We love our pets and want to do the best for them. But have you thought about the bigger picture and protecting the planet for them and us? It can be bewildering finding the ethical path through pet parenthood – so we've guided you through the most eco-friendly options. Start from the beginning It might sound obvious but first things first: get your new pet from a responsible seller . Rescuing a pet from a reputable shelter is one way to do this. It also gives an existing pet a new home instead of encouraging overbreeding. In 2019 the RSPCA alone took 10,564 dogs and 29,432 cats into their shelters . There's always a pet in need of a good home. As well as the RSPCA, these other national organisations have pets in need of homes: You can also get in touch with smaller animal rescues operating in your local area. If you really do have your heart set on buying a puppy or kitten, read our advice first on how to buy a puppy safely and responsibly . You can also use the puppy contract or the RSPCA's kitten checklist to get an idea of what to look for. Always see the puppy or kitten with its mother, litter and in the location it was born and never buy a puppy or kitten younger than eight weeks old . Use sustainable products Over your pet’s lifetime it's likely you'll spend a good chunk of money on a variety of products to keep them comfortable, happy and well fed. The good news is that more and more sustainable products are hitting the shelves. As with all products, try to buy a quality item that's designed to last, and is also made from recycled or sustainable materials. Here are a few suggestions: Remember to use eco travel Limiting travel is essential to keep your carbon footprint small. Having a pet can definitely help with this, as for some of us it means less travelling around the world and more dog-friendly staycations . These are other ways that you can help reduce your impact on the environment: Consider eco-friendly foods Food is a massive factor in our pets carbon footprints, as unlike humans, it’s their main form of consumption. Some small changes to their diet can make a big difference. Try some of these eco switches: Reduce pet waste: a key path to pet sustainability Shop for the long term You love your pet, so it’s only natural that you want to buy them the best of everything whenever they might need or want it. Tempting as it is to indulge your fluffy friend, pets grow quickly - especially in their early years. Before you know it, you can find yourself with a house full of pet supplies that only end up in use for a few months. Try to avoid buying too many things when your pet is young; instead, borrow items from friends and family or ask the local community to borrow puppy supplies in the early days. When you do buy things for your pet, think about whether the items will last for years, rather than months. For example, invest in a bed that will fit your fully grown furry friend, rather than upsizing every few months. Take a long term view of pet shopping and you can make more intentional, informed purchases that save you money. Build better habits There’s no denying that pet accessories and toys are made to catch our attention. Whether it’s a fashionable harness for each season or a new squeaky toy, it’s easy to get swept up in treating our furry friends. That being said, there’s a limit to how much each pet actually needs and it’s a lot less than you probably think! Especially if you know you have a picky pet, it can be easy to let them rule the roost and turn their nose up at toys they decide they don’t want for no reason. What's the best thing to do in this situation? Rather than going straight to your local pet store, think of creative ways to make what you already have more exciting. Try hiding a selection of toys for a few days so that when they reappear, your pet thinks they're brand new again. When it comes to fussy eaters, it’s often a sign that your pet is smart. Focus on building positive associations with their meals and avoid feeding them your food, as that can make them dig their heels in even more. Remember, you're in charge! Repair and reuse It’s easy to cast aside chewed beds and toys with one ear, but there’s often a more sustainable and cheaper option than throwing away old pet supplies. Repairing well-loved pet furniture and toys can be a quick way to save money and avoid unnecessary waste. If you’re good with a needle and thread, patch up your pet’s items yourself or even if you choose to take them to a repair shop, you’ll likely find the cost of stitching up an item is a lot less than a replacement. Plus, you’re doing your part for the environment at the same time. Maximise what you have Looking after your pet’s health is a critical part of pet ownership, and it’s easy to forget or miss out on what is included with the cover and services you have. Pet insurance companies often offer perks with cover. For example, you can get access to handpicked Perks with us, and unlimited 24/7 video vet access . Plenty of vets offer pet care plans as well, allowing you to split the cost of vaccinations and treatments over the year.
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