The initiative aligns with the Animal Welfare Board of India’s directive.
In a heartwarming initiative, more than 150 mobile shelters have been built to offer community dogs and cats safety and care during inclement weather.
For our furry friends, the monsoon season might prove to be pretty difficult. To address these challenges, Mars Petcare India and Swiggy Instamart have teamed to launch Paw Protecc, a brilliant initiative designed to keep our animal friends safe during the extreme weather conditions. There are already about 150 shelters in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi that offer stray animals protection from weather-related threats. Paw Protecc implements ideas from government and animal welfare professionals, motivated by a shared goal of making pet surroundings safer.
Paw Protecc offers shelters to assist community dogs in surviving the monsoon and obtaining quick relief, as well as adopting proposals from authorities and specialists in animal welfare. This programme also complies with the latest order from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), which urges businesses to construct makeshift animal shelters for the duration of the prolonged monsoon season. To maintain these shelters and make sure they are filled with necessary food and water, Mars Petcare has teamed with NGOs, including Friendicoes, Save Our Strays, and CUPA.
In the initial phase of the Paw Protecc initiative, it has strategically identified nearly 50 feeding points across three major metro areas for the deployment of mobile shelters. Each of these critical locations serves as a lifeline for up to 500 homeless pets every single day. To further support these vulnerable animals, Mars Petcare and Swiggy Instamart have pledged 20,000 nutritious meals, ensuring these pets receive the essential care and sustenance they need during this challenging time. To drive community participation in the initiative, an engaging campaign on social media on the sidelines of International Dog Day to spread awareness about the initiative has also been introduced.
More About the Campaign:
69.3 million pets—60.5 million dogs and 8.8 million cats—are homeless in India and live in substandard conditions on the streets, according to data from the Mars State of Pet Homelessness report, which is discussed by Salil Murthy, Managing Director of Mars Petcare India.
“The Mars Petcare and Swiggy Instamart Paw Protecc initiative is a result of our common purpose to create a better world for pets. For over two decades, Mars Petcare has worked to improve the lives of pets, whether in homes or on the streets, across India. We’ve led adoption initiatives, forged long-term partnerships with NGOs, and provided nutritional support to millions of pets.
Through Paw Protecc, we’re taking direct action. Pedigree and Swiggy Instamart have joined forces to support pets affected by the prolonged monsoon, deploying mobile shelters at feeding points in cities. Our partnerships with animal welfare associations are central to this effort. Alongside shelter, we ensure these pets receive the balanced nutrition they need to survive.
Paw Protecc is more than an initiative; it’s a call to action. We urge individuals, communities, and organisations to join us in improving the lives of pets and creating a compassionate environment where every pet can lead a healthy and safe life.”
Phani Kishan Addepalli, CEO of Swiggy Instamart, added, “We are delighted to partner with Mars Petcare for the Paw Protecc initiative, which is an honest attempt to make things a bit easier for the animals in our communities, especially during the difficult monsoon season. We’ve seen a strong response from Swiggy Instamart users in the pet category, which highlights the deep care people have for their animal companions. This initiative is our way of giving back and supporting the animals that bring so much joy to our lives.”
Through initiatives including the donation of over 100 million meals, the sterilisation of over 30,000 roaming animals, and the provision of comprehensive preventive care, including wellness checks, vaccinations, and preventive medicine to over 100,000 pets, Mars Petcare has supported nearly 10 million vulnerable pets worldwide over the past three years. Animal lovers have taken notice of the shelters, which are currently operating in Delhi and Mumbai, and are expressing their gratitude and support on social media.
