A new global study by Mars has highlighted a critical need for increased pet adoption, revealing that only 11% of dog owners and 17% of cat owners worldwide choose to adopt from shelters. This comes as 362 million cats and dogs remain homeless across the globe, creating a growing demand for adoption efforts, particularly in the UK.
As part of its first-ever Global Adoption Weekend, running from 11th to 13th October, Mars is urging pet owners to consider adopting rescue animals. To raise awareness, much-loved television personality Fred Sirieix has teamed up with Battersea, one of the UK’s leading animal welfare charities, to help match prospective pet owners with rescue cats. The collaboration comes at a time when Battersea is dealing with its highest number of cats in need in the past five years.
Fred Sirieix, known for his role in helping people find love on TV, has temporarily shifted his matchmaking talents to connect families with their ideal rescue pets. Fred recently hosted a special event at Battersea, where adopters were paired with cats in need of homes. Many visitors left with more than one pet, with one family adopting two cats instead of one.
Fred commented: “Just like finding a partner, choosing a pet isn’t just about looks—it’s all about compatibility, or ‘com’pet’ibility’ in this case. It was heartwarming to see how families came with specific ideas but left with perfect matches they hadn’t expected. I hope this Global Adoption Weekend will help even more pets find their forever homes.”
The Mars Global Pet Parent Study surveyed 20,000 pet owners across 20 countries. Despite the widespread preference for buying pets, the survey revealed that globally there is a growing need for shelter adoptions. A separate poll in the UK conducted by Mars found that 66% of respondents believe people often choose pets based on age and appearance rather than compatibility with their lifestyle.
Battersea’s Rehoming and Welfare Manager, Bridie Williams, urged potential adopters to look beyond superficial traits when choosing pets. “We have a wide range of cats here at Battersea that would be perfect for different lifestyles, from older cats looking for a quiet home to playful young felines. With a growing number of unneutered cats and unwanted litters arriving at our centres, we need more people to consider adopting,” said Williams.
The situation at Battersea is not unique. Many rescues across the UK are experiencing a surge in the number of cats needing help. Several factors, including unplanned litters and changes in owner circumstances, have contributed to this influx. Despite the challenges, Mars’ Global Adoption Weekend aims to encourage more people to turn to rescue centres for their next pet, providing animals with a second chance at life.
Pet behaviourist Dr Tammie King from Mars Petcare highlighted the importance of considering compatibility when adopting. “Pets, like people, have unique personalities. It’s essential to match them to your lifestyle for a happy relationship. Cats, for example, may suit some families better due to their lower maintenance, but owners should still ensure they can meet their pets’ needs.”
To participate in the Global Adoption Weekend, prospective adopters are encouraged to visit the Battersea website to find their perfect pet match.
