Mars expands global Better Cities for Pets programme

Pet care company Mars is expanding its Better Cities for Pets programme to support more pet-friendly urban environments worldwide.

The initiative will invest more than $1m (£737,577) in increasing access to green spaces and pet-friendly areas, aiming to benefit 10 million people and pets by 2030.

The global expansion is underpinned by a partnership with C40 Cities, a network of mayors focused on climate action.

Central to the partnership is the launch of a new “Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets and the Planet”, which provides practical guidance for city leaders on designing greener urban areas.

Recommendations include tree-lined streets, parks and public spaces that promote biodiversity, support mental and physical health, and improve climate resilience.

Mars and C40 Cities will collaborate with cities including London, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Bengaluru and Bangkok to implement the playbook through local initiatives.

Mars is also expanding its partnership with Tripadvisor to help travellers identify pet-friendly locations more easily.

Since 2017, the Better Cities for Pets programme has supported cities by focusing on features pet owners value in their communities. The expanded global scope aims to centre pet owners in urban planning and promote businesses that support pet-friendly lifestyles.

A recent global survey found that 83% of pet owners believe their pets have improved their mental wellbeing, while 54% said their pets have enhanced their social lives by encouraging connections and friendships.

Ikdeep Singh, global president of Mars Pet Nutrition, said: “With the urban pet population set to rise by almost 10% by 2030, Mars is more committed than ever to improving city living for millions of pets and pet parents around the world. 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. Because a better city for pets is a better city for all.”

Mark Watts, executive director of C40 Cities, added: “Green space in cities is vital to ensuring people’s wellbeing. Places to walk, relax in and enjoy are critical. They’re also vitally important in the face of increasing climate disasters like flooding. This partnership with Mars will accelerate support to cities to build resilience and improve access to green space for people and their pets. Our Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets and the Planet provides tangible actions for cities to design people and pet-friendly urban environments.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, co-chair of C40 Cities, concluded: “Everyone should be able to enjoy safe, green spaces – including with our pets. London is proud to be one of Europe’s most pet-friendly cities, where people and their pets can relax and enjoy a healthy, green environment. I’m happy to support this funding to keep making life better for both people and their pets here in London, and to help other cities do the same.”