LONDON — While interest in pet adoption remains strong among consumers, many prospective adopters lack the confidence and resources needed to take the next step, according to new research from Mars. According to the report, a majority (58%) of current pet owners did not adopt their current pet, however, nearly one in three (28%) expressed a desire to adopt in the future, if provided the right resources and support. 

The research builds on Mars’ State of Pet Homelessness Project, seeking to understand consumer barriers to pet adoption and how they can best be overcome. It includes surveys from more than 26,000 people across 14 countries.

The most common concerns among consumers considering pet adoption include a pet’s undiscovered medical history (33%), behavioral background (27%) and unknown household compatibility (25%). 

The report also highlighted a greater role for nutritional guidance. Seventy-one percent of respondents shared they changed their pet’s diet after leaving the shelter, which can impact how pets adjust to their new home.

Based on this data, Mars introduced its Adoption Hub, providing expert-backed advice, including that from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute; and resources to support pets and their owners pre- and post-adoption. The hub will support the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend, promoting pet adoption throughout the world.

“Bringing a pet home should be an exciting milestone, not an overwhelming one,” said Anthony Guerrieri, vice president of Corporate Affairs at Mars Pet Nutrition. “What this research clearly shows is that people have the heart to adopt, but they often second-guess whether they have the know-how. By giving people clear, trusted guidance from day one and supporting shelters through our Mars Global Adoption Weekend, we want to take the guesswork out of adoption and help people feel completely confident bringing home a new pet.”

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