Mars Veterinary Health report showcases science shaping the future of pet care

USA – Mars Veterinary Health, the global veterinary care division of Mars Petcare, has released its 2025 Science Impact Report, highlighting a year of accelerated scientific research and data-driven innovation aimed at improving pet health outcomes worldwide.

Titled Pets, Purpose, Progress: Clinical Excellence through Scientific Innovation, the annual report outlines how Mars Veterinary Health’s globally connected network of veterinary hospitals and research teams is advancing veterinary medicine through large-scale clinical research, genetic discovery, sustainability science and improved access to care. 

The report documents more than 500 peer-reviewed scientific publications produced in 2025 by clinician scientists working across the network.

“Our second annual Science Impact Report is more than a record of progress—it’s a blueprint for the future of veterinary care,” said Dottie Brown, DACVS, MS, DVM, vice president of Science and Healthcare Innovation at Mars Veterinary Health and leader of its Medical Affairs Science Team. 

“By harnessing science, innovation, and sharing best practices, we are driving clinical excellence today while laying the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future for generations of pets to come.”

Mars Veterinary Health cares for more than 10 million pets annually across dozens of countries. 

Its research model leverages anonymised clinical data from millions of patient visits each year, creating one of the veterinary industry’s most comprehensive datasets to support evidence-based care and global scientific collaboration.

From clinical breakthroughs to One Health insights

The report highlights research spanning both common and complex health conditions, including oncology, neurology, dermatology, anaesthesia, infectious disease and patient safety, alongside the use of machine-learning tools to support clinical decision-making in veterinary practice.

Significant progress was also recorded in One Health research, which examines the interconnected health of animals, people and the environment.

In 2025, Mars Veterinary Health researchers identified a novel rabies variant in the United States and detected a human erythroparvovirus analogue in cats in Italy. 

Additional studies examined mercury exposure, greenhouse gas emissions in veterinary settings, waste anaesthetic gases, medical waste reduction and pharmaceutical stewardship.

A major driver of discovery continues to be the MARS PETCARE BIOBANK™, which has enrolled more than 4,500 pets since its launch three years ago. 

Research using biobank data led to the identification of the SLAMF1 genetic variant linked to canine atopic dermatitis, accelerating the development of a new DNA test in collaboration with academic partners. 

Full genome datasets generated through the initiative are now accessible via the National Center for Biotechnology Information Sequence Read Archive, which is set to become the world’s largest open-access repository of cat and dog genetic data.

Sustainability and access to care

Beyond clinical research, the report underscores efforts to make veterinary care more sustainable and accessible. 

In partnership with a major distributor, Mars Veterinary Health scaled a reusable shipping tote programme to more than 1,300 US clinics within 12 months, avoiding 200 tonnes of waste. 

Over the same period, three tonnes of plastic packaging waste were diverted from landfill through recycling initiatives.

The company also collaborated with Michigan State University to establish the first research framework and metrics for Access to Veterinary Care, providing a foundation for future global policy and research efforts.

Mars Veterinary Health will showcase its latest scientific and sustainability initiatives at the 2026 Veterinary Meeting & Expo, where it will serve as Sustainability sponsor and feature the report in the VMX Sustainability Hub and a continuing education session focused on climate, the environment and veterinary medicine.

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