The fate of abandoned animals depends on us. Here’s how you can help!

There are approximately 4 million cats and dogs living as pets in the Czech Republic, while it is estimated that thousands more pets are without owners and are waiting for a loving and safe home. Mars, the company that distributes popular pet food brands such as Pedigree and Whiskas, has called for a joint event to mark International Homeless Animals Day. The company has been working for years to create a better world for pets, with a particular focus on supporting shelters, promoting responsible breeding and boosting adoptions. As a result, the company has brought together three ways we can all do our part to improve the lives of abandoned pets and increase their chances of finding a loving home.

Adopt and do it responsibly

Every animal deserves a safe and loving home. Adoption can change more lives immediately by taking some of the burden off a shelter, allowing the organization to save and adopt out more animals. There are many reasons to adopt, such as animals from shelters have already gone through basic health checks and vaccinations, so as a new owner you can be sure your animal will be healthy, or you know exactly what special needs your new pet will have. Groomers also know the animals they raise very well, so they can help choose the best fit for our lifestyle and personality.

We should remember that adoption should be a responsible decision that includes annual vaccinations, possible medical care, ideal food, enough exercise and play, and the stability of a safe and secure home. First of all, we need to choose an animal that fits our lifestyle, rhythm, and environment so that we can provide it with the right environment and care. You can also build a special relationship with captured stray dogs and cats because they return your care with extraordinary love and gratitude.

Mars also incentivizes its employees to adopt through its internal programs. The company provides a year’s supply of pet food to all employees who adopt a dog or cat. Mars offices are also pet-friendly, promoting a close and balanced relationship between owners and pets.

Author: Mars Czech sro

Give gifts to abandoned pets

Shelters work tirelessly to help homeless animals, and everyone can support their work. Donations can help provide food, healthcare and other basic needs for the animals, and help maintain and improve the shelters. In addition to financial support, material donations such as blankets, toys, food and cleaning supplies can be a big help. Mars has supported livestock shelters through food donations for many years, and this year has delivered more than 1,700 kilograms of animal food to shelters in need.

Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

In addition to financial and material support, we can also donate our time and energy to shelters and help them with their activities. Volunteering allows us to participate in the daily care of the animals, walking them and socializing with them, which makes their daily lives more joyful. In addition, through interacting with the animals, we can also find animals with whom we develop special relationships and eventually adopt.

“Volunteering at the shelter not only brings joy but also meaningful help to the animals. Together with my colleagues, I am honored to contribute to improving the lives of the animals at the shelter, by walking the dogs or improving the areas where the abandoned animals currently live, within the framework of the Volunteer Days that Mars has organized for many years. Seeing the results of our work and the joy of the animals is a priceless reward for us. Volunteering at the shelter not only allows us to help where needed, but also strengthens team spirit and mutual cooperation among colleagues.” Said Nikola Šulcová, Quality Manager at Mars.

Since animal shelters are often under-resourced, volunteer help is vital to their operations. Find the nearest shelter and ask about volunteer opportunities!

“One of our main goals as a company is to create a better world for pets, and we try to achieve this through pillars like promoting adoptions and long-term support for animal shelters. Let’s not forget that every small change and action we take can make tomorrow a better day, not only for us, but for our pets as well.” said Jan Sikora, CEO of Mars Czech Republic.