Feb 27, 2026
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Imagine a city where walking your dog doesn't feel like an obstacle course. Where parks welcome pets, sidewalks have shade and grabbing a coffee doesn't mean leaving your furry friend tied up outside. That's the kind of city Mars Inc. — the chocolate and pet food giant — is now working to build through its expanded Better Cities for Pets program.
Launched globally on June 9, 2025 with the help of C40 Cities (a network of nearly 100 mayors committed to climate action), the program is looking to make cities more pet-friendly — and greener — by 2030. The goal is to benefit 10 million people and pets worldwide (1). For Canadians, who are already spending more than ever on their pets, the stakes are personal.
What is the Better Cities for Pets concept?
At the heart of the Better Cities for Pets idea is a $1 million-plus investment to redesign urban spaces with pets in mind — starting with pilot cities including London, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Bengaluru and Bangkok. At the core of this idea is the Urban Nature Playbook for People, Pets and the Planet, a guide for cities on how to rethink green spaces so they're good for mental health, climate resilience and pet companionship (2).
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This may sound lofty, but it stems from a larger problem: Only four in 10 urban pet parents think their neighbourhoods are truly pet-friendly. And another 11% of global urban pet parents say owning a dog limits where they can go (3). The playbook gives practical ideas to city planners and developers to create more welcoming neighbourhoods — from tree-lined sidewalks (which also help with heat), dog-friendly parks and accessible water stations, to shared spaces where people and pets can connect safely and comfortably.
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So where does Canada fit in?
Toronto and Vancouver haven't been named in this first wave of cities — yet — but both are part of the C40 Cities group, which means they're already collaborating on climate-focused projects and are well-positioned to adopt pet-friendly initiatives, especially ones that double as climate solutions (4). Since 2017, the Better Cities for Pets program has provided more than US$2 million (C$2.7 million) in grants and products, and certified nearly 200 cities as pet-friendly across North America (5).
And both Canadian cities are no strangers to this kind of work. Toronto has long been working to expand green space and improve walkability, while Vancouver has a reputation for being eco-conscious and has steadily grown its network of off-leash parks and pet-friendly zones.
If either city adopts the playbook or partners with Mars Inc., we could see some practical changes to daily life — like shaded walking routes, more places that welcome pets indoors and more outdoor areas where pets and people can hang out together.
Why this matters for your wallet
This isn't just an urban planning story. Pet ownership is an increasingly significant line item in Canadian household budgets. In 2024, Canada was home to an estimated 7.2 million dogs and 8.2 million cats — pets are a part of more than half of Canadian households (6). And 96% of Canadian pet parents now consider their pets family (7).
That emotional bond comes with a financial cost. According to Rover's 2025 True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report (8), Canadian dog parents can expect costs to rise as much as 18% in 2025 alone, while cat parents could see increases of up to 41% compared to 2024. Annual spending ranges from $965 to $4,020 for dogs and $930 to $2,400 for cats. Over a dog's lifetime, total costs can hit $53,935 — and over a cat's lifetime, as much as $73,585.
More than half of Canadian pet parents (58%) have noticed consistently rising prices for pet-related products and services, and 63% say the financial commitment has affected their lifestyle and budgeting decisions (9).
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So what does urban design have to do with that? Quite a bit. Pet-friendly cities reduce the hidden costs of pet ownership. More off-leash parks mean less spending on dog daycare. More accessible water stations and shaded routes reduce heat-related vet bills. Pet-welcoming cafés and businesses mean owners spend locally rather than avoiding the area altogether.
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Why pets matter to mental health
This isn't just about dogs in sweaters or cats in strollers. Pets genuinely improve our lives — especially in cities where stress, loneliness and screen time often dominate. According to a major Mars and Calm global survey of more than 30,000 pet owners across 20 countries (10) (including 1,347 Canadians surveyed between February 19 and March 31, 2025):
- 83% of pet owners believe their pet has positively impacted their mental wellbeing
- 58% prefer to spend time with their pet over their partner, family or friends when feeling stressed
- 73% say their pet encourages them to spend time outdoors
- 77% say their pet encourages them to take a break from screens
Mars has also launched the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program — set to become the world's largest multi-year research program on the impact of cats and dogs on human mental health. Led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute (WPSI), a Mars-owned pet health research organization, in collaboration with leading academic institutions, the PAWS program will engage more than 35,000 people across 20 countries in its first phase (11).
This all makes sense given the opportunities pet owners have to interact with their neighbours. Take a walk with a dog through a busy neighbourhood and you'll almost always end up in conversation. Pets create community — and that has real economic and wellness value.
A small change with a big impact?
If cities such as Toronto or Vancouver adopt this program, it could mean:
- More freedom and flexibility for pet parents — with fewer barriers to taking pets out in the city
- New ways for neighbourhoods to build community around shared outdoor spaces
- A healthier urban environment designed with living things — not just cars and condos — in mind
- Reduced costs for pet owners who have better access to free or low-cost pet-friendly infrastructure
It's not revolutionary, but it is smart — and for the average Canadian spending upwards of $3,000 a year on a dog, it's a little overdue.
Bottom line
Making cities better for pets could be a surprisingly effective way to make cities better for everyone — and easier on your household budget. Whether that means more green space, cooler sidewalks or simply a place to grab a coffee with your dog by your side, it's a future a lot of Canadians want to see.
✢Disclaimer: The views and information shared in this article are based on my personal experiences and general understanding. The author is not a licensed insurance agent, broker, or advisor, and nothing in this piece should be interpreted as insurance advice or a recommendation.
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
Mars, Incorporated (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7); Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) (6); Rover.com (8); Mars and Calm (9)
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Romana King is the Senior Editor at Money.ca. She writes for various publications, and her book -- House Poor No More: 9 Steps That Grow the Value of Your Home and Net Worth -- continues to be an Amazon bestseller. Since its publication in November 2021, this book has won five awards, including the New York CPA Society's Excellence in Financial Journalism (EFJ) Book Award in 2022.
