If you haven’t seen part 1 of our sustainable pet ownership tips, you can find it here! As much as we love our furry companions, there are aspects of owning a pet that can have an impact on the environment. We’ve rounded up 5 more ways to make pet ownership easier on you and the planet.
image via whyy.org
Rescue or adopt from an animal shelter.
There are an abundance of reasons why you shouldn’t buy pets from breeders:
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Many shelters are dealing with an overpopulation crisis – as a result, animals face the possibility of euthanasia if the shelter reaches capacity and they can't get adopted.
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Breeders prioritize appearances and profit over the wellbeing of animals. For example, puppy mills breed dogs in poor, unethical conditions and then transport them to stores to sell them, which can expose them to diseases and other health issues. Plus, excess transportation contributes to higher greenhouse emissions compared to adoption.
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Oftentimes, pets are adopted and then returned to shelters for a multitude of reasons: aggressive behavior, neglect, being unprepared for pet ownership, or moving, among other excuses. There are situations where it might be better to bring an animal back to the shelter (ex: having multiple pets that don’t get along), but for the most part, animals that are brought back doesn’t help with the overpopulation problem. So adopting from your local shelter is a good way to rescue animals and give them a forever home.
Check out our interview with rescue pup Puddin' and her human Cory here!
Spay or neuter your pets.
Because of the overpopulation crisis, it’s better for animals to get spayed or neutered. According to The Humane Society, neutering pets can increase their life spans. This is because they will be less likely to stray, which means they won’t get into fights or other accidents. Neutering animals also reduces their risk of cancer and other health conditions. Having a healthy pet also means fewer hospital visits, which saves you money down the road.
Groom and bathe your pets regularly.
Properly grooming and bathing your pets on a regular basis will cut down on the amount of ticks and fleas they get. This means they'll need fewer flea treatments, which can contain harsh chemical ingredients. Make sure to use non-toxic shampoos and soaps during bath time – and don’t forget to wash their beds frequently!
Use natural ingredients when cleaning your home.
Speaking of keeping things clean, using natural ingredients to clean your home will keep your pets safe and help the environment. Try incorporating non-toxic ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda into your cleaning solutions.
Make homemade treats.
Making your own pet food and treats is a great way to save money, avoid excess packaging, and improve your pets’ health. There are a lot of great options and recipes – just be sure to check with your vet first before feeding your pets anything new.
Bonus tip: if you have blankets, pillows or toys that you no longer use, donate them to your local animal shelter. They’ll gladly take them and will repurpose them.
We hope these tips helped! Let us know in the comments what you do to make owning a pet a little more sustainable.
image via The Independent
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Cover image via bankrate.com
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