Global study of the human-animal bond is launched

Photo: Prostock-studio

Mars, Inc launched the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program to study the effects cats and dogs have on human mental health and wellbeing. PAWS is designed to be a large, 5-year research program aimed at deepening understanding about the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, and examining how these connections affect stress, anxiety, loneliness and overall wellbeing.¹

According to Mars, the multi-disciplinary research program will engage more than 35,000 individuals in more than 20 countries during its’ initial phase and is expected to continue building over time. The program aims to deliver results that include new insight and scientific data into how pets may enrich lives and how the bond contributes to the quality of life for companion animals.¹

“Led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in collaboration with leading academic institutions and experts, [the PAWS program brings] together a range of disciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches to answer important questions in the human-animal interaction field. The studies in the PAWS program will be led by principal investigators from world-leading academic institutions and organisations,” Tammie King, PhD, senior research manager, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, said in an email to dvm360.

The study program’s collaborative research will include work with academic institutions and partners that include Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts;, University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore: University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom (UK); University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine in Oro Valley; YouGov, a global market research firm based in London, UK; and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute in Washington, DC.¹

“Both the breadth and depth of this study program promise to deliver novel data and greater insight into something many people instinctively feel—that the bond between pet and pet owner is a powerful and unique part of the human experience,” Maggie O’Haire, PhD, associate dean for research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, said in the release.

Mars is also partnering with Calm to utilize this mental health company’s expertise and combine it with human-animal bond research. This collaboration is expected to yield content through 2025.¹

“Pets are daily sources of calm, joy, and connection. Through our partnership with Mars, we aim to understand these relationships better and illuminate the unique role pets play in mental health and wellbeing, supported by new in-app resources,” Chris Mosunic, PhD, MBA, RD, chief clinical officer for Calm said in the release.

King noted that each study in the PAWS program has its own unique robust design and methodology aimed at addressing a specific research question. “The ambition of the PAWS program is to embrace mixed-methods research (ie. quantitative and qualitative). Within the current scope of the program there are a range of experimental approaches using techniques such as electrodermal activity monitoring and ecological momentary assessment, as well as qualitative interviews with pet owners. Through multiple approaches the goal is to add depth and richness to insights generated. Together, these studies aim to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people, and the implications for health and wellbeing across species,” King said.

Previous data has shown that 45% of individuals across 31 countries viewed mental health as their top health concern in 2024, up from 27% in 2018.² Meanwhile, data from the World Health Organization show that anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental disorders, affecting more than 301 million people around the world in 2029.³

A 2024 Mars Global Pet Parent Study found that understanding the universal and transformative bond between humans and animals has never been more important. This study noted that 56% of people worldwide own pets, and there is a global pet population of about 1 billion.¹

Thus, Mars advocates for the essential role of companion animals in human lives and expressed commitment to addressing issues such as pet homelessness to keep pets and their owners together, according to the company. Advocates include Loïc Moutault, president of Mars Petcare, who is a pet owner that has experienced joy and comfort from pets.¹

“There is increasing evidence that owning a pet or simply interacting with one can bring benefits to people of all ages and from all walks of life. [Through the PAWS program], we're aiming to deliver on our purpose—abetter world for pets—because we believe pets make our lives better.Through this study program we aim to provide deeper, science-backed understanding of the mutual bond between people and pets,” Moutault said.

References

1. Mars launches landmark global study program on pets’ contribution to human wellbeing. News release. February 20, 2025. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/mars-study-pets-contribution-human-wellbeing
2. Mental health is seen as the biggest health issue. Ipsos. September 17, 2024. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-health-service-report
3. Anxiety disorders. World Health Organization, September 27, 2023. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders