It's that time of year again! We hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and New Year! To ensure we pet owners, our planet and our cherished pets have a wonderful time, it's important for us to consider how we celebrate this period to ensure an ethical and enjoyable Christmas and New Year for our special companions....
Consider your Carbon Pawprint
It’s a season for giving which definitely includes buying presents for our pets! However, it’s important to consider our ‘Carbon Pawprint’ whenever we make a purchase for our companion animals. Pet consumer trends are quite concerning around excessive consumption (buying what we don’t need) and purchasing products that are not ethically produced (many of the mass-produced cheaper pet products). For example, remember to think twice before spending hundreds of dollars on a dog bed that is only going to get ripped up and thrown out in to landfill. Look at ways to make your own toys and bedding through recycled materials or choose from companies that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Reduce unnecessary spending and waste by exploring recycled toys and pet products. There are countless brands and options that sell eco-friendly/recycled pet products. A quick search on Google should reveal a plethora of fantastic product options that are kind to the planet as well. It’s a win-win situation!
Seek out and Support Ethical Businesses and Companies
Seek out and support companies that are ethical in their business practice such as B Corps (Scratch Pet Food, Cherished Pets