Shailene Woodley Teams Up with Mars and Calm to Promote Pet Adoption

Shailene Woodley Partners with Mars and Calm to Promote Pet Adoption

A Transformative Partnership

Shailene Woodley, renowned actress and proud cat owner, has joined forces with Mars, Incorporated, and Calm to shed light on the crucial benefits of pet adoption. This collaboration aims to illustrate how bringing a furry friend into your life can yield transformative changes not only for the pet but also for the owner. Through a recent global survey conducted by Mars and Calm, it was revealed that an impressive 83% of pet owners state that their pets significantly enhance their mental well-being.

With around 16 million dogs and cats presently in shelters waiting for a loving home, this partnership is launching a campaign just ahead of Mars’ Global Adoption Weekend, which takes place from October 3 to 5, 2025.

The Power of Pets

The bond shared between humans and animals has been uniquely highlighted through initiatives like this. Woodley, who has adopted shelter cats Bear and Pharrah, noted, "My rescued cats transformed my world. They provide me with peace amidst my hectic filming schedule and remind me daily to breathe, relax, and live in the moment. I want more people to see that adoption is not only a compassionate act for an animal but also a form of self-care. By rescuing Bear and Pharrah, they have changed my life as much as I have changed theirs."

Research indicates that spending time with pets elevates levels of happiness hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin, which promote feelings of well-being and satisfaction. Evidence suggests that within three months of adoption, dogs show signs of increased confidence while cats display greater bonding and calmness.

Dr. Alea Harrison, DVM, medical director at Banfield, said, "Our enhanced understanding of the human-animal bond and its impact on mental wellness showcases the unique relationship people have with their pets. The early days with a new pet are critical for building mutual understanding. Strong bonds develop over time with patience, consistency, and care, leading to joy, companionship, and fulfillment."

Global Adoption Initiatives

To support this vision, Mars and its partners have launched extensive initiatives to promote pet adoption globally. Their efforts will span over 20 countries including the USA, UK, Australia, and Japan, among others. Tiffany Lacey, executive director of Animal Haven, expressed, “With millions of pets needing homes, adoption is a practical way to make a lasting difference. Mars’ Global Adoption Weekend is the perfect opportunity to visit your local shelter. Every adoption is a testament that compassion transforms lives by providing a loving home for pets and enriching the lives of those who adopt them.”

Mars plans to invest heavily in fostering pet adoption. In the U.S., over $185,000 will be covered for adoption fees in shelters across 21 cities during the weekend. In Poland, new pet owners will receive six months of food for their adopted dogs and cats. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Mars will donate 33,000 meals to help pets in need in their communities.

As part of their initiative, Woodley recorded a Sleep Story titled ‘Finding Four-Legged Friends’, inspired by her journey with pets. This exclusive story can be found on the Calm app along with free content such as meditations and soundscapes to assist pet owners in finding calm and rest during their transition to pet ownership.

About Mars and Calm

Mars, Incorporated is a family-owned company with a focus on pet care. With a portfolio valued at approximately $55 billion, the company’s well-known brands include ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, and PEDIGREE®. Mars maintains networks of veterinary hospitals and offers services that prioritize animal health and well-being. Meanwhile, Calm is a leading mental health app, boasting over 180 million downloads, designed to improve sleep, reduce stress, and promote mindfulness. Together, they are dedicated to fostering both the mental well-being of individuals and the welfare of pets through compassion and understanding.

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