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Shailene Woodley Partners with Mars and Calm

In an exciting initiative, actress Shailene Woodley is teaming up with Mars, a leading pet care company, and Calm, an acclaimed mental health app, to celebrate how adopting a pet can be transformative for both the animal and its owner. The collaboration comes ahead of the Mars Global Adoption Weekend, scheduled for October 3-5, 2025, a campaign aimed at promoting pet adoption and highlighting the emotional and psychological benefits that pets can bring to their owners.

Recent research commissioned by Mars and Calm revealed that an impressive 83% of pet owners believe that their animals have significantly improved their mental well-being. With an estimated 12 million dogs and 4 million cats residing in shelters worldwide, this campaign seeks to connect these animals with loving homes while also emphasizing the profound bond that can develop between pets and their humans.

Woodley, a proud cat mom to rescue cats Bear and Pharrah, expressed her personal experience, stating, "My rescue cats have transformed my world. They bring me peace when I am overwhelmed by a busy filming schedule and remind me each day to breathe, slow down, and enjoy the present moment. I want more people to understand that adopting is not just an act of kindness toward an animal, but it can also be a form of self-care. In rescuing Bear and Pharrah, they have changed my life as much as I have changed theirs."

This emotional connection holds significant weight in a world where studies link pet interaction to increased levels of hormones associated with happiness, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Additionally, research shows that within three months of adoption, rescue animals often exhibit signs of increased trust and attachment towards their new owners. Dr. Alea Harrison, a veterinary expert with Banfield, highlighted the importance of the initial days with a new pet, noting that strong bonds take time to develop, cultivated through patience and constant care.

The Mars Global Adoption Weekend aims to facilitate the connection between future pet owners and animals in need across more than 20 countries, including the United States, the UK, Australia, and many others throughout Europe and Asia. Participating shelters will benefit from various initiatives that support the adoption process, such as financial contributions and community events, creating a significant impact on numerous lives.

For instance, during the weekend, Mars will cover over $185,000 in adoption fees for cats and dogs at partner shelters in 21 cities across the United States. Additionally, the PEDIGREE Foundation will contribute an extra $25,000 specifically for dog adoption fees. In other regions, the company has tailored its support to meet local needs. For example, in Poland, newly adopted pets will receive food for six months, while 33,000 meals will be donated to shelters in the Philippines.

As part of the campaign, Shailene Woodley has recorded a special sleep story titled 'Finding Four-Legged Friends', available exclusively on Calm. This unique experience draws from her journey as a pet owner and the heartwarming impact of furry friends. The collection will also include free resources such as meditations and soundscapes aimed at aiding pet owners in finding calm amidst their busy lives.

Woodley encourages everyone to visit their local shelters, underscoring that every adoption represents a tangible way to make a lasting difference in the world. She stated, "Every adoption is proof that compassion changes lives, giving animals a loving home while enriching the well-being of the people who adopt them."

In conclusion, Woodley's collaboration with Mars and Calm serves to shine a light on the powerful relationship between humans and animals, promoting the idea that adopting a pet not only changes the life of the animal but profoundly impacts the life of the adopter as well. For more information about the initiative and how to participate, please visit kinship.com/petsandwellbeing and follow @marsglobal on social media.