#USA #Los Angeles #Mars #C40 Cities #BETTER CITIES FOR PETS

Mars Expands BETTER CITIES FOR PETS Initiative

With only 40% of urban pet owners considering their neighborhoods as pet-friendly, Mars, Incorporated aims to transform cities around the globe with its BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ initiative. The program, which originally launched in 2017, is dedicated to improving the lives of both pets and their owners by enhancing urban environments to be more accommodating to their needs.

A Vision for Pet-Friendly Urban Living

Mars's commitment is exemplified by its substantial investment of over $1 million to create more accessible green spaces and environments that cater to pets. The ambitious goal is to positively impact the lives of 10 million people and pets worldwide by the year 2030. Through strategic collaborations—with C40 Cities, a major network of city leaders focused on climate action, and Tripadvisor, which is working to increase the number of pet-friendly places—Mars plans to address the urgent need for more inclusive urban designs.

Collaboration with C40 Cities

The partnership with C40 Cities stands as a pivotal element of this expansion. It aims to educate city mayors on fostering resilient and sustainable green spaces that can accommodate pets alongside their owners. The collaboration includes the introduction of the Urban Nature Playbook, a groundbreaking resource for city planners, which provides practical guidance on creating environments that prioritize biodiversity and public well-being. Initial focus cities like London, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Bengaluru, and Bangkok are set to benefit from this initiative, where urban designs will reflect the needs of pets and their families.

Mark Watts, the Executive Director at C40 Cities, emphasizes the significance of green spaces for urban well-being, stating that they are essential for community health and climate resilience. He highlights that the collaboration with Mars will enhance cities' capabilities to design environments that are welcoming to both people and pets, crucial in a time when climate-related disasters are increasing.

The Importance of Pet Ownership

Research highlights the profound positive impact pets have on their owners' lives. A staggering 83% of pet parents report improved mental health and social connections due to their pets. This statistic underscores the need for urban variations that empower pet ownership, building strong community ties and an enriched social atmosphere. Ikdeep Singh, Global President of Mars Pet Nutrition, states, “Giving pet parents a voice in how our cities are designed for the future won't just benefit our pets – it will contribute to healthier communities and a better planet for all.”

Increasing Pet-Friendly Spaces

A survey indicated 11% of global urban pet owners feel restricted in their mobility due to a lack of dog-friendly spaces. In response, Mars is expanding partnerships with Tripadvisor and other pet-centric brands globally to encourage the development of more pet-inclusive businesses. The initiative has already identified 5,000 new pet-friendly options on Tripadvisor in just one year.

Moreover, this program invites businesses and municipalities worldwide to engage, creating a united front in the push toward sustainability that also caters to the companionship needs of pets and their owners.

Conclusion

Mars's expanded operations under the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ initiative exemplify a potent vision for a future where urban living is tailored to accommodate not just human needs, but those of pets as well. As pet ownership continues to rise and urban areas evolve, initiatives like this can pave the way for more inclusive, healthier, and sustainable communities. With Mars leading this charge, the goal is clear: making the world a more pet-friendly place, for everyone involved.