We are happy to report that it is possible to enjoy having a furry friend in the home while making decisions that “pawsitively” affect their lives and the environment’s well-being. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve included below some of your dog’s biggest life milestones and needs. Start here to help you envision what eco-friendly dog ownership can look like.

Let’s imagine that you haven’t selected your furry friend just yet…or they haven’t selected you! Starting from the beginning of the process, here are some ways you can ensure that bringing a new pup home is the best for your needs and also supports the environment.

●     Find the right breeder: Breeders all have different reasons for going into their line of work. Some love a particular breed and want to put efforts into refining that breed’s physical and emotional characteristics. Others aren’t so altruistic in their practices and take it on as a hobby or “just for fun.” To ensure you select a breeder that is conscious of their impact on the environment, do your research. Some breeders make it a point to outline how they are investing in studies and educational materials, the dogs’ nutrition, time to evaluate potential homes, and more. This breeder does a fantastic job of showing how quality matters in the process of working with them. Who you work with to find a dog of a particular breed is critically important, so take your time in the evaluation process. Crafting specific questions and contacting multiple places to find the right answers will ensure you don’t have issues down the road.

●     Or, consider adoption: County animal shelters, humane societies, and other rescue groups are often bursting at the seams with dogs that range from puppies to seniors. By searching in your area and making dedicated visits to those animal shelters, you are bound to find the exact type of dog that fits with your lifestyle. And, working with a shelter lowers the demand for irresponsible breeding practices in your area. Many animal shelters also ensure that their dogs are spayed or neutered, lowering the chances of pet overpopulation and strays.

●     What is your pet eating? Once you’ve made the choice to bring a pup into your life, schedule a visit with a veterinarian in your area and discuss recommendations for their diet. Dogs need protein, but since they are omnivores, they don’t have to eat red meat at every meal. Dog food containing red meat and fish has a higher environmental impact. This is especially important to keep in mind when one study showed that pet food is already responsible for about 25 percent of the environmental impacts created by meat production. Consider:

○     Protein alternatives such as rabbit, offal, chicken, or meat byproducts

○     Your dog’s food has to travel. Rather than relying on a fast delivery service and having that food shipped, why not support a local, independent pet supply store?

○     Dehydrated dog food as an alternative to fresh. Fresh food contains nearly 75% water, another impact to the environment. Plus, without the extra volume, you automatically create smaller packaging and, therefore, less waste.

●     Waste: Admittedly, this isn’t the most pleasurable part of dog ownership. But, it’s definitely a part of it and requires a few actions on your part. First, recognize how important it is to pick up after your dog…every time. We know, it can be challenging to stand outside when it’s raining, snowing, or icy. But, picking up after your pooch isn’t just to keep the sidewalk clean. It is also important in regards to human safety. Animal feces can carry disease and microorganisms that are not safe for humans. With that in mind, be prepared! Since plastics are notorious for using a lot of fossil fuels and the materials are often not biodegradable, invest in biodegradable/compostable bags and keep them with you at all times. You could even tie a couple to the end of your pup’s leash to ensure you never forget.

●     Keeping your pup squeaky clean: One thing pet owners don’t consider too often is the chemicals that are contained in a pup’s toiletries. From shampoos and conditioners to repellents, we all know how important it is to keep your dog smelling their best while also repelling unwanted guests like ticks. Thankfully, there are many alternatives out there, from eco-friendly flea combs to organic shampoos and conditioners. If you’re really into DIY, you could also whip up your own creation using castor soap or olive oil.

●     Shop small. Buying your pet’s treats, toys, and dog food from a big box supplier often means that they have been mass-produced and therefore not environmentally responsible. When you shop small, you not only help to keep their business thriving in your community, but you might encounter smaller-batch items that are made locally. This increases the likelihood that the stores worked with local suppliers.

●     Preparing for crossing the Rainbow Bridge: Should you find yourself saying goodbye to your best friend, keep in mind that there are also environmentally-friendly ways to do that, too. Instead of purchasing a gravestone, create a nose marker grave marker at home (you can easily do this with pet-friendly paint and a stone from your backyard). Should you have your dog cremated, there are also biodegradable dog urns. Alternatively, you could have their ashes turned into a sustainable diamond so that they are always close to your heart.