Human Animal Interaction
Mars landmark global pets and wellbeing study program launched
Mars announces launch of its Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program – a scientific research program led by Waltham Petcare Science Institute, set to be the largest ever investigation into the impact of pets on human mental health and wellbeing
The relationship between humans and pets is unique and fascinating. For several decades, Waltham has been committed to advancing scientific understanding of human-animal interaction, investigating health and wellbeing impacts to both pets and people.
With more than half (56%) of the global population owning a pet, there’s never been a more important time to deepen knowledge and understanding of the human-animal bond.
Innovation in research
The Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program led by Waltham, is set to become the world’s largest, multi-year research program exploring the impacts of cats and dogs on human mental health and wellbeing.
The multidisciplinary study program will explore stress, anxiety, loneliness and overall wellbeing in the context of pet ownership and interaction. The program aims to bring deeper insight and scientific data to the field through innovative, and robust research.
“We are thrilled to be announcing the launch of this ground-breaking research program,” says Kay O’Donnell, VP Science at Waltham Petcare Science Institute. “Through multidisciplinary research executed in geographically and socially diverse populations, we aim to uncover rich data that will further our understanding of the impacts of human-animal relationships like never before.”
The long-term scientific program will include collaborations with academic institutions and partners including Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, University of Maryland School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liverpool, University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, YouGov and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute. The initial phase of the program will involve over 35,000 pet owners across more than 20 countries and will continue to build over time.
Dr Maggie O’Haire, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine said: “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. We are proud to continue to collaborate with Mars and its world-leading research institute as it embarks on this transformative work.”
Wellbeing has become an increasingly important global priority with 45% of people across 31 countries identifying mental health as their top health concern. At the same time, global anxiety and stress levels are rising, affecting over 301 million people worldwide. A growing body of evidence shows that pets can have a positive impact on mental health, underscoring the powerful potential of human-animal interaction to enhance wellbeing.
While pets have the potential to support our wellbeing, humans may be key to their happiness too. By leading this new research program, we will take this understanding to the next level in pursuit of our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
