Mars launches major global study of 35 000 people

The Mars company has announced the launch of the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) programme. PAWS is set to become the world's largest multi-year research programme investigating the impact of cats and dogs on people's mental health and wellbeing, Mars said.

Led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, PAWS is a multidisciplinary research programme that will initially engage over 35 000 people in more than 20 countries. The programme aims to provide deeper insights and scientific data on the mutual benefits of human-animal relationships. Over the course of the study programme, the collaborative research will include work with academic institutions and notable partners.

Dr Maggie O'Haire, associate dean for research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, said: “The breadth and depth of this study programme promises to provide new data and deeper insights into something that many people instinctively feel – that the bond between pets and their owners is a strong and unique part of the human experience.“