Expanding Paw Protect program to Hyderabad and Chennai, Mars and Instamart aim to protect homeless pets from the challenges of the monsoon season.
PAW PROTECC: Expanding Shelters for Homeless Pets Across India
The PAW PROTECC initiative, a joint effort by Mars, Incorporated and Instamart, has expanded its reach to include the cities of Hyderabad and Chennai, bringing the total number of mobile shelters for homeless pets in India to over 700.
These specially designed shelters offer protection during both monsoon and winter months, providing safe, dry, and shaded spaces for community dogs and cats, especially during harsh weather conditions. Amala Akkineni, actor, animal welfare advocate, and founder of Blue Cross of Hyderabad, supports this initiative, which aims to reinforce the belief that a better world can be built for pets with the support of the larger ecosystem.
Akkineni advises that the shelters be placed away from busy roads and human parks or pathways to avoid disturbance to animals. Instamart users have shown a strong response in the pet supplies category, indicating deep care for pets.
The PAW PROTECC initiative partners with NGOs such as Friendicoes SECA, Blue Cross of Hyderabad, and Madras Animal Rescue Society. Salil Murthy, Managing Director of Mars Petcare India, stated that PAW PROTECC is a movement shaped by compassion and community, and that local NGOs, feeder networks, and citizens have embraced and maintained these mobile shelters.
India has one of the largest populations of homeless pets in the world, with more than 69 million homeless pets according to the State of Pet Homelessness Report released by Mars in 2023. These shelters are being installed in high-need areas with large homeless pet populations and limited access to natural cover. Many of these homeless pets lack consistent access to shelter, food, or clean water.
The initiative has already been recognized for its practical design and visible impact. Akkineni states that giving shelter to homeless animals is a statement of shared humanity. Arjun Choudhary, Vice President at Instamart, is continuing the partnership with Mars for the PAW PROTECC initiative.
Earlier this year, winter shelters were also deployed to protect homeless pets during the cold season across northern cities. The PAW PROTECC initiative continues to make a significant impact in the lives of homeless pets across India.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Number of mobile shelters | Over 700 across India | | Participating cities | Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad |
[1] https://www.pawprotecc.in/
- Environmental science students could research and analyze the climate-change impact on the health and survival rates of homeless pets in India.
- Social media influencers could use their platforms to promote the PAW PROTECC initiative and raise awareness about the importance of providing shelter for homeless pets.
- The entertainment industry could collaborate with the PAW PROTECC initiative by organizing charity events to support the cause and raise funds for the construction of more shelters.
- The lifestyle choices of individuals can make a difference; for example, adopting a pet from a shelter instead of purchasing one from a breeder can help reduce the number of homeless pets in India.
