• New research from Mars reveals that housing rules and uncertainty around pets' health and behaviour can hold Canadian adopters back: 34% of Canadian pet parents have been prevented from adopting by medical history uncertainty, 32% by behaviour history uncertainty and 29% by housing rules.
• Mars is launching a new online Adoption Hub, giving prospective and current pet parents practical, expert guidance on the most common barriers and responsible pet ownership, so they can navigate the adoption journey with confidence.
• Mars is expanding its 2026 Global Adoption Weekend to more than 30 countries, supporting local shelters, pets and pet parents around the world.

TORONTO, September 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- New research from Mars reveals the practical pressures shaping pet adoption in Canada, from housing rules that can separate pets from their families to the role pet-friendly workplaces and benefits can play in supporting adoption and helping pets remain in loving homes.

Launched ahead of the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend, the research builds on the Mars State of Pet Homelessness Project by exploring the barriers people face when considering pet adoption, and the expert support that can help more pets find and remain in loving homes.

Surveying more than 26,000 people globally, the study includes Canadian findings that show that housing policies are a significant part of the adoption equation: 29% of Canadian pet parents say housing rules have prevented them from getting a pet. The findings highlight the role that pet-inclusive housing policies may play in helping more people consider pet adoption.

Navigating the Rescue Reality with Confidence

Behaviour is another area where expert support can build confidence. Nearly a quarter of Canadian owners (23%) say that handling aggression is their biggest area of concern post-adoption. The research shows demand for hands-on guidance from a pet behaviourist: 29% want access to a behaviourist for aggression and 28% for separation anxiety, highlighting a need for practical support following adoption.

Supportive communities can also make the responsibilities of pet ownership feel more manageable. Canadian respondents say help from family or friends (22%) and access to outdoor space (20%) would make caring for a pet easier, demonstrating the role that supportive communities and access to pet-friendly spaces, including workplaces, can play in making pet ownership more manageable.

But adopting responsibly also means understanding the health needs of your new pet. Canadian respondents also cited uncertainty about a pet's health or medical history (34%) as a factor they consider when thinking about adoption.

"Adopting a pet is an exciting and rewarding experience, but practical guidance is key to building confidence and helping pets and their owners thrive together," said Esther Bijsmans, DVM, PhD, Veterinarian and Pet Nutrition & Health Science Expert, Mars Pet Nutrition.

"When welcoming home a new pet, we encourage pet parents to follow the 3-3-3 rule: the first three days are about helping a new pet feel safe, the first three weeks are about establishing routines, learning the household dynamic and building trust; and by three months, most pets will have begun to settle in. Patience and bond-building play a central role.

"Nutrition also plays a vital role in a pet's overall well-being. A common mistake is switching food too quickly. Instead, gradually transition to a new diet over 7–10 days to support healthy digestion and help pets adjust comfortably."

Clearing the Path to Responsible Adoption

To help clear the path to pet adoption, the company is launching a new online Mars Adoption Hub offering expert-backed advice, including knowledge from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, to help prospective and current pet parents navigate the adoption journey.

When the right support is in place, the reward of adopting a pet is clear: Canadian pet parents cite seeing an adopted pet become relaxed and comfortable in their home (42%) and building a strong bond or companionship (42%) as the most fulfilling milestones of adoption, followed by helping their pet feel like part of the family (37%).

Global Impact, Local Action

Building on the success of last year, the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend will expand to more than 30 countries, bringing adoption support initiatives to communities around the world.  In Canada, Mars is supporting Niagara SPCA & Humane Society, Calgary Humane Society, Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton, and People for Animal Wellbeing.

"There's nothing more rewarding than watching animals leave our shelters for loving homes and Mars Global Adoption Weekend helps make that happen," said Amelia Canto, Chief Executive Officer, Niagara SPCA & Humane Society. "Last year's Global Adoption Weekend was an incredible success, with 41 animals finding loving homes, including many of our long-stay dogs who are now thriving in their forever home. Thanks to the generous support of Mars, we're able to reduce adoption fees and remove barriers making it easier for more animals to begin their next chapter."

"Since 1922, Calgary Humane Society has been connecting people with animals in need and providing our community with an ethical way to welcome a companion animal into their family through adoption," said Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons, Vice Executive Director, Calgary Humane Society. "Partnerships like this one with Mars help us reach more people, raise awareness about the animals waiting for homes, and ultimately increase the number of animals and people we can connect through adoption each year."

"Being selected as one of just four animal shelters in Canada to participate in Mars Global Adoption Weekend is a real honour," said Jeff Vallentin, Executive Director, HSOMH. "We're incredibly grateful to Mars and PEDIGREE Foundation for choosing to support our animals and help make adoption more accessible to our community. Their generosity gives more pets the opportunity to find loving homes, and we're excited to be part of this special weekend."

"Every adoption changes two lives: the life of the animal and the life of the person who welcomes them home," said Heather Smith, Executive Director, People for Animal Wellbeing (PAW). "We are thrilled to be part of Mars Global Adoption Weekend, as partnerships like these help shine a spotlight on the thousands of wonderful animals waiting in shelters and inspire more families to discover the joy, and companionship that adoption brings."

Ready to adopt? Visit the Mars Adoption Hub to find participating shelters in Canada during Global Adoption Weekend and access resources to help prepare for life with a new pet.

Notes to Editor

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. Based on combined Mars and Kellanova 2025 net sales, we are now a $65bn family-owned business, with a diverse portfolio of quality snacking and food products that delight millions of people every day, and leading pet care products and veterinary services that support pets all around the world. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, Pringles®, Cheez-It® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™, span preventive, general, specialty and emergency care. With approximately 150,000 Associates across 80+ countries, Mars operates in ways that are true to The Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. For more information, visit www.mars.com.

SOURCE Mars Incorporated