Mars & Calm Team Up with Shailene Woodley for Global Adoption Weekend
Mars Inc. and mental health company Calm are joining forces with actor Shailene Woodley to promote pet adoption during the second annual Global Adoption Weekend, taking place from October 3-5, 2025. The event aims to find homes for an estimated 16 million dogs and cats currently in shelters worldwide.
Mars, known for pet brands like Royal Canin and Whiskas, is partnering with Calm to offer adoptive pet owners three months of free Calm membership. This initiative comes as research shows that spending time with pets increases levels of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, contributing to improved mental wellbeing.
Shailene Woodley, a pet owner herself, credits her rescue cats with transforming her life and bringing her peace and calm. She joins Mars in encouraging pet adoption, with the company supporting the event through partnerships with shelters in over 20 countries. In the U.S., Mars will cover adoption fees for cats and dogs at partner shelters in 21 cities, totaling over $185,000.
A global survey by Mars found that 83% of pet owners believe their pet has improved their mental wellbeing, and 73% said their pet encourages them to stop overthinking or worrying. Within three months of adoption, dogs show signs of increased confidence, while cats show signs of bonding and calmness.
The Global Adoption Weekend seeks to reduce the number of pets waiting for homes in shelters worldwide. By adopting, pet owners can benefit from the mental health boost that pets provide, as shown by Mars' survey and research on pet-human interaction. With Mars covering adoption fees in many U.S. cities and offering free Calm memberships, the event makes pet adoption more accessible than ever.
