Mars Petcare has taken a significant step in supporting pet-friendly communities by awarding $100,000 in grants to five cities through its BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program. This initiative helps create environments where pets and their owners can stay together while improving urban spaces to accommodate animals.
The funding is directed toward programs that address pet-related challenges, ensuring communities implement policies and resources that promote responsible pet ownership and better integration of pets into daily life.
Key Takeaways
Mars Petcare has awarded $100,000 in grants to five cities through its BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program to support pet-friendly initiatives and improve urban spaces for pets.
- Baltimore is establishing a Return to Home Coordinator to assist lost pets and their owners.
- Fremont is providing adoption guidance and post-adoption support for first-time pet owners in underserved communities.
- Nashville is expanding pet-focused activities and resources in local parks.
Pet-friendly city initiatives
The five cities receiving grants are using the funds for tailored projects that align with this mission. Baltimore, Maryland, is establishing a Return to Home Coordinator within Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) to reunite lost pets with their families and assist pet owners in crisis. Camuy, Puerto Rico, is implementing pet-friendly bylaws, supporting businesses in welcoming pets, and launching a public awareness campaign.
No one should feel trapped in an abusive home because they can’t take their pet with them.
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Fremont, California, is helping first-time pet owners in underserved communities by offering adoption guidance, training, and post-adoption support. Lancaster, Ohio, is developing a database of pet-friendly businesses and placing signage to help pet owners navigate public spaces.
Nashville, Tennessee, is using its grant to expand pet-focused activities, resources, and education in a local park, enhancing community engagement and responsible pet ownership.
Why pet-friendly initiatives matter
The impact of these grants extends beyond financial assistance. A survey of cities participating in the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program found that all respondents agreed pets contribute to a stronger sense of community, and nearly all recognized pet-friendliness as a vital component of urban development.
Many adults reported that pets help initiate conversations, making it easier to connect with others, and over 80% said their pets had led them to interact with individuals they might not have otherwise engaged with. These findings highlight how pet ownership strengthens social bonds and fosters inclusive communities.
To support long-term success, Mars Petcare offers free resources, grants, and certification programs to help cities become more accommodating to pets and their owners. Over 180 cities across North America have already earned certification through the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program, benefiting an estimated 12 million pets.
In response to cities requesting better education and policy guidance, the program introduced the Responsible Pet Ownership Communication Toolkit in 2024, empowering communities with resources to improve pet-friendly infrastructure.
Mars Petcare’s commitment to pets and owners
Mars Petcare is a global leader in pet nutrition and veterinary services, committed to enhancing the lives of pets and the people who care for them. As part of Mars, Incorporated, a family-owned business with a diverse portfolio of well-known brands, Mars Petcare leverages its expertise to drive initiatives promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
Through partnerships, research, and advocacy, the company continues to support communities in integrating pets into everyday life, ensuring both urban and suburban areas offer safe, welcoming spaces for animals.
The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ initiative exemplifies Mars Petcare’s mission to create a world where pets are welcomed and supported through well-designed policies and programs. By providing grants, educational resources, and certification opportunities, the program helps cities address the challenges of pet ownership and urban development.
Cities looking to enhance pet-friendly initiatives can explore the program’s offerings at BetterCitiesForPets.com, where they can access toolkits, playbooks, and guidance on achieving certification.
With more communities recognizing the benefits of pet-friendly policies, the impact of initiatives like BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ will continue to grow. By fostering a place where pets and handlers can thrive, Mars Petcare is not only improving the quality of life for animals but also strengthening the social fabric of communities across North America.
