Mars Incorporated's BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ initiative aims to transform urban environments into more welcoming spaces for pets and their owners through strategic partnerships and targeted investments.
By collaborating with C40 Cities — a global network of mayors focused on climate action — the program introduces an Urban Nature Playbook. This resource is designed to help cities develop green spaces that accommodate pets while enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience. The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ expansion also includes growing Mars Incorporated's partnership with Tripadvisor to identify and promote pet-friendly businesses. This addresses a key concern for pet owners who often feel restricted by limited accommodation options. With over $1 million committed to these efforts, Mars seeks to improve urban living conditions for 10 million people and pets by 2030.
Image Credit: Mars Incorporated
What's Driving This Trend
- Urban Pet-friendly Spaces
- Urban areas are increasingly converting public spaces to accommodate both pets and their owners, creating a dual focus on convenience and community.
- Biodiversity-enhancing Initiatives
- Urban pet initiatives are now integrating biodiversity improvements, leveraging green spaces to support diverse ecosystems while catering to domestic animals.
- Pet-friendly Business Promotion
- A growing trend is the promotion of pet-friendly businesses, offering a new way for enterprises to attract loyal pet-owning customers through enhanced inclusivity.
- Climate Resilience with Pet Focus
- Efforts to adapt urban environments for pets are now incorporating climate resilience strategies, merging sustainability goals with animal welfare.
- Collaborative Urban Innovation
- Partnerships between cities and corporations are spurring innovations in urban planning that prioritize pet access alongside other urban improvement goals.
Who This Affects Most
- Urban Planning
- The urban planning industry is expanding to include pet-friendly designs, integrating animal-friendly infrastructure into cityscapes.
- Hospitality
- The hospitality industry is increasingly accommodating pet owners by developing strategic partnerships that highlight pet-friendly options.
- Environmental Sustainability
- Environmental sustainability efforts in the industry are now reflecting a growing interest in creating green spaces that are both climate-resilient and pet-friendly.
