We already know that we’re a nation of animal lovers in the UK. According to a 2022 report from the PDSA, 52% of UK adults have at least one pet!
Many of us already take steps to be more sustainable at home, but what about being a sustainable pet parent? In honour of National Pet Day, we're taking a closer look at pet ownership in the UK, as well as some simple steps to be a sustainable pet owner.
Pets in the UK
The PSDA’s annual PAW report shows that around 24% of UK adults have a cat, with an estimated pet cat population of 11.1 million! Meanwhile 27% of adults have a dog, and they estimate the UK pet dog population to be around 10.2 million.
While dog owners most commonly acquired their pets from breeders, the report also shows that, on average, more cat owners chose to adopt their pets from a charity or rescue, which is great news. Choosing to adopt a cat is one of the best things you can do, giving that cat a second chance - and a cosy new home.
With so many animals in shelters and rescue centres waiting for a new home, choosing to adopt instead of purchasing a kitten or puppy from a breeder is one way to make a real difference to the lives of animals. But what about other ethical considerations when it comes to pet ownership, like sustainability?
Sustainability & Pet Ownership
When it comes to pet ownership, there can be so much to think about that sustainability might not be top of your list of priorities. But our pets have an environmental paw print, too, so how can we ensure that our decision to share our homes with a four-legged friend doesn’t have a negative impact on the environment?
We separate out our recycling, perhaps we compost our food waste, and we all know we should avoid single-use plastics - but when it comes to pet care, it can be harder to know what to do. That’s why we’ve put together a few simple steps to consider when it comes to eco-friendly pet parenting.
They might not be the first option you reach for, but often there are sustainable alternatives to everyday pet items, you might just need to research them first. From pet food made from insect protein to our sustainable cat litter or biodegradable poop bags for your dogs - there are sustainable switches you can make for those everyday pet essentials.
It can be (very) tempting to spoil our four-legged friends with loads of toys and treats, but overconsumption ends up leading to waste, which is something we want to avoid here at Natusan! Whether it’s picking just a few favourite toys for your cat, or getting creative and making DIY toys yourself, buying only what we really need is one of the best ways to live more sustainably - and this of course applies to us as well as our pets!
Opting to buy in bulk might not seem like an obviously sustainable step, but purchasing essentials in bulk quantities can cut down on both shipping and also packaging, depending on the items.
These are just a few of the sustainable steps that can help to make a difference! If you want make some more simple sustainable changes, why not take a look at our post from earlier this year, full of small steps for a sustainable 2023.
11/04/2023 by NatuTeam