Building Better Cities for Pets: A Global Initiative for Urban Pet Parents
June 10, 2025, 10:28 pm
In the heart of bustling cities, pets are often left on the sidelines. A recent study reveals that only 40% of urban pet parents feel their neighborhoods are pet-friendly. This statistic paints a stark picture. Pets are family, yet many urban environments fail to accommodate their needs. Enter Mars, Incorporated, a giant in the pet care industry, with a bold initiative: the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program. This program aims to transform urban landscapes into pet-friendly havens, ensuring that both pets and their owners can thrive together.
Mars is not just barking up the wrong tree. They are investing over $1 million to create more green spaces and pet-friendly areas. The goal? To benefit 10 million people and pets by 2030. This initiative is not merely about pets; it’s about fostering community. Pets enhance our lives, improve our mental health, and help us forge connections. A pet-friendly city is a happier city.
The partnership with C40 Cities is a game-changer. C40 is a network of mayors from nearly 100 cities, all committed to tackling climate change. Together, they are launching the Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets, and the Planet. This playbook is a roadmap for city leaders, offering practical guidance on creating greener urban spaces. Think tree-lined sidewalks, parks, and public squares that not only welcome pets but also support biodiversity.
Cities like London, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Bengaluru, and Bangkok are the initial focus. These urban centers will serve as models for others to follow. The aim is to create environments where pets can roam freely and safely, enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Imagine walking through a city where dogs frolic in parks, cats lounge in sunlit squares, and pet owners connect over shared experiences. This vision is within reach.
The benefits of pet ownership are profound. Studies show that 83% of pet parents report a positive impact on their mental well-being. Pets spark conversations and friendships, weaving a tighter social fabric. They are not just companions; they are catalysts for community engagement. A city that embraces pets is a city that embraces its residents.
Mars’s commitment to this cause is unwavering. The urban pet population is expected to rise by nearly 10% by 2030. This surge necessitates a shift in how cities are designed. Urban planners must listen to pet parents and incorporate their needs into city layouts. A better city for pets is a better city for everyone.
Moreover, the initiative extends beyond green spaces. A staggering 11% of urban pet parents feel that owning a dog limits their mobility. This highlights a critical gap in urban planning. Mars is expanding its partnership with Tripadvisor to create more pet-friendly businesses. The goal is to identify and promote places where pets are welcome, making travel and outings easier for pet owners. In the past year alone, 5,000 new pet-friendly locations have been added to Tripadvisor. This is just the beginning.
The initiative is not without its challenges. Many cities are still grappling with climate issues and urban sprawl. However, the collaboration between Mars and C40 Cities is a beacon of hope. It signals a shift towards more inclusive urban environments. The Urban Nature Playbook will provide cities with the tools they need to create spaces that benefit both people and pets.
The campaign is also a call to action for pet parents. It encourages them to advocate for their pets’ needs in their communities. By voicing their concerns, pet owners can influence local policies and urban planning. The message is clear: pets deserve a seat at the table.
As cities evolve, so too must our approach to pet ownership. The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program is a vital step in this direction. It recognizes that pets are integral to our lives and communities. By fostering pet-friendly environments, we can enhance urban living for everyone.
In conclusion, the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ initiative is more than just a program; it’s a movement. It aims to reshape urban landscapes, making them more inclusive for pets and their owners. With a focus on green spaces and community engagement, Mars and C40 Cities are paving the way for a brighter future. A future where pets are not just tolerated but celebrated. A future where cities are designed with both people and pets in mind.
As we look ahead, let’s embrace this vision. Let’s advocate for our furry friends and work towards creating urban spaces that reflect our love for them. Because when pets thrive, we all thrive. The journey to better cities for pets has begun, and it’s a journey worth taking.
Mars is not just barking up the wrong tree. They are investing over $1 million to create more green spaces and pet-friendly areas. The goal? To benefit 10 million people and pets by 2030. This initiative is not merely about pets; it’s about fostering community. Pets enhance our lives, improve our mental health, and help us forge connections. A pet-friendly city is a happier city.
The partnership with C40 Cities is a game-changer. C40 is a network of mayors from nearly 100 cities, all committed to tackling climate change. Together, they are launching the Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets, and the Planet. This playbook is a roadmap for city leaders, offering practical guidance on creating greener urban spaces. Think tree-lined sidewalks, parks, and public squares that not only welcome pets but also support biodiversity.
Cities like London, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Bengaluru, and Bangkok are the initial focus. These urban centers will serve as models for others to follow. The aim is to create environments where pets can roam freely and safely, enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Imagine walking through a city where dogs frolic in parks, cats lounge in sunlit squares, and pet owners connect over shared experiences. This vision is within reach.
The benefits of pet ownership are profound. Studies show that 83% of pet parents report a positive impact on their mental well-being. Pets spark conversations and friendships, weaving a tighter social fabric. They are not just companions; they are catalysts for community engagement. A city that embraces pets is a city that embraces its residents.
Mars’s commitment to this cause is unwavering. The urban pet population is expected to rise by nearly 10% by 2030. This surge necessitates a shift in how cities are designed. Urban planners must listen to pet parents and incorporate their needs into city layouts. A better city for pets is a better city for everyone.
Moreover, the initiative extends beyond green spaces. A staggering 11% of urban pet parents feel that owning a dog limits their mobility. This highlights a critical gap in urban planning. Mars is expanding its partnership with Tripadvisor to create more pet-friendly businesses. The goal is to identify and promote places where pets are welcome, making travel and outings easier for pet owners. In the past year alone, 5,000 new pet-friendly locations have been added to Tripadvisor. This is just the beginning.
The initiative is not without its challenges. Many cities are still grappling with climate issues and urban sprawl. However, the collaboration between Mars and C40 Cities is a beacon of hope. It signals a shift towards more inclusive urban environments. The Urban Nature Playbook will provide cities with the tools they need to create spaces that benefit both people and pets.
The campaign is also a call to action for pet parents. It encourages them to advocate for their pets’ needs in their communities. By voicing their concerns, pet owners can influence local policies and urban planning. The message is clear: pets deserve a seat at the table.
As cities evolve, so too must our approach to pet ownership. The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program is a vital step in this direction. It recognizes that pets are integral to our lives and communities. By fostering pet-friendly environments, we can enhance urban living for everyone.
In conclusion, the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ initiative is more than just a program; it’s a movement. It aims to reshape urban landscapes, making them more inclusive for pets and their owners. With a focus on green spaces and community engagement, Mars and C40 Cities are paving the way for a brighter future. A future where pets are not just tolerated but celebrated. A future where cities are designed with both people and pets in mind.
As we look ahead, let’s embrace this vision. Let’s advocate for our furry friends and work towards creating urban spaces that reflect our love for them. Because when pets thrive, we all thrive. The journey to better cities for pets has begun, and it’s a journey worth taking.