FRANKLIN, TENN. — The PEDIGREE® brand, owned by Mars, Inc., launched its Essential Support Dogs program to promote the service dogs provide as essential supporters for humans. The program involves a support fund to help dogs throughout the United States, as well as discounts for consumers on PEDIGREE dry dog food products.

According to Mars Petcare’s “Keeping People and Pets Together” report, 23 million US households added a new pet to their family during the pandemic. The study also found that 84% of pet parents claimed their emotional bond with their pets increased during the pandemic. With this data in mind, PEDIGREE is striving to support these new pets and celebrate the bond between pets and their owners.

PEDIGREE's Essential Support Dogs programSource: PEDIGREE

As part of its Essential Support Dogs initiative, PEDIGREE will provide up to $2.5 million in nutritional and financial assistance to ensure dogs can stay with their owners and in their homes. Families in need can sign up for ongoing support through the program.

"Dogs have been our biggest champions over the past few years, providing us with companionship and support when we've needed it most,” said Jean-Paul Jansen, vice president of marketing for Mars Petcare North America. “It's time that we give back to them. The PEDIGREE brand's Essential Support Dogs program strives to provide critical nutrition and care for deserving pets. We're inviting pet parents across the country to join us in recognizing these essential supporters and furthering our ambition to end pet homelessness."

PEDIGREE has also teamed up with Walmart to provide dog parents with special discounts on select in-store, PEDIGREE dry pet food products. From now until July 26, pet parents can receive $2 off their purchase of select PEDIGREE products.

PEIDGREE is also running a social media promotion involving pet parents, from which it will donate $5 (for up to $100,000) for each social media post promoting the Essential Support Dog program to the PEDIGREE Foundation. The foundation provides assistance to dogs in need and covers medical expenses, nutrition and temporary housing to shelters and pet welfare organizations.

Stay up to date on the latest pet food processing industry headlines on our News page.