Mars launches Impact Fund across key markets to expand veterinary care and community resilience

GLOBAL – Mars Incorporated, a multinational manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and animal care services, has launched a new enterprise-level philanthropic initiative, the Mars Impact Fund, with early programmes rolling out across the United States, India and Mexico to expand access to veterinary care, strengthen community resilience and support companion animal wellbeing.

The fund, which will invest $85 million between 2025 and 2027, has approved initial grants to support projects delivered in partnership with Humane World for Animals across India and Mexico, focusing on preventive veterinary services, vaccinations, spay/neuter programmes, and capacity building for veterinary professionals.

Mars said the initiative is designed to deliver long-term, scalable impact in communities where it operates, with a strong focus on improving access to animal healthcare and strengthening local systems.

“This reflects our commitment to scaling impact where it is needed most,” said Andy Pharoah, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, adding that the fund is designed to strengthen and complement Mars’ wider sustainability and community investment programmes.

India and Mexico programmes target over 400,000 animals

Among its inaugural grants, the Fund approved $726,000 for Humane World for Animals, supporting projects in India and Mexico that are expected to directly benefit around 48,400 animals, with a wider indirect impact of up to 400,000 animals through expanded veterinary services and community outreach.

“India is at a defining moment in how it manages human–animal coexistence,” said Manish Syag, Managing Director, Mars Pet Nutrition India. 

“This initiative is more than a grant; it represents a long-term blueprint for building safer, healthier and more resilient cities for both people and animals.”

In Mexico, Humane World for Animals will expand mobile access-to-care clinics in Aguascalientes, enhance veterinary training partnerships, and explore opportunities in Mexico City. 

These efforts respond to urgent needs highlighted by Mars’ State of Pet Homelessness Index, which found Mexico among the seven markets accounting for 92% of homeless pets worldwide.

Additionally, the Fund approved a $3 million grant to Save the Children to strengthen community resilience in cocoa-growing areas of Indonesia, expanding Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and child protection systems across 115 villages.

India’s scale-up includes a national training infrastructure

In India, the programme will expand across cities including Lucknow, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, as well as Uttarakhand, integrating sterilisation, vaccination and veterinary training programmes.

A key component includes the establishment of India’s first National Animal Birth Control Training Centre in Lucknow, alongside mobile training units for NGOs and veterinary professionals.

The initiative is aligned with national efforts to improve animal population management, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas where human–animal interactions are increasing.

Mars’ expanded investment reflects a wider industry trend toward structured animal health systems, driven by rising pet ownership, urbanisation and public health concerns such as rabies control and stray population management.

“Together with Mars, we are removing one of the biggest barriers to better health and welfare outcomes for companion animals: access to quality veterinary care,” said Anton Aguilar, Executive Director, Humane World for Animals Mexico.

The company said the fund will also scale to $50 million annually from 2028, reinforcing long-term investment in veterinary infrastructure and companion animal welfare programmes.

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