New Survey Shows Pets are Social Media's Top Dogs (and Cats)

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars Petcare US, the world's largest petcare company, announced the results of a survey exploring how pets have invaded pop culture, even becoming megastars in their own right, all thanks to the power of social media.

On the heels – and paws – of National Pet Day, these new insights only underscore just how much people love animals, and the importance of sharing this love is strongly represented in social media.

"As the company behind iconic brands like PEDIGREE® and IAMS®, we are committed to creating A Better World for Pets ®," said Jam Stewart, Director of Corporate Communications at Mars Petcare. "From increased health, social skills and physical activity to reduced rates of stress, depression, and heart disease, our animal companions play a significant role in making our lives – and our world – better.  What we uncovered in this unique survey only supports our mission further: people adore their pets and celebrate them every day. We're proud to share the positive impact pets have on our overall well-being, regardless of the medium used to spread the word."

All Animals, All the Time
About 65 percent of pet owners post about their furry friends on social media an average of two times per week.

• One in six say they've created a social media profile specifically for their pet - and half of those pet owners say their pets get more social attention than they do!
• One third said they post about their pets as much (and as often) as they do about their human family, and 13 percent admitted to posting about their pets even more than they do their human family!

Pet Love Trumps Personal Vanity
More than half of pet owners polled care more about getting 'likes' and/or comments for their pet-related posts than they do for those most other topics, including changes to their own profile picture! Whichever way you throw the ball, pet posts matter most.

Call them the Paw-Purratzi
30 percent of pet owners follow famous animals on social media!

From dogs and cats filling up social media feeds (some even with their own profiles) to true pet celebrities who command the attention of millions, animals have become a major part of our digital lives. This survey underscores what we already know: Pets have become an integral part of people's lives and in pop culture.

To learn more about how to make A Better World for Pets ®, visit Mars Petcare on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ABetterWorldforPets/

About Mars Petcare 
Mars Petcare US is the U.S. operations of the world's largest petcare company at the privately-held Mars, Incorporated. Mars Petcare US produces some of the world's most beloved pet care brands, including PEDIGREE® Food and Treats for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, IAMS™ Pet Food, SHEBA® Entrees for Cats, WHISKAS® Food for Cats, GREENIES™ Dental Chews and PILL POCKETS™ Treats, NUTRO™ Pet Food, EUKANUBA™ Pet Food and TEMPTATIONS™ Treats for Cats, as well as exclusive brands products for some of the leading retailers in the U.S. Headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., more than 3,500 Mars Petcare US associates make, sell and distribute its high-quality pet food from 20 manufacturing facilities located in communities across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

About The Survey
This online survey was conducted in the U.S. by OnePoll on behalf of Mars Petcare from March 3, 2016 – March 8, 2016. The 2000 panelists of pet owners were selected and invited to participate at random from a double-opted in and fully managed online research panel and sourced from online communities and applications through a variety of publishers.

OnePoll is an online market research company and corporate member of ESOMAR, employing members of the MRS and complying with standards required by the MRS code of conduct. Established in 2005, OnePoll conducts quantitative and qualitative research providing consumer insights to brands, charities, and organizations daily.

SOURCE Mars Petcare

Related Links

http://www.mars.com