Find an Eco-Friendly Pet

Which are the most Eco-Friendly Pets? And How To Choose One

If you are thinking of getting a pet, these 6 tips will show you how to make the most eco-friendly choice.

1.  Re-Use / Recycle

Aha, you hadn’t thought of re-using a pet, had you?  But that is what you do if you adopt an animal from a shelter.  There is always a big variety of ages and breeds – including many purebreds.  Unfortunately, many people buy their pets from pet stores or directly from breeders.  This adds to the problem of pet over-population by creating a demand for additional pets that need homes.

Worse, up to 8 million animals enter animal shelters each year, in the US alone.  For half of them, it is a one-way journey – up to 4 million animals are euthanized in US shelters each year.  Yes, up to 4 million a year, according to the Humane Society (HSUS).  That is a horrific number.

Pet over-population can create serious issues for the environment:

• increased waste production
• the need for additional farming space to provide enough food to feed those extra mouths
• overcrowding at animal shelters, and increased resources required

Adopting a shelter pet and having it spayed or neutered will help to combat this problem.  It is generally cheaper too, than buying from a  breeder. Shelter pets are eco-friendly pets

But are you worried you won’t find a particular breed you want?  You pet will love you, no matter what breed they are.  But if you do want to be specific, check out Petfinder.com  where you can find a particular breed in shelters around the US.   SPCAs around the world will also try to help match your requirements.

Did you know, 70,000 puppies and kittens are born EVERY DAY in the United States? That’s 60 puppies and kittens for every human!

Truly, we don’t need any more homeless animals than we already have.

As a bonus, spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by greatly reducing the chances of many diseases.

Of course, remember that a pet is a long-term commitment that involves demands on both time and money.  If you are considering a pet for your child, you may be better off giving him a stuffed animal instead.

Impulse buying (say, rushing out and grabbing the next available Dalmatian puppy after watching 101 Dalmatians) isn’t a good idea either, as the large numbers of fad dogs that pass through shelters (often to their death) can attest.

2. Cats Indoors!

If you’re a proud cat owner, making the decision to keep your kitty indoors can do a lot to help keep the environment in balance.  Outdoor cats love to hunt, not out of a necessity for food but because they’re instinctively compelled to do so.  Their annual kill counts are in the hundreds of millions — one recent study estimates that domestic rural cats kill 39 million birds – in Wisconsin alone!  This can cause profound damage to the ecosystem, including the extinction of certain bird species.

Cat faeces are also an environmental foe, because they contain parasites that can wreak havoc on local water sources and the health of other outdoor creatures.

Still not convinced?  Try this: Due to the dangers of cars, predators, disease, and other hazards, the estimated average life span of a free-roaming cat is less than three years, while an indoors-only cat gets to live an average of 15 to 18 years.

Make sure your cat is an eco-friendly pet and keep or her mostly indoors.

3.  Multi-Purpose

Getting a pet that provides an additional benefit beyond companionship and love can also be an eco-friendly choice.

For example, keeping and raising chickens, which lay eggs that owners can keep for personal use.  Yes, even in urban areas (but check first if you are legally allowed to keep them).

You may feel these birds are less cuddly and pet-like than cats or dogs, but many who’ve raised them say that chickens can be trained to come when called and sometimes enjoy petting and lap-holding.

You need to be sure you can provide proper living conditions – including the ability to move around and spread their wings, along with adequate food, water and shelter.

If chicks are out of the question, you still have multi-purpose pet options.  Rabbits for example, in addition to being cute and cuddly, are useful because their droppings can be used in compost piles

4.  Small is Beautiful!

For dog lovers — especially those who live in tight quarters — opting for a smaller breed will not only help your personal space feel more spacious, it will keep things in check from an environmental perspective as well.

In general, smaller dogs, such as Yorkshire terriers or Chihuahuas, eat less than, say, Labrador retrievers, St. Bernards or German shepherds. This means less food that needs to be produced, packaged and transported, and less waste that’s created as a result.

Of course, this is not to say you should totally rule out medium or large breeds, but if your living space is already small, sticking with a small pet is the greenest way to go. (Yes, size maters for an eco-friendly pet!).

5.  Easier Pets

When people consider getting a pet, dogs and cats are often the first types of animals that come to mind.  But there are other, more eco-friendly choices.  For example, hamsters, birds, snakes and fish typically require minimal food and produce less waste.  They also generally need only a minimal number of toys and very little bedding or other accessories.  Many toys for cats and dogs, for example, are made from plastic – their production can take its toll on the environment, so getting a pet that needs less will help you start out on a greener foot.

6.  Beware Exotics

If you do decide to get a low-maintenance pet, however, proceed with caution.   You may accidentally stray into exotic pet territory, for example certain types of frogs and lizards. These exotic pets often need very specialized (and costly) habitats to mimic their natural environments as closely as possible. Not only could you end up spending more time and money than you initially bargained for, you may find that you’re actually hurting the environment by using special filters and chemicals needed to maintain your pet’s tank.

Ultimately, though, being eco-conscious while choosing a pet can be a rewarding process. You’ll take strides — big or small — toward improving the planet’s overall well-being while finding a pet you can love for years to come

My husband and I have two dogs who have travelled with us.  Over the years, we have always chosen dogs from shelters – often adult dogs as they generally have a lesser chance of being adopted than puppies.  They have all proven to be wonderful companions and an integral part of our family life.  What pets do you have, and why are they special to you?

If you enjoyed this article, please Share, Like, Tweet or Pin it (buttons below) – thank you!

Related Articles

How green is your pet?

Do you truly know what you are are feeding your pet?

Photo Credits:  Greek Cat= Microsoft.com / Corbis.  Tired Puppy = www.DailyPuppy.com   Pet Rabbit = www.FullIssue.com   Size Matters = www.DailyPuppy.com