India Sees Growing Openness To Pet Adoption, But Medical History And Household Compatibility Remain Hurdles
Mumbai: One in four pet parents who have never adopted an animal are willing to consider giving a rescued pet a home, pointing to growing openness towards adoption. However, concerns about an animal’s medical history, behaviour and ability to adjust to a new home continue to deter prospective adopters, a survey has found. Animal welfare groups have welcomed the findings, saying that rescued…
Mumbai: A recent survey conducted by Mars reveals that one in four pet owners who have never adopted a pet are open to the idea of adopting in the future. While this shows growing openness towards pet adoption, concerns about medical history, behavior, and compatibility with the household remain a barrier for potential adopters.
Animal welfare groups view the findings positively, citing a need for better guidance and support to encourage more families to adopt. The Mars Global Adoption Survey, conducted before the 2026 Mars Global Adoption Weekend, expands on the 2023 State of Pet Homelessness survey, which indicated that 69.3 million former pets in India were homeless.
A resident of Bandra, Christine Saldanha, expressed distress over the abandonment of animals by affluent individuals after purchasing fancy breed puppies. When the animals mature or develop health issues, these owners abandon them at Chowpatty. Of the 2,000 respondents surveyed, 25% of non-adopters are open to considering adoption, provided they receive proper guidance and support.
Among those considering adoption, 34% expressed concerns about an animal's medical history, 23% were interested in learning more about its behavior, and 27% were worried about compatibility with their household. The survey also underlines the significance of nutritional guidance during the transition from a shelter to a new home.
Mars Pet Nutrition's Manish Syag highlighted adoption as one of the most effective means of providing animals with safety and a home. The collaboration with the Youth Organisation In Defence Of Animals (YODA) for the Global Adoption Weekend 2026, 'Clearing the Path', aims to encourage people to embrace rescued pets often overlooked and comprehend the lifelong commitment of pet parenting.
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