Shailene Woodley teams up with Mars and Calm to promote pet adoption
During the adoption weekend, Mars will provide financial support to shelters and new pet owners
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Actor Shailene Woodley has partnered with pet care company Mars and mental health platform Calm to highlight the wellbeing benefits of pet ownership and encourage adoption.
The collaboration comes as Mars prepares for its second annual Global Adoption Weekend, which will support shelters and prospective pet owners across more than 20 countries including the UK, US, Australia, France, India, and Brazil. The initiative aims to help some of the estimated 16 million dogs and cats currently in shelters worldwide find homes.
A global survey commissioned by Mars and Calm found that 83% of pet owners said their animals improved their mental wellbeing, while 73% reported pets helped them stop overthinking or worrying.
Scientific studies have linked pet ownership with increased levels of oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin, hormones associated with wellbeing, while research has also shown newly adopted pets display stronger signs of bonding and calmness within months.
During the adoption weekend, Mars will provide financial support to shelters and new pet owners. This includes covering adoption fees at partner shelters in 21 US cities, supporting new owners in Poland with a six-month supply of pet food, and donating 33,000 meals to shelters in the Philippines.
Mars and Calm will also provide new pet owners with three months of Calm membership.
As part of the campaign, Woodley has recorded a Sleep Story for Calm, Finding Four-Legged Friends, inspired by her own pets and the impact of adoption.
Woodley said: “My rescue cats transformed my world. They bring me peace when I’m overwhelmed with a busy filming schedule, and every day, they remind me to breathe, slow down and live in the moment. Adoption isn’t just an act of compassion for an animal; it can also be an act of care for yourself.”
Dr Alea Harrison, chief medical officer at Banfield, part of Mars, added: “The first days with a new pet are key to learning about each other. Strong bonds are built slowly, through patience, consistency and care – and when they take root, they can bring joy, companionship and fulfilment.”
