The global research programme conducted by Mars covered 14 markets, alongside a Censuswide survey of 2,000 adults aged 18 and above across India. The findings reveal that 56% of Indians surveyed have had a shelter or rescue adoption experience, compared with 42% globally. Among Indians aged 25–34, the adoption rate stands at 69%, making this age group the strongest adoption cohort. Additionally, 23% of respondents in this age group said they were ready to adopt a pet immediately.
However, significant barriers remain. Housing rules have prevented 44% of respondents in India from getting a pet, more than double the global figure of 20%. At the same time, 54% of working Indians said their work arrangement makes them more likely to adopt a pet, compared with 34% globally. This proportion rises to 66% among those aged 25–34.
The findings also highlight the importance of post-adoption care. As many as 89% of pet adopters in India change their pet’s food after adoption, compared with 71% globally. Almost half make the switch immediately rather than transitioning gradually. Meanwhile, 44% of Indian pet owners said they trust veterinarians most for feeding advice, compared with 57% globally, indicating an opportunity to strengthen access to trusted veterinary guidance, particularly during the crucial period following adoption.
The Mars Global Adoption Survey found that uncertainty about an animal’s background and a lack of expert advice can discourage prospective adopters, highlighting the need for guidance throughout the adoption journey.
Launched ahead of the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend, the study builds on findings from the 2023 Mars State of Pet Homelessness survey, which estimated that 69.3 million pets in India were homeless. The latest research examines the barriers that may prevent people from adopting pets and explores ways to address these challenges so more animals can find loving homes and remain with their families for life.
A survey of 2,000 people in India found further potential for adoption, with 25% of current pet parents who had not adopted saying they would consider adoption in the future if the right guidance and support were available.
Among people considering adoption, concerns largely centre on unknown aspects of an animal’s background and its ability to adjust to a new home. The survey found that 34% were concerned about an undiscovered medical history, 23% about behavioural background and 27% about compatibility with their household.
The research also points to the need for greater expertise and guidance on pet nutrition. With 89% of adopters in India changing their pets’ diets after bringing them home from shelters, expert support can help pet parents manage the transition and ensure their animals receive appropriate, complete and balanced nutrition safely and with informed guidance.
Manish Syag, Managing Director, Mars Pet Nutrition, India, said, “Every pet deserves to be safe, healthy, and loved. Adoption is one of the most powerful ways we can help give animals that future. Our research shows encouraging momentum for adoption in India, with 56% of respondents having had a shelter or rescue adoption experience, compared with 42% globally. But creating a better world for pets goes beyond finding them homes; it requires sustained action across animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the communities in which pets and people live. At Mars, we are working across this ecosystem through animal birth control, vaccination, and community education programmes. This also includes supporting Humane World for Animals’ National ABC Training Centre in Lucknow through the Mars Impact Fund. Our efforts also include Adoption Weekend initiatives, feeding programmes in partnership with leading NGOs, and our Better Cities for Pets work in Bengaluru. Through Mars Global Adoption Weekend, we want to build on this initiative by bringing more prospective pet parents and animals together, while helping adopters access the information and support they need to make adoption a confident, lifelong commitment.”
To address the challenges associated with adoption, Mars has launched a new online Mars Adoption Hub offering expert-backed advice and practical resources for prospective and current pet parents. Drawing on the extensive knowledge of the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, the platform provides guidance for both pre-adoption preparation and post-adoption care, helping people navigate the process with greater confidence and understand the responsibilities of pet ownership.
The research also highlights the rewards of providing animals with a suitable home. Among the most fulfilling adoption milestones reported by pet parents were seeing an adopted pet become relaxed and comfortable in its new home, cited by 40%, and seeing the animal become part of the family, cited by 43%.
Geeta Seshamani, Vice President, Friendicoes, said, “As more people open their homes to pets, it is important that adoption remains at the heart of the conversation. We were delighted to collaborate with Mars to encourage more people and families to consider adopting rescued pets and to understand the responsibility that comes with welcoming a pet into their lives. Through initiatives like these, we hope to create greater awareness around responsible pet parenting and help more animals find loving homes.”
Esther Bijsmans, DVM, PhD, Veterinarian and Pet Nutrition & Health Science Expert at Mars Pet Nutrition, emphasised the importance of practical guidance in helping pets and their owners adjust to life together.
“Adopting a pet is an exciting and rewarding experience, but practical guidance is key to building confidence and helping pets and their owners thrive together,” she said.
Bijsmans recommended following the 3-3-3 rule when welcoming a new pet home. The first three days should focus on helping the animal feel safe, while the first three weeks should be dedicated to establishing routines, understanding household dynamics and building trust. By three months, most pets will have begun to settle in. She emphasised that patience and building a bond are central to the adjustment process.
She also highlighted the role of nutrition in a pet’s overall well-being and cautioned against changing food too quickly. Instead, she recommended gradually transitioning to a new diet over seven to 10 days to support healthy digestion and help pets adjust comfortably.
Building on the success of the previous year, the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend has expanded to more than 30 countries, supporting shelters around the world and helping more pets find homes.
In India, adoption drives are being held across eight cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Jaipur, Ranchi and Hyderabad. As part of the worldwide initiative to help pets find loving homes, Mars is partnering with trusted local shelters and rescue organisations, including Friendicoes, Street Dogs of Ranchi, Humane Animal Society, Ubasti Cat Café, Help in Suffering and YODA. The drives aim to connect prospective adopters with animals ready for adoption while providing expert guidance throughout the process.
Prospective adopters can visit the Mars Adoption Hub to find participating shelters in India during Global Adoption Weekend and access resources to help them prepare for life with a new pet.
The global research was conducted by Censuswide among 26,002 general consumers aged 18 and above across the UK, USA, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, India, Poland, Philippines, Canada, Italy and Japan. Data was collected between 16 July 2026 and 29 July 2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. The organisation adheres to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.
The India-specific research involved 2,000 general consumers aged 18 and above across India, with data collected between 16 July 2026 and 23 July 2026. Censuswide follows the same professional research standards for the India survey.
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