Volunteers and committed pet owners also provide an essential - and invaluably large - contribution towards creating a liveable society and community that always includes pets.

Therefore, an integral aspect of the commitment of Mars in Germany - and in numerous other countries - is promoting the work of deserving initiatives and organisations.

Dogs for the Handicapped (Hunde für Handicaps e.V.)

The club "Hunde für Handicaps e.V." has been training special-assistance dogs for more than ten years as a partner and helper of disabled people. The handicapped dog owners are actively integrated into the training of their dog. In addition, the club is supporting people on handling issues of dog ownership and organising dog sports activities as a meaningful balance between handicapped dog owners and their pets.

Mars Petcare has been successfully working with "Hunde für Handicaps e.V." for over ten years. The club is receiving support in many dog areas, from buying puppies right on to the completion of their training. Information material is created, and food for the dogs in training is provided by Mars. Moreover, for many years special charity actions such as "Ride for Help", an initiative organised by Mars associates, are also helping to collect additional donations to benefit the work of the club

Animals Helping Humans (Tiere helfen Menschen e.V.)

With nationwide more than 100 regional groups, the club "Tiere helfen Menschen e.V." is the largest federation in Germany organising a visitor service of volunteers bringing along their pets

More than 1000 volunteers are regularly visiting nursing homes, hospitals, facilities for children, homes for the handicapped, assisted living quarters, schools, kindergartens, prisons and people with physical or mental impairments. In addition, facilities are advised and supported on issues of pet ownership. The club also promotes further training for both professional and voluntary members through seminars, workshops, conferences, presentations and information.

Mars Petcare has been supporting the club already for 15 years in setting up a nationwide organisation, sponsoring education and training activities for volunteers and providing food for the visitor's animals. Above that, Mars Petcare and the club are working together on communication material to promote the cause of animals helping people.

Institute for Social Learning with Animals (Institut für soziales Lernen mit Tieren)

Since 1994, the "Institut für soziales Lernen mit Tieren" has been working with pets and farm animals in educational, social and custodial facilities. The animals are helping to create positive experiences for children, juveniles and adults by giving them the opportunity to build self-confidence and meaningful relationships. The focus is on initiating the relationship between humans and animals that is oriented towards improving senses and perception. Animal-supported therapy for disabled children is also offered as part of this program. Since 2001, the institute is also offering an occupational training program for the areas of therapy, educational science and social work.

Mars has been working closely with the institute for more than 10 years. The company is creating documents and materials for occupational training and supporting the offer "compact therapy for disabled children". Moreover, funds are collected for the institute's work through special donation campaigns, e.g. as part of the World Animal Week.

Download our human-animal bonding policy (pdf-file) >