4 ways to become an eco-friendly pet owner

The impact we humans have on the environment becomes more apparent each year. Which means many of us are choosing to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. But it doesn’t have to stop with the choices we make for ourselves and our family. Our furry friends have their own pawprint in the world too.

So just by making a few small changes in how we care for our pets, we can make all the difference. Here are 4 ways you can do your part and become a more environmentally friendly pet owner.

Choose eco-friendly toys and supplies

Many pet toys available to buy are made from plastic. And we all know the impact plastic is having on our environment. Which means for keen chewers, these toys often end up in landfill where they’ll never decompose.

Instead, choose toys, beds and accessories that are made from recycled or sustainable materials. Beco make some great ones. Take a trip to your local charity shop and look for toys or beds people have donated. If your pet has a toy box filled with neglected toys, you could do the same and donate to other pets that may enjoy them more, or donate to Cheltenham Animal Shelter.

Alternatively, you can make your own toys by hiding treats in cardboard boxes, toilet rolls and egg cartons.

Many poo bags are made from plastic that won’t decompose either. So instead, choose poo bags made from plant-based materials that will easily break down in landfill.

Choose sustainable pet food

To cut down on waste, always buy food with recyclable packaging. You could even take this one step further. In some pet stores you can bring your own reusable containers and buy the food loose. This would cut down on packaging altogether.

Raw feeding for pets is the latest trend, but there are important questions around the impact on the environment. The meat manufacturing process carries a significant environmental footprint. And while feeding human-grade food seems like a great idea, and we want what’s best for our pets, it’s adding even more pressure on our food production systems. Which means more pollution and greater damage to our environment.

Instead, try to choose foods or treats that contain by-products of the meat industry, like organ meat. Insect-based pet food is growing in popularity and is a wholly sustainable protein source for our pets (although my dogs aren’t big fans!) While most pet foods do include fish or meat, opt for brands that are certified sustainable.

Our dogs also love to chew on raw carrots; they love cooked pumpkin or squash, or green beans added to their dinner. You can find out more info about which veg is good for dogs here.

Walks and toileting

Always pick up your dog’s poop when out and about. Rain can carry contaminants from the waste into our waterways and make people or other animals sick. Put your bags in the bin or take them home!

Whenever possible, walk from home to save on car journeys, discover those local hidden gems.

Check out Paws On Plastic, a group of pet owners who pick up litter whilst dog walking.

Ensure your cat litter is made using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, like shredded newspaper, wood chips or sawdust. My fussy girls like Cat’s Best or BioCatolet. And never flush your cat’s poop. Our sewage systems are not equipped to deal with some of the parasites found in cat poo. Which means contaminants will enter our waterways and affect marine life. 

Spay or neuter your pets

Prevent accidental litters by getting your pet neutered or spayed. By doing that, you’re making sure more baby animals aren’t needlessly brought to shelters where they’ll use up further environmental resources. An astounding number of pets end up in shelters every year, and millions are euthanised because they’re unable to be rehomed. But by spaying or neutering your pet (unless there is a medical or behavioural reason not to), you’ll be a part of the solution, not the problem. The same applies to adopting a pet whenever possible.

Pittville Pets is committed to reducing our own environmental impact, click here to find out how!

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.