other pet lovers.
• Yet sadly, one in five dogs and cats in North America are living outdoors as strays or waiting in shelters to be adopted.

The report also shares key data insights for cities working to be pet-friendly, and innovative programs from recent Better Cities for Pets program grant recipients. The program’s certified cities and certified airports are listed in celebration of their commitment and progress.

Cities can learn more and find resources at BetterCitiesForPets.com/Tools.

Despite the multitude of benefits to pet parenthood, new global data from the State of Pet Homelessness Project, an initiative by Mars and leading welfare animal welfare experts, estimates that 20% of dogs and cats in the U.S. and Canada are living outdoors as strays or waiting in shelters to be adopted.

Mars' pet brands include Cesar, Pedigree, Royal Canin and Whiskas. The company also owns a global network of pet hospitals and diagnostic services including AniCura, Banfield, BluePearl, Linnaeus and VCA.