Mars x Calm: Pet-Inspired Wellbeing
Pets can naturally bring calm into our everyday lives. So, Calm and Mars have created a special collection inspired by our bond with pets and all the ways they impact our mental wellbeing.
Celebrating the bond between people and pets
It’s no secret that life can feel overwhelming sometimes. And for many people, the pressure’s only getting worse: studies have found that anxiety levels are on the rise. But for those lucky enough to share their lives with pets, comfort and calm might already be closer than we think.
Whether it’s a dog getting us out for a walk, a cat curling up beside us after a long day, pets have a unique way of helping us slow down, reconnect and feel better in the moment. Yet many of us don’t fully recognize just how powerful those everyday interactions can be for our wellbeing.
That insight inspired a partnership between Mars and Calm. Together, they created Mars x Calm: Pet-Inspired Moments of Relaxation(Opens a new window) – the first content collection on Calm dedicated to celebrating the unique bond between people and pets, and the everyday moments of comfort, connection and calm they bring into our lives.
Explore the Mars x Calm Collection
MEDITATE
Care for Yourself, Care for Your Pet
Take a moment to cultivate a little compassion, purpose and joy alongside your pet.
CONNECT
Philippa & Patricia: Two Lives Changed
Hear how one adoption changed everything for Philippa and Patricia.
REFLECT
Katie & Luna: Better Together
Hear how Luna has been a steady source of companionship for Katie.
REST
Nicola & Bandit: Tail of Companionship
Hear how Bandit helped Nicola find comfort through challenging times.
The science behind the bond
The mission to spotlight the role pets play in our wellbeing builds on decades of research from Mars’ science hub, the Waltham Petcare Science Institute(Opens a new window), on human-animal interactions (HAI). Recently, Mars launched the Pets and Wellbeing Study Program (PAWS)(Opens a new window), a multi-year global research project with 35,000 people across more than 20 countries to explore the impact pets have on our mental health and wellbeing.
Dr. Tammie King, specialist in human-animal interaction and Senior Research Manager at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, says: “Research has shown that interactions with pets can help lower stress levels, improve mood, support healthier cardiovascular outcomes and reduce feelings of loneliness.
“And it’s not one-sided – humans influence pets too. When we provide them with consistent care, attention, exercise and socialisation, it can support their emotional wellbeing and physical health.”
As part of the Mars x Calm partnership, an international survey uncovered more of the ways pets contribute to everyday wellbeing. On behalf of Mars and Calm, YouGov surveyed over 30,000 pet owners across 20 markets and found that pets benefit our mental health in a myriad of ways. The great majority – 83 percent – of pet owners said that their pet has a positive impact on their mental wellbeing. Find out more