'Run for life': How pet adoption can change two lives

Although shelter adoptions in the Philippines remain in the low single digits, the impact is profound. Adopting a shelter pet transforms two lives: giving the animal a second chance and enriching the life of the pet parent. 

Mars, a leading pet care company behind brands pets and pet owners love, launches the second annual Mars Global Adoption Weekend (GAW). Building on the success of last year’s global adoption drive, the 2025 initiative expands to over 20 countries and is shining a light on the impact of pets on mental wellbeing and how adopting a shelter pet can change two lives — the pets and the pet owners. Philippines is one of the first to start the activation in partnership with Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) at the 10th anniversary "Run Fur Life" event in Manila.

For more than 30 years of doing business in the Philippines, the brand has built trusted partnerships with local NGOs, the veterinary community and opinion leaders to tackle pet homelessness. Through educational programs and donations, it supports both pets in need and the communities that care for them — driven by belief that every pet deserves a loving home.

The "Run Fur Life" on 28 September 2025 — a signature event celebrating the bond between pets and pet parents while raising funds for homeless and shelter animals. More than 1,000 participants, both human and canine, joined the 2025 run, inspired by BB the dog as mascot. A tripod dog, rescued by AKF volunteers, BB is a celebrity advocate for shelter dogs in the Philippines, showcasing the benefits of shelter dogs to be adopted in their forever homes. These stories reinforce the powerful truth that pets transform lives: 83 percent of people worldwide say their pet has improved their mental wellbeing (Mars and CALM PAWS Survey, 2025). Pets and people truly are better together.

Mars Philippines is proud to champion adoption by donating more than 30,000 daily pet meals to our shelter partners. In October 2025 anyone can help fill the bowl of shelter pets in the Philippines with #TwoLivesChanged campaign at Shopee, Lazada and TikTok. (We) will donate meals for shelter pets with every purchase of Pedigree and Whiskas products in our official stores,” stated Deng Osite, sales director, Mars Petcare Philippines.

“This year marks a decade of AKF "Run Fur Life," and we are proud to celebrate it with our long-standing partner. Together, we’ve built initiatives such as www.WeR4HappyTails.com, a portal that connects future pet parents with adoptable cats and dogs from partner shelters,” added Atty. Heidi Marquez-Caguioa, program director of AKF. “The site not only promotes responsible pet ownership, but also helps families find the furry companions who will change their lives forever. It’s the perfect moment to take that step and welcome a new companion.

Raising awareness on adoption and educating pet parents about responsible ownership are key. Pets are becoming central to people’s lives, especially among younger generations — 49 percent of Gen Z dog owners and 42 percent of young cat owners in the Philippines say their pets are the most important part of their lives.