Mars has been a global leader in encouraging and supporting the responsible ownership of pets in a variety of ways around the world.

The Waltham® Centre, the World’s Leading Authority on Petcare and Nutrition. We seek to better understand the benefits of pet ownership and the needs of pets themselves. And as a result of our work, we support programmes around the world to foster an understanding of the human-animal bond and the responsible ownership of pets, including how best to care for and feed one’s pet.

We believe:

• Pets, and pet ownership, are good for people of all ages and circumstances.
• Pets can play an integral part of life in a harmonious community.
• Owners have a responsibility to their pet, and to the community within which the pet owner and pet live.

Pets that are cared for with respect provide many benefits for the people who care for them. This is especially true for children, elderly people and the disabled.

In conjunction with local associations as Activ’ Dog, we support school education programmes to teach children about responsible pet ownership. This has allowed children from an early school age to be educated about pets and how to treat and care for them. This association also visits homes and elderly people with dogs and cats.

With national veterinary associations we organise also sensibilisation programmes around pets oral and dental health.

We support associations like Dyadis, providing assistance dogs to assist people with reduced mobility, and the shelters of the Royal Society of Blue Cross in Belgium.