A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™: Mars, Pick ‘n Pay, Takealot, And Pet Express Lead South Africa’s Largest Retail and Pet Care Collaboration for World Animal Day 2025

For the first time in South Africa, Mars, Pick n Pay, Takealot, and Pet Express are joining forces in a nationwide initiative dedicated to advancing pet wellbeing for World Animal Day 2025. Mars, the company behind some of the world’s leading pet-care brands, is extending its “A Better World for Pets™” mission beyond products to include education, awareness, adoption opportunities, and practical guidance for responsible care.

A First-of-its-Kind Effort

This initiative marks a national first. By combining the reach of South Africa’s largest and most-loved retailers with Mars’ renowned pet-care expertise, it channels care into meaningful action. For World Animal Day 2025, the partners are promoting responsible pet care, creating shared value, and demonstrating how pet food manufacturers, retailers, and the public can work together to help pets thrive.

Bringing Awareness to Life

The initiative will be showcased at South Africa’s largest World Animal Day gathering, taking place on Sunday, October 5, at the Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town. More than 1,000 attendees and over 20 welfare organizations, including Paws-A-While and the SPCA, are expected to participate, with support from the City of Cape Town.

Advertisements

The event is hosted by non-profit Paws-A-While and blends community celebration with learning. Families can meet and adopt rescue pets, explore a pet-friendly market with local brands and expert advice, enjoy live entertainment, support causes through food stalls, and participate in educational activations led by welfare organizations.

Mars, its subsidiary Royal Canin, together with Pick n Pay, Takealot, and Pet Express, will donate nearly 1,000 kilograms of pet food to animal welfare organizations and support the expansion of sterilization campaigns in underserved communities. In the lead-up to World Animal Day 2025, the partners will use their platforms to promote responsible pet care, highlight adoption opportunities, and share guidance on nutrition and wellbeing.

A Pet-Obsessed World

With more than one billion pets globally, the world is increasingly pet-obsessed. Mars’ 2024 global pet parent study, including South Africa, found that 56% of people identify as pet parents, with nearly half being first-time owners. One in three respondents said their pet is the most important thing in their lives.

This rise in pet ownership is shaping consumer behaviour. Pet food has become one of the fastest-growing categories across South African retailers, reflecting how families prioritize their pets’ wellbeing. By extending efforts beyond products into awareness and community engagement, Mars and its retail partners are helping translate public enthusiasm into long-term wellbeing for companion animals.

Mars’ Impact in Action

Mars has a long track record of advancing pet wellbeing. Globally, over the past five years, the company has:
• Supported nearly 10 million vulnerable pets
• Donated over 100 million meals to pets in need
• Sterilized more than 30,000 free-roaming animals and expanded sterilization campaigns worldwide
• Provided preventive care to over 100,000 pets – including wellness checks, preventive medicine and vaccinations.

In 2024, Mars contributed R8,764,905 to Humane Society International programmes in South Africa, India, and Mexico, demonstrating how evidence-driven, compassionate action creates change both globally and locally.

Voices Advancing Pet Wellbeing

Mars Spokesperson, Suraya Hamdulay, Corporate Affairs Director, Sub-Saharan Africa
“Our mission is to create a Better World for Pets. We have a long history of partnering with others on this journey. This new collaboration for World Animal Day is a unique opportunity to bring education, awareness, and support to pets and their families across South Africa.”

Pick n Pay Spokesperson, Phillip Gittins, Head of Advertising
“Pick n Pay has been a trusted pet partner for decades, offering families a wide range of pet solutions online and across our store formats. Through initiatives like Pet Club and our long-standing commitment to value and care, we’re proud to support responsible pet ownership. By helping families provide for the pets they love, we continue to strengthen the trust our customers place in us and the communities we serve.”

Takealot Spokesperson, Karla Levick, Chief Marketing Officer
“Our platform connects millions of people every day. This initiative allows those connections to extend beyond convenience into compassion, creating real, measurable impact for pets and families. We are excited to give our customers and employees opportunities to help create a Better World for Pets. Together with Mars, we are showing how digital engagement and commerce can help create lasting care for communities nationwide.”

Paws-A-While Spokesperson, Carolyn Dudgeon, Founder
“Since 2021, our mission has been to bring South Africa’s welfare organizations together under one umbrella. Mars has been a long-standing supporter, and their partnership has been invaluable. Support from Mars, Takealot, Pet Express, and Pick n Pay helps us scale compassion so that every year, more families and more pets can find each other, especially on World Animal Day. This initiative shows how community, education, and collaboration can transform lives.”

About The Author

GLM TEAM

See author's posts