Sustainable pet ownership

Food

The factor with the highest environmental impact in both human and pet lifestyles is food. Modern food production methods are estimated to consume around ten times as much energy as is contained within the food itself. The costs of production, storage and transport are high. The best choice from a sustainability perspective is to source pet food locally and organically. Food waste plays an important part in the ecological footprint too, so it essential to ensure that all pets get just enough for their needs – no more and no less.

Waste disposal

Dog droppings should always be picked up to minimise the environmental cost. Dog waste left in the street causes hygiene risks and hence potential costs to human health. Even in the undergrowth, dog excrement can cause specific plants to grow that would not otherwise flourish, thus potentially disrupting the ecosystem. Owners can use biodegradable or flushable poo bags to dispose of dog waste. Cat litter should be environmentally friendly; owners can recycle household or industrial waste such as newspaper or wood chips rather than using clay or silica. Additionally, work is ongoing to develop a future method of breaking down animal waste for use as composted fertilisers without the current risk of zoonotic diseases and parasites.

Exercise

When it comes to exercising pets sustainably, dogs should be walked close to home rather than being driven longer distances. Potential pet owners could be encouraged to choose breeds that are suited to their living situation, so that they think twice before bringing a large or highly active dog into a busy urban location where exercise choices may be limited.

Grooming

Owners can choose biodegradable variants of all pet grooming products to reduce their impact on the environment. It is also preferable to avoid plastic packaging and to opt for reusable or refillable containers.

Disease prevention

Vaccination, worming, neutering, dietary care and healthy exercise all add up when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint. By planning ahead, owners can avoid the unnecessary extra cost of treating preventable health issues. This will help our pets – and the planet – to survive and thrive.