Six ways to be a more eco-friendly pet owner

Caring for ourselves, our pets and the planet together

From providing companionship to improving wellbeing, our furry friends play an important role in many of our lives. Research suggests that pets can have a positive impact on mental health, particularly in reducing feelings of loneliness, stress and anxiety. Dog ownership has also been linked with health benefits from increased physical activity.

This close relationship between humans and pets is far from new. Dogs, in particular, have been our companions for thousands of years.

However, the impacts pets have on the environment can’t be ignored. An average-sized cat is responsible for emissions equivalent to 310 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide annually – that’s the same as driving for 12 hours – while an average-sized dog accounts for 770 kilogrammes. Although, that’s still six times less than the emissions of the average person living in the UK.

Being a responsible pet owner involves thinking not only about the wellbeing of our animals, but also about the wider environmental impact of the choices we make for them. From the food they eat and the products we buy to how we manage their waste and plan daily care, small adjustments can make a significant difference.

The good news is that eco-friendly pet ownership doesn’t require major sacrifices. If you love your pet, but also worry about the planet, here are six ways to become a more environmentally conscious pet owner.

1. Focus on their food

The food we give our pets is one of the biggest contributors to their overall environmental impact. In the UK, producing ingredients for dog food contributes around 0.9% to 1.3% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Food made for the global population of cats and dogs creates the same carbon emissions as the whole of the Philippines and uses land twice the size of the UK.

Choosing pet food made from by-products – such as offcuts that would otherwise go to waste – helps reduce the demand for additional livestock farming. Switching to lower-carbon protein sources such as chicken or fish can also significantly cut emissions compared to beef or lamb.

“Changing what your pets eat can massively reduce their carbon pawprint,” says our scientist Natalie Cooper. “Adopting rather than buying a new pet not only gives an animal a home but also reduces the environmental impacts of feeding animals in shelters.”

When it comes to treats, homemade choices can help to avoid unnecessary ingredients such as preservatives and excess packaging. However, it’s important to ensure that any homemade food is safe and nutritionally appropriate. Always check what ingredients are suitable for your pet and consult your vet if you’re unsure.

2. Be mindful of the wider impact of flea treatments

Topical flea treatments, often referred to as spot-on treatments, are typically applied to the back of a dog’s neck, where they’re absorbed and spread across the body through the natural oils in the coat. They’re easy to use and widely available, meaning these treatments have become one of the most common methods of parasite control.

Yet the pesticides they contain to kill parasites are also toxic to insects and invertebrates.

Worryingly, a study found flea treatment pesticides in 98% of samples from rivers in England at average concentrations five times higher than chronic safety thresholds. Professor Dave Goulson, co-author of the published study, says “fipronil and imidacloprid are both highly toxic to all insects and other aquatic invertebrates. The finding that our rivers are routinely and chronically contaminated with both of these chemicals and mixtures of their toxic breakdown products is deeply troubling.”

The chemicals can enter water in several ways, whether it’s dogs swimming in rivers or lakes, being bathed at home or from people washing their hands after handling treated pets.

This is bad news for the larvae of aquatic insects such as dragonflies, beetles and mayflies. Over time, the presence of these harmful chemicals can disrupt food chains and reduce biodiversity in rivers and streams.

To reduce these impacts, consider only using treatments when necessary or avoid letting dogs swim for a few days after application. As always, it’s worth consulting a vet before making treatment changes to ensure pets remain properly protected while also minimising harm to the environment.

3. Deal with waste carefully

Waste from dogs and cats contains bacteria, parasites and nutrients that can pollute soil and waterways if not disposed of properly.

Traditional plastic waste bags take many years to break down and even then, they don’t fully disappear. Instead, they turn into tiny pieces of microplastic that can leak into the environment. Opting for certified compostable or biodegradable alternatives is a great switch. However, these materials still need the right conditions to break down effectively, so it’s important to dispose of them according to local waste guidelines.

If your household has outdoor space, consider composting. Dog and cat waste is a potential health hazard, so it should be composted separately from household food or garden compost. The resulting material should only be used for non-edible plants – plants you aren’t going to eat.

Cat litter is usually made from mined clay and is not biodegradable. Consider an alternative made from wood, plant-based materials or recycled paper.

4. Protect local wildlife when walking your dog

Exercise is extremely important for your dog but the way you do it and where matters.

To reduce carbon emissions, try to go on local walks instead of driving somewhere. If you do travel further afield, get there by bus or train if you can.

In the countryside and other green spaces, stick to designated paths to help protect wildlife habitats. It’s also important to keep your dog under control – particularly around livestock and during months when wildlife is breeding.

5. Choose eco-friendly toys and equipment

Many pet toys are made from plastic, which are often difficult to recycle. When choosing toys, look for ones made from renewable, recycled materials or natural materials such as hemp or cotton.

You can also take a more creative approach by reusing items you already have at home. Old t-shirts can be braided into tug toys, cardboard boxes can become enrichment puzzles and rubber balls can be used for supervised play. Just make sure any DIY toys are safe, free from harmful materials and appropriate for your pet’s size and chewing habits.

Rotating toys rather than constantly introducing new ones is another effective strategy. Keeping a small selection in use and swapping them out regularly can make old toys feel new again, maintaining your pet’s interest without increasing consumption. When toys do reach the end of their life, check whether any parts can be recycled or repurposed before throwing them away.

Choosing sustainable gear can make a difference too. Leads, collars and water bowls made from recycled or durable materials tend to last longer and reduce waste over time. Instead of frequently replacing worn-out items, investing in well-made products or repairing them where possible helps cut down on consumption.

6. Neuter your pet

Uncontrolled breeding contributes to growing populations of stray and unwanted animals, which in turn increases the demand for food, water, shelter and veterinary care.

By getting female pets spayed or male pets castrated, you help prevent unplanned litters and reduce the number of animals entering shelters or living on the streets. It also helps reduce the strain on rescue organisations and local authorities working to manage animal populations.

According to the RSPCA, neutering can also have benefits for your pet’s health, such as preventing some cancers and reducing aggressive behaviour. Speak to your vet for advice.

Why limiting climate change is important for your pet’s health

Your pet’s health is directly affected by the same environmental changes that affect people.

Climate change is causing the planet’s temperature to increase. Yet many pets can’t cool themselves efficiently. Hot pavements, heatwaves and warmer indoor temperatures all increase the chance of overheating, dehydration and heatstroke.

Rising temperatures are also contributing to a surge in blue-green algae growth in lakes and ponds. Blue-green algae can be extremely harmful to dogs who are particularly at risk because they may drink contaminated water or swim through it and then lick algae left behind on their fur. Even small amounts of exposure can lead to serious symptoms such as vomiting, seizures or liver damage.

Due to climate change, tick and flea numbers are increasing and they’re spreading to new areas. As a result, people are using more tick and flea treatments, worsening the negative impacts discussed above.

However, if we all make small changes, our planet could be a safer place for us and our pets. If you want to find more ways to help the environment, check out our handy tool.