• June 11, 2007

Mars Petcare U.S. is not only sponsoring "Take Your Dog to Work Day," it's offering to drive the canines there.

On June 22, as part of Pet Sitters International's (PSI) effort, Mars will operate shuttles to and from two stops in midtown Manhattan during the rush hours. The shuttles are sponsored, in particular, by Mars' Pedigree Jumbone brand. Dog owners must reserve a seat by calling or e-mailing Weber Shandwick, the PR agency behind the effort.

The goals of Mars' effort is "to reinforce what research has shown; having pets in the workplace reduces stress, improves morale, increases productivity and enhances feelings of well-being."

As part of the promotion, the Mars brand is offering a sweepstakes with a prize of $25,000 worth of professional pet-sitting services with PSI. Other prizes include a one-year and a one-month supply of Pedigree Jumbone. Consumers who register at jumboneforlife.com are automatically entered.

Mars U.S. is the United States food, snack and pet care operations of Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's leading food manufacturers, with more than $7 billion in annual sales in the U.S.

--Nina M. Lentini