Almost Half of UK Adults Are Willing to Open Their Hearts and Homes to a Rescue Pet

Mars Partners With Animal Shelters to Help Overlooked Pets Find Their Forever Homes
While rescuing an animal is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, unknowns around a potential pets’ behaviour (30%) and health (27%) are the biggest concerns for Brits.
The right support is vital to fulfilling adoption - 42% of pet parents say seeing an adopted pet become relaxed in their home as the most rewarding milestone.
To help prospective pet parents navigate the adoption journey, Mars has a launched a dedicated Adoption Hub, providing expert tools and guidance.

London, UK (28 ^thSeptember 2026 ) – New research¹ from Mars, Incorporated, building on the Mars State of the Pet Homelessness Project, confirms the UK is a nation of true animal lovers, with almost half of UK adults (44%) open to rescuing an animal in the future.

Giving an overlooked animal a loving home is one of the most rewarding experiences. However, the new research also reveals uncertainty about a potential pets’ background can deter prospective pet adopters in the UK, highlighting the opportunity for trusted guidance and support throughout the adoption journey.

During Global Adoption Weekend 2026, Mars is supporting Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Leicester Animal Aid, Mayhew, and Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, helping more pets across the country find the loving home and family they deserve.

Navigating the Rescue Reality with Confidence

When the right support is in place, the reward of adopting a pet is clear. British pet parents say seeing an adopted pet become relaxed and comfortable in their home (42%) and building a strong bond (37%) as the most fulfilling milestones.

Yet uncertainty about a pet’s past remains a barrier for many of those considering adoption, with behavioural background (30%), uncertain medical history (27%), and household compatibility (22%) topping the list of concerns.

One in five (19%) Brits also believe that greater flexible working would make it easier to care for a pet, while housing rules and restrictions have prevented one in four (25%) from getting or keeping one.

The study also highlights an opportunity for greater nutrition expertise and guidance. With two thirds (66%) of adopters in the UK changing their pet’s diet after leaving the shelter, expert support can play an important role in helping pet parents navigate the transition and ensure their pets received appropriate, complete and balanced nutrition.

To help clear the path to pet adoption, Mars has launched a new online Adoption Hub that offers expert-backed advice, using extensive knowledge including from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, and practical resources for pre- and post-adoption support.

Nick Foster, General Manager, Pet Nutrition UK, Ireland & Nordics, Mars: “Choosing to adopt a pet is an exciting decision, and giving a rescue animal a second chance can be hugely rewarding. The UK is a nation of animal lovers, yet uncertainty around a potential pet’s history and behaviour can make adoption feel daunting. We hope that with support and guidance, we can clear the path to adoption, so more people feel equipped with the knowledge to confidently welcome a rescue pet into their home.”

Veterinarian and Pet Nutrition & Health Science Expert - Esther Bijsmans, DVM, PhD Mars Pet Nutrition comments: “Adopting a pet is an exciting and rewarding experience, but practical guidance is key to building confidence and helping pets and their owners thrive together.

“When welcoming home a new pet, we encourage pet parents to follow the 3-3-3 rule: the first three days are about helping a new pet feel safe, the first three weeks are about establishing routines, learning the household dynamic and building trust; and by three months, most pets will have begun to settle in. Patience and bond-building play a central role.

“Nutrition also plays a vital role in a pet’s overall well-being. A common mistake is switching food too quickly. Instead, gradually transition to a new diet over 7–10 days to support healthy digestion and help pets adjust comfortably.”

Pets Looking for Forever Homes

To help more animals find the loving homes they deserve and to guide adopters through the process, Mars has teamed up with animal shelters across the UK, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Leicester Animal Aid, Mayhew and Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, to spotlight pets currently in their care.

This lovely line up of dogs and cats are searching for their second chance and a forever home of their own. The shelters encourage those interested in adopting a pet to consider each animal’s specific requirements, and to enquire directly if they would like to find out more about these wonderful animals, or others in their care:

Enzo, Anatolian Shepherd Cross, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Enzo is a playful boy, full of joy and mischief! He loves discovering new sights and smells on walks, as well as paddling pool dips and playing with toys.
Enzo is looking for a home with a private, secure garden where he is the only pet in the home.
He is a lively character and is working on his manners. He would like a family with experience of large, high-energy dogs.
You can find out more about Enzo here(Opens a new window).

Camel, Crossbreed, Leicester Animal Aid

Camel is a big, friendly boy and has been at Leicester Animal Aid for more than a year. He is perfect in the home, great with children, and loves a sofa!
Camel loves human company but is unsure of other dogs and would need to be the only pet in the home. He prefers gentle walks in the countryside and needs a strong walker.
You can find out more about Camel here.

Sienna, Domestic Short Hair, Leicester Animal Aid

Sunworshipper Sienna is an independent girl with bundles of energy.
Sienna has grown in confidence since having her kittens and would enjoy a calm home, ideally where she can go outside and explore.
You can find out more about Sienna here.

Champ, Patterdale Cross, Mayhew

Cheeky Champ is looking for a terrier-loving family who can keep his active mind entertained and continue with his ongoing training.
Champ loves his trips to the park and would love a home with easy access to open spaces.
One year old Champ has had previous fractures to his pelvis. He’s not in any pain but is more at risk of osteoarthritis in later life.
You can find out more about Champ here.

Falkor, Moggie, Mayhew

11-month-old Falkor has had a tough start to life, after being found by a bin at just three months old.
She is a playful and affectionate character and loves cuddling up for snuggles and head rubs.
You can find out more about Falkor here.

George, Pointer x Lab Retriever, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

George is a playful, intelligent and joyous boy. He has a huge heart and is happiest parading around with a toy in his mouth! He is super smart and has an infectious zest for life.
Two-year-old George had a poor start in life, having been kept crated in a flat. He is looking for a rural or semi-rural home with a lovely garden to explore.
George is a loving boy, however he would like to be the only dog in the home.
You can find out more about George here.

Raffy, Domestic Short Hair, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

•     Raffy is a sweet, older boy who is incredibly affectionate and loves curling up on the sofa.
•     He is used to a quiet home with an elderly owner and is looking for a calm home where he is the only pet.
•     Despite being 15 years old, Raffy still has his playful moments and enjoys going out for a little wander.
•     You can find out more about Raffy here.

About Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. Based on combined Mars and Kellanova 2025 net sales, we are now a $65bn family-owned business, with a diverse portfolio of quality snacking and food products that delight millions of people every day, and leading pet care products and veterinary services that support pets all around the world. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, Pringles®, Cheez-It® and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our approximately 170,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.

References:
¹The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2000 General Consumers across the UK (18+). The data was collected between 16.07.2026 - 29.07.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.