Eleven cute pets in need of loving homes across UK - won't you help them?

Could you consider adopting a pet this Global Adoption Weekend (October 3-5)? Mars, one of the world’s leading pet food companies, is supporting shelters across the UK - including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home - to help hundreds of pets find forever homes with loving families.

More than 139,000 cats and dogs are currently in UK shelters. And, with 87% of UK owners saying pets boost their well-being, Mars says it is on a mission to connect more people with the joy of adoption, which can change two lives—the pet’s and the pet owner’s.

Would you be interested in taking home Noodle, the sensitive Greyhound? Or, Duchess, a joyful Pomeranian from shelters like Battersea, Mayhew, Raystede, Leicester Animal Aid, Manchester Dogs’ Home, Edinburgh Dogs and Cats Home, and Woodgreen?

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Or perhaps you would be overjoyed by the thought of introducing Du Plessis, a friendly two-year-old tabby who loves cuddles, into your family? Maybe you'll become smitten with Hercules, a sweet older cat looking for a nice and quiet, adult-only forever home.

To support anyone who is considering becoming a new pet parent this Global Adoption Weekend, Mars is offering adoption boxes and a three-month Calm subscription to help navigate the early days of pet parenthood. Below is a look at just eleven of the hundreds of pets who need a loving, forever home.

1. Hercules, Domestic Shorthair Cat - Leicester Animal Aid

• Hercules is a sweet older gentleman looking for a nice, quiet, adult-only home where he will be the only pet.

• Hercules would prefer a home with outdoor space.

• You can find out more about Hercules here.

2. Cruz, German Shepherd cross Rottweiler - Leicester Animal Aid

• Cruz has been at Leicester Animal Aid for over two and a half years, despite being a brilliant and happy dog who would make a wonderful companion for an experienced pet parent.

• Cruz requires a patient owner who can continue to build his confidence, and ideally someone with an outdoor space for exercise.

• You can find out more about Cruz here.

3. Duchess, Pomeranian - Raystede in Sussex

• Duchess is a sweet and joyful Pomeranian, but can be nervous, so seeks an experienced pet parent.

• Duchess would prefer a quieter home with secure outdoor space.

• You can find out more about Duchess here.

4. Claude, Domestic Shorthair Cat - Raystede in Sussex

• Claude is a handsome older gentleman, full of confidence and charisma and is seeking his forever home.

• Claude would prefer a home with outdoor space for sunbathing when the UK weather permits.

• You can find more about Claude here.

5. Bella, French Bulldog x Belgian Malinois - Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

• Beautiful two-year-old Bella is a loving dog who needs an experienced owner and frequent company, as she can suffer from anxiety.

• She’s been learning new tricks and socialising with other dogs and would benefit from continued training in her new home.

• Learn more about Bella here.

6. Alan, Border Collie - Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

• Alan is a fun, energetic Collie who needs an experienced owner committed to his training and care.

• He is best suited to a quieter home with outdoor space, no other pets, and an active family.

• Learn more about Alan here.

7. Jessie, Border Collie - Cheshire Dogs Home

• Sweet one-year-old Jessie is deaf and partially sighted, seeking a special forever home with an experienced owner to support his unique needs.

• Full of energy, Jessie loves walks and meeting other dogs and will benefit from ongoing training and skills development.

• Jessie is best suited to an active, adult-only home dedicated to supporting him.

• Learn more about Jessie here.

8. Sonny, Sharpei Cross - Manchester Dogs Home

• Young and loyal Sonny is seeking a quiet forever home with experienced owners familiar with shy dogs.

• Sonny gets along well with other dogs and could thrive in a home with another calm canine companion.

• Learn more about Sonny here.

9. Noodle, Greyhound - The Mayhew Animal Home in London

• Sensitive and sweet retired racing dog Noodle is seeking a forever home for long walks.

• Noodle likes other dogs and could live with another large and calm dog.

• Learn more about Noodle here.

10. Du Plessis, Tabby Cat - The Mayhew Animal Home in London

• Du Plessis is a friendly two-year-old tabby who loves cuddles and playing with his toys.

• He enjoys human company and affection but also values his own space when needed.

• Learn more about Du Plessis here.

11. Leo, Bichon Frise - The Mayhew Animal Home in London

• Leo is a friendly, gentle 14-year-old small dog looking for a calm retirement home with loving forever owners.

• He enjoys gentle adventures and cuddles and will make a devoted companion.

• Learn more about Leo here.