Shailene Woodley Teams Up with Mars and Calm to Highlight Pet Adoption's Benefits

In a powerful new initiative, actress Shailene Woodley, known for her advocacy for animal welfare, is joining hands with Mars, Incorporated and mental health app Calm to raise awareness about the transformative effects of pet adoption. This partnership emphasizes the profound bond that can develop between humans and their pets, which not only changes the lives of the animals involved but significantly enhances the mental wellbeing of their owners.

The Importance of Pet Adoption

A recent survey commissioned by Mars and Calm undertaken across various countries revealed that an astounding 83% of pet owners affirmed that their pets have positively influenced their mental health. The report also highlighted that 73% of these owners feel their pets actively help them alleviate concerns and reduce overthinking. With an estimated 12 million dogs and 4 million cats currently residing in shelters worldwide, the urgency to promote pet adoption is paramount. This initiative will culminate in the upcoming Mars Global Adoption Weekend, scheduled for October 3-5, 2025, during which efforts will be made to facilitate connections between animals in shelters and potential owners.

Shailene Woodley's Personal Connection

Woodley, who has personally adopted rescue cats, shared her heartfelt connection with her furry friends. She described how they have brought her immeasurable peace amidst her bustling career in film and television. "My rescue cats transformed my world. They bring me peace when I'm overwhelmed with a busy filming schedule," she stated. She emphasized that adopting a pet is more than an act of kindness towards animals; it is also an essential step in self-care for individuals. In her view, rescuing pets creates a reciprocal relationship that enriches both the animal's and the owner’s lives.

Wellness Benefits of Having Pets

The positive impacts of pet ownership extend beyond companionship. Studies indicate that spending time with pets can significantly elevate levels of happiness-related hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—collectively referred to as 'happy hormones.' These hormones promote feelings of wellness and contentment. Furthermore, research indicates that dogs and cats develop signs of increased confidence and bonding within just three months of adoption, reinforcing the significant role they play in the families they join.

Alea Harrison, DVM and Chief Medical Officer at Banfield, remarked on the vital relationship formed with pets. "Our increased understanding of the human-animal bond and how it affects mental wellbeing highlights the unique relationship between people and their pets," she noted. The initial days spent with a new pet are described as crucial for establishing trust and affection, which in turn can lead to long-term companionship and fulfillment.

Global Adoption Weekend Activities

During the Mars Global Adoption Weekend, the company will work in partnership with local shelters in over 20 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, and several European nations, to encourage more individuals to consider adoption. An Executive Director of a participating shelter, Tiffany Lacey, expressed the importance of this initiative, stating, "With millions of pets waiting for their forever home, adoption is a tangible way to make a lasting difference." Mars will be financing adoption fees across the U.S. and offering resources to help new pet owners settle in.

In addition to covering over $185,000 in adoption fees for cats and dogs across 21 U.S. cities, Mars and Calm will also provide new owners in Poland with six months of free pet food, while additionally donating thousands of meals in the Philippines to assist local shelters.

Supporting New Owners

Furthermore, to assist those who adopt pets, Mars and Calm will offer three months of free Calm membership. This initiative aims to help pet owners integrate their new companions into their lives more smoothly. Woodley has also contributed to the campaign by recording a Sleep Story titled 'Finding Four-Legged Friends,' inspired by her own experience with adopting pets. This story, along with other pet-themed content, aims to support the mental wellbeing of pet parents.

As animal lovers around the world prepare for the Global Adoption Weekend, the partnership between Shailene Woodley, Mars, and Calm seeks to inspire communities to open their hearts and homes to pets in need, highlighting the tremendous impact adopting a pet can have on both lives involved.

For more information on the initiative and the resources available, visit kinship.com/petsandwellbeing and follow @marsglobal on social media.