lady with dog

The Pets and Wellbeing Study Program

A global research project, PAWS aims to be the world’s largest international study program into the impact of cats and dogs on human mental health and wellbeing.

Read Press Release

Read Press Release

lady with dog

The Pets and Wellbeing Study Program

A global research project, PAWS aims to be the world’s largest international study program into the impact of cats and dogs on human mental health and wellbeing.

Read Press Release

lady with dog

The Pets and Wellbeing Study Program

A global research project, PAWS aims to be the world’s largest international study program into the impact of cats and dogs on human mental health and wellbeing.

Read Press Release

The PAWS program, led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in collaboration with leading academic institutions and experts, will explore the relationships between pets and their owners and the role pets play in wellbeing across multiple geographies and age groups.

Waltham Petcare Science Institute has been advancing pet health and nutrition for more than 60 years.

Today, Waltham scientists research new ways to predict, manage and prevent disease, discovering insights and advances that proactively help pets live happier, healthier lives.  
Waltham collaborates with leading external scientific experts and partners globally to drive innovation creating a better world for pets based on scientific evidence.

Building on a strong legacy of human-animal interaction research, Waltham continues to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people.

Over the past 60 years, Waltham scientists have shared their scientific expertise through over 1700 publications, including more than 600 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Cat

Waltham Petcare Science Institute has been advancing pet health and nutrition for more than 60 years.

Cat

Today, Waltham scientists research new ways to predict, manage and prevent disease, discovering insights and advances that proactively help pets live happier, healthier lives.  
Waltham collaborates with leading external scientific experts and partners globally to drive innovation creating a better world for pets based on scientific evidence.

Building on a strong legacy of human-animal interaction research, Waltham continues to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people.

Over the past 60 years, Waltham scientists have shared their scientific expertise through over 1700 publications, including more than 600 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Waltham Petcare Science Institute has been advancing pet health and nutrition for more than 60 years.

Cat

Today, Waltham scientists research new ways to predict, manage and prevent disease, discovering insights and advances that proactively help pets live happier, healthier lives.  
Waltham collaborates with leading external scientific experts and partners globally to drive innovation creating a better world for pets based on scientific evidence.

Building on a strong legacy of human-animal interaction research, Waltham continues to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people.

Over the past 60 years, Waltham scientists have shared their scientific expertise through over 1700 publications, including more than 600 peer-reviewed journal articles.

PAWS Program

The program aims to bring deeper insight and scientific data into the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, including how pets enrich lives across all ages and walks of life.

35K+

people involved

20+

countries participating 

Featured Studies

Wellbeing has become an increasing priority in our daily lives with 45% of people across 31 countries identifying mental health as their top health concern. At the same time, global anxiety and stress levels are rising, affecting over 301 million people worldwide. A growing body of evidence shows that pets can have a positive impact on mental health, underscoring the powerful potential of human-animal interaction to enhance wellbeing.

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed
Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat
man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog
little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat
Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog
cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat
Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed
Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat
man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog
little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat
Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog
cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat
Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed
Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat
man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog
little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat
Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog
cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Featured Studies

Wellbeing has become an increasing priority in our daily lives with 45% of people across 31 countries identifying mental health as their top health concern. At the same time, global anxiety and stress levels are rising, affecting over 301 million people worldwide. A growing body of evidence shows that pets can have a positive impact on mental health, underscoring the powerful potential of human-animal interaction to enhance wellbeing.

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed
Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat
man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog
little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat
Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog
cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat
Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed
Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat
man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog
little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat
Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog
cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat
Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed
Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat
man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog
little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat
Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog
cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Featured Studies

Wellbeing has become an increasing priority in our daily lives with 45% of people across 31 countries identifying mental health as their top health concern. At the same time, global anxiety and stress levels are rising, affecting over 301 million people worldwide. A growing body of evidence shows that pets can have a positive impact on mental health, underscoring the powerful potential of human-animal interaction to enhance wellbeing.

