Love Your Pet and The Planet
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The biggest environmental cost of our pets comes from their meat-based pet foods, which need land, water, and energy to produce. It’s time to love your pet and the planet at the same time with these tips:
- Manage pet waste responsibly
Dealing with poo is a big part of being a responsible pet owner. There are many ways to manage pet waste responsibly, including composting, flushing the old fashion way, or using biodegradable bags or cat little to minimize your pet's carbon pawprint.
- Spay or neuter your pets
Spaying or neutering your pet not only has medical benefits for your little friend but also reduces the number of times you need to take your pet to the vet conserving fossil fuels. Fixed domesticated animals are also less likely to mark their territory and help to keep populations in check.
- Donate your unloved toys
While we love spoiling our pets - is another ball or soft toy to add to the toy pile really needed? Probably not. If you have a toy that is not engaging your furry friend, instead of throwing it in the trash why not donate it to a furry friend who may make better use of it!
- Watch out for wildlife
To be a responsible pet owner you need to be aware of your pet's impact on the environment. Cats are responsible for killing up to 200 million wild prey each year and dogs are said to threaten nearly 200 species worldwide. There are many ways to watch out for your pet, bringing your animals inside is an important one, as well as having complete control over your animal while venturing out into the wild.
- Shop for sustainable pet food
With 20.8 million cats and dogs consuming just one tin or unrecyclable plastic package a day equates to 7.6 billion containers being manufactured each year just in the UK! When switching to a more sustainable pet food it's important to do your research to ensure you are fulling your furry friends' dietary needs when looking for the most planet-friendly option. Choosing local options, avoiding artificial additives, going grain-free, and looking for options with 100% recyclable packaging are great places to start when looking to improve the carbon footprint that comes with feeding your pet.
- Adopt, don't shop
Adopting animals locally helps to reduce the number of domesticated animals looking for their forever homes in rescue centers, helping shelters with overpopulation issues. Transporting designer pets from around the world comes with a huge cost to not only yourself but also the environment. Say no to breeders who may not be as ethical as you think and instead choose to change a life with a rescue.