Standing Together for a Healthier Future for Cats and Dogs

At Royal Canin, our mission is clear: A Better World for Pets.

Pets bring immense love and joy into our lives—they calm us and provide great companionship. Just like us, they need proper care to remain happy and healthy. Unfortunately, an increasing number of pets are facing health challenges due to unethical pet production and extreme conformation. This has led to more pets being made homeless as overwhelmed pet owners struggle to cope due to the financial or emotional burden of health issues.

The Growing Concern of Pet Homelessness

Last year, Mars released the largest ever global study into pet homelessness, the State of Pet Homelessness Project, which revealed that 1 in 3 pets worldwide are homeless—a heartbreaking statistic.

One of the contributing factors to many of these cases is unethical pet production practices, where many pets are sold while still underaged, unhealthy, and without proper socialization. These conditions can result in a range of health and behavioral issues.  
Additionally, the rise of extreme conformation, which involves exaggerating certain physical traits in specific breeds, can severely impact the welfare of pets. This practice frequently leads to severe health problems, ranging from respiratory issues to joint pain and genetic disorders, often leading to pets being abandoned and left without loving homes.

Introducing CHOOSE HEALTH: Putting Pets First

The State of Pet Homelessness Project identified three key action areas: preventing unwanted pets, ensuring sustained care, and keeping pets in homes. Through our CHOOSE HEALTH initiative at Royal Canin, we focus on preventing unwanted pets by addressing these critical issues. Our collaborative program of activities works to combat unethical pet production practices and prioritize the health of pets, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

At Royal Canin, we are committed to safeguarding breeds by promoting healthy standards and protecting their uniqueness. We are passionate about professionalizing breeding, supporting breeders through education, and genetic testing to encourage responsible breeding protocols.

In turn, we help ensure that future pet parents are well informed about their pet’s health needs and the lifelong commitment that comes with ownership. By providing trustworthy resources through videos, articles and brochures, we promote responsible pet ownership which helps to keep pets in happy homes.

A Collective Effort for a Better World

Tackling unethical pet production and extreme conformation is complex and cannot be accomplished alone. A collective response is needed to prevent unwanted pets and keep our furry friends with loving families.

At Royal Canin, we believe that by working together and engaging the entire pet eco system, from veterinarians, to breeders, to pet owners, as well as governments, NGOs, and industry bodies, we can create a Better World for Pets. Through the CHOOSE HEALTH initiative, we are committed to driving meaningful change and ending pet homelessness.

To find out more about CHOOSE HEALTH, watch this video.

You can also learn more about the world’s largest study into pet homelessness on State of Pet Homelessness Project website.