Bangalore, October 23, 2026: Mars collaborated with Prana to encourage responsible pet adoption through ‘Clearing the Path’ ahead of the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend. The Mars Global Adoption Survey reveals that uncertainty about a pet’s background and a lack of expert advice can deter prospective pet adopters, highlighting a critical need for guidance throughout the adoption journey.
Launched during the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend, the study builds on findings from the 2023 Mars State of Pet Homelessness survey, which estimated that 69.3 million pets in India are homeless. The latest survey takes a closer look at the barriers that may prevent people from adopting pets and explores how to address these challenges so more pets can find loving homes and stay with their families for life.
The adoption drive was held at Therpup. The activities included the Barket Experience, featuring Signature Paint with Puppies, and pet trivia, providing an opportunity for potential adopters and foster pet parents to interact with puppies, participate in engaging activities and learn more about responsible pet care.
The event also featured a dedicated adoption interaction zone and support desk to help connect prospective adopters with relevant guidance and resources. Through these activities, Mars was encouraging meaningful engagement with animal adoption, helping prospective pet parents navigate common concerns and supporting more pets in finding loving, lifelong homes.
A survey of 2,000 people in India found encouraging potential for pet adoption: 25% of current pet parents who did not adopt said they would consider adoption in the future with the right guidance and support.Navigating the Rescue Reality with ConfidenceAmong those considering adoption, the most common concerns stem from the unknown, including undiscovered medical history (34%), behavioral background (23%) and household compatibility (27%).
The study also highlights an opportunity for greater nutrition expertise and guidance. With 89% of adopters in India changing their pet’s diet after leaving the shelter, expert support can play an important role in helping pet parents navigate the transition and ensure their pets receive appropriate, complete and balanced nutrition in a safe and informed way.
Manish Syag, Managing Director, Mars Pet Nutrition, India, said, “Every pet deserves a safe, healthy and loving home. Our research shows encouraging momentum for adoption in India, with 56% of respondents having experienced shelter or rescue adoption. Through Mars Global Adoption Weekend, we are bringing this commitment to life at our Hyderabad factory by engaging our Associates in interactive experiences that celebrate the human-animal bond and encourage responsible pet ownership. By creating opportunities for our people to connect with animals and learn more about adoption, we hope to make the adoption journey more approachable and help more pets find loving, lifelong homes. This is part of our broader commitment to animal welfare, from supporting vaccination and animal birth control programmes to working with NGOs and promoting pet-friendly communities. Additionally, through our Better City for Pets programme, being piloted with C40 in Bengaluru, we are giving pet parents a voice in shaping pet-friendly urban spaces, because a better city for pets is a better city for all.”
Clearing the Path to Responsible Adoption
To help clear the path to pet adoption, the company launches a new online Mars Adoption Hub that offers expert-backed advice, drawing on the Waltham Petcare Science Institute's extensive knowledge and practical resources for pre- and post-adoption support.
When the right support is in place, the reward of adopting a pet is clear: Pet parents cite seeing an adopted pet become relaxed and comfortable in their home (40%) and feeling like part of the family (43%) as the most fulfilling milestones of adoption.
Global Impact, Local Action
Building on the incredible success of last year, the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend expanded to over 30 countries, supporting shelters around the world, helping more pets find homes.
Ready to adopt? Visit the Mars Adoption Hub to find participating shelters in India during Global Adoption Weekend and access resources to help you prepare for life with your new pet.
In June 2025, Mars expanded its BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program in India, helping more cities become pet-friendly and making it easier for people to enjoy life with their pets. In India, Mars is piloting the Better Cities for Pets™ program in Bengaluru, a city known for its growing urban pet population and vibrant community of pet lovers. This initiative is bringing together city planners, citizen groups, and local NGOs to co-create greener, safer, and more inclusive spaces for pets and their families.
