5 Ways to Be an Eco-Friendly Pet Parent

Like many owners, you may be particular about the care products you are using for your pet. But there are plenty of options out there that will get the job while reducing your impact on the environment. Look for products like dog shampoo that use naturally-sourced ingredients, or cat litter made from biodegradable or recyclable materials.

It’s no secret that cats and dogs prefer a meat-based diet. But while it’s optimal for your animal’s health and tastes, protein-based food takes more energy and resources to produce. To limit your impact on the environment, and keep your pup healthy, make sure you don’t overfeed your pet.

When strays multiply, they can cause serious disruptions to the surrounding ecosystem. The ASPCA estimates that there are over 70 million stray cats in the United States. Spay or neuter your pets to help prevent further overpopulation.

Your animal’s waste can be hazardous to the environment, particularly as a contaminant to surface and ground water. However, it is possible to compost your pet’s waste, as outlined by the USDA. There are guides available online that teach pet owners how to correctly compost their pet’s waste. Just note that compost that uses dog waste is not advised for crops meant for human consumption.

Adopting a new animal is a great way to relieve overburdened animal shelters, prevent rampant breeding and manage the aforementioned overpopulation of strays in the country. Rather than purchase a new dog or cat, become a proud kitten or puppy parent by adopting one of the 6 to 8 million cats and dogs that enter shelters each year, as estimated by the Humane Society.