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed
Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat
man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog
little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat
Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog
cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat
Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed
Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat
man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog
little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat
Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog
cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat
Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed

Social anxiety in Adolescents

Boy with dog on bed
Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat

Cats and the Good Life

Cat
man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog

The Impact of Pet Adoption on Humans and Animals

man with dog
little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat

Pets, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Populations ​

little boy with cat
Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog

Pet Acquisition, Mental Health, and Socioeconomic status​

Woman with dog
cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Calm Pets and Wellbeing Survey

cat

Human Animal Interaction at Mars

For more than [INSERT] years, we have sought to better understand the unique benefits of the human-animal bond. Through these efforts, Mars contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between humans and animals, promoting the development of interventions and practices with mutual benefit. 

Sustainability scenery_people_with_dog

Waltham Petcare Science Institute has been advancing pet health and nutrition for more than 60 years. Today, we research new ways to predict, manage and prevent disease, discovering insights and advances that proactively help pets live happier, healthier lives. Waltham collaborates with leading external scientific experts and partners to drive innovation, creating a better world for pets based on scientific evidence. Building on a strong legacy of human-animal interaction research, we continue to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people. 

Read More

Learn More

(opens in new window)
logo-Foundation-RC

supports projects that highlight the positive role of pets in human health and welfare.

Learn More

Better cities for pets

Pets Help People and Cities Thrive. Science tells us that when people have a pet, they tend to get more exercise, report less loneliness and stress, and have stronger social ties. That’s probably why more people than ever before see pets as family. They make our lives better, and we want to spend as much time with them as we can.

The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program helps cities be pet-friendly so more people can enjoy the benefits of a life with pets. It was created by Mars Petcare and includes a playbook for cities, an assessment tool, a city certification program, and free online resources. 

Read More

Learn More

Human Animal Interaction at Mars

For more than [INSERT] years, we have sought to better understand the unique benefits of the human-animal bond. Through these efforts, Mars contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between humans and animals, promoting the development of interventions and practices with mutual benefit. 

Sustainability scenery_people_with_dog

Waltham Petcare Science Institute has been advancing pet health and nutrition for more than 60 years. Today, we research new ways to predict, manage and prevent disease, discovering insights and advances that proactively help pets live happier, healthier lives. Waltham collaborates with leading external scientific experts and partners to drive innovation, creating a better world for pets based on scientific evidence. Building on a strong legacy of human-animal interaction research, we continue to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people. 

Read More

Learn More

(opens in new window)
logo-Foundation-RC

supports projects that highlight the positive role of pets in human health and welfare.

Learn More

Better cities for pets

Pets Help People and Cities Thrive. Science tells us that when people have a pet, they tend to get more exercise, report less loneliness and stress, and have stronger social ties. That’s probably why more people than ever before see pets as family. They make our lives better, and we want to spend as much time with them as we can.

The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program helps cities be pet-friendly so more people can enjoy the benefits of a life with pets. It was created by Mars Petcare and includes a playbook for cities, an assessment tool, a city certification program, and free online resources. 

Read More

Learn More

Human Animal Interaction at Mars

For more than [INSERT] years, we have sought to better understand the unique benefits of the human-animal bond. Through these efforts, Mars contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between humans and animals, promoting the development of interventions and practices with mutual benefit. 

Sustainability scenery_people_with_dog

Waltham Petcare Science Institute has been advancing pet health and nutrition for more than 60 years. Today, we research new ways to predict, manage and prevent disease, discovering insights and advances that proactively help pets live happier, healthier lives. Waltham collaborates with leading external scientific experts and partners to drive innovation, creating a better world for pets based on scientific evidence. Building on a strong legacy of human-animal interaction research, we continue to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people. 

Read More

Learn More

(opens in new window)
logo-Foundation-RC

supports projects that highlight the positive role of pets in human health and welfare.

Learn More

Better cities for pets

Pets Help People and Cities Thrive. Science tells us that when people have a pet, they tend to get more exercise, report less loneliness and stress, and have stronger social ties. That’s probably why more people than ever before see pets as family. They make our lives better, and we want to spend as much time with them as we can.

The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program helps cities be pet-friendly so more people can enjoy the benefits of a life with pets. It was created by Mars Petcare and includes a playbook for cities, an assessment tool, a city certification program, and free online resources. 

Read More

Learn More