Uncertainty about pets' health and behavior history holds back would-be adopters, survey finds

For many people thinking about adopting a pet, the obstacle isn't a lack of interest. It's what they don't know about the animal, according to a new international consumer survey.

In a survey sponsored by Mars, Incorporated, market research firm Censuswide polled 26,002 adults in 14 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, from July 16 to 29, 2026.¹ Among current pet owners, 58% had not adopted their pet. Still, 28% of respondents said they would like to adopt in the future if they had the right guidance and support.¹

The unknowns behind the hesitation

Among respondents considering adoption, the most common concerns were gaps in the animal's history: undiscovered medical history (33%), behavioral background (27%), and whether the pet would fit their household (25%).¹

The company said the research builds on its earlier work on pet homelessness. The goal was to understand what keeps people from adopting and how to help more pets find homes and stay in them.¹

"What this research clearly shows is that people have the heart to adopt, but they often second-guess whether they have the know-how," Anthony Guerrieri, vice president of corporate affairs, pet nutrition, at Mars, said in the release.¹

Diet changes are common after adoption

Nutrition was another big part of the transition. Of the adopters surveyed, 71% changed their pet's diet after bringing the animal home from the shelter.¹ The release described this as a point where expert guidance can help make sure newly adopted pets get complete and balanced nutrition.

Setting expectations for the first 3 months

In the release, Esther Bijsmans, DVM, PhD, a veterinarian and pet nutrition and health science expert with Mars Pet Nutrition, recommended that new owners follow the 3-3-3 rule to set expectations for how a new pet adjusts.¹

Under that approach, she said, "the first three days are about helping a new pet feel safe, the first three weeks are about establishing routines, learning the household dynamic and building trust; and by three months, most pets will have begun to settle in. Patience and bond-building play a central role."

Respondents also named what makes adoption worthwhile. The milestones they found most fulfilling were seeing an adopted pet become relaxed and comfortable at home (43%) and seeing the pet feel like part of the family (41%).¹

The findings were released ahead of Mars's 2026 Global Adoption Weekend, which is expanding to more than 30 countries.¹

References

1. Clearing the path: Mars launches pet adoption resource hub, as new research reveals what holds adopters back. News release. Mars, Incorporated. September 24, 2026. Accessed September 24, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clearing-the-path-mars-launches-pet-adoption-resource-hub-as-new-research-reveals-what-holds-adopters-back-302887981.html