As part of the deployment of its “Better Cities For Pets” program, the Mars Petcare France group is inaugurating a cycle of virtual meetings this year. This approach, both collaborative and innovative, tends to improve the integration of animals within urban areas.
As one of the leaders in the industry of prepared food and hygiene products for pets, Mars Petcare’s mission is to preserve the well-being of our 4-legged companions in urban areas. To do this, the company has played the innovation card. Through its “ Better Cities For Pets ” plan, it defends the place of animals in the city by bringing together a plethora of actors around 4 important objectives :
- promote adoption in shelters;
- encourage responsible animal ownership;
- encourage businesses to accept animals on their premises;
- develop more green spaces to accommodate canines and domestic felines.
To achieve this ambition and strengthen its commitment to companion animals, Mars Petcare has introduced an ingenious participatory approach: the “ Animal Rendezvous in the City ”.
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Thinking together to create a better world for pets
During these virtual meetings , Mars Petcare invites various experts, actors of the animal cause and representatives of municipalities. Sharing of experiences and know-how, submissions of analyzes and suggestions for concrete, positive and sustainable solutions are gathered around the table. The lessons learned will be grouped together in a White Paper by 2022. The municipalities will thus have all the keys in hand to welcome, as best as possible, pets in their midst.
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Covid-19 at the heart of concerns during the first meeting
On April 1, 2021, nearly 80 participants were invited to reflect on the consequences of the expansion of Covid-19. Animal owners have not been spared the virus and the restrictions put in place by the government. The experts have come to the conclusion that the sale of puppies and kittens has increased by more than 30% , as well as adoptions , since the start of the pandemic.
Several elements were therefore underlined. Among other things, animals have played a vital role in the fight against the loneliness of confined citizens; shelters have demonstrated their adaptability in the context of adoptions; the risks of mistreatment have increased in households.
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Actors recognized for being a force of proposal
Following this meeting, 5 courses of action were set out for the cities:
- temporary care of pets in the event of hospitalization;
- the implementation of intergenerational pet sitters at home;
- the creation of walking areas for animals;
- the construction in shared gardens of cat shelters ;
- better care for abandoned dogs .
Read also: Abandoned due to heart problems, this dog explores the world from the backpack of his new owner
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Mars Petcare does not intend to stop there. Other meetings are planned for the current year. In June, the focus will be on responsible adoption and the fight against abandonment. In September, the engines and brakes of animal owners in town will be discussed. Finally, to end the year, the month of December will be devoted to the practices necessary for a better integration of the animal in urban areas. </p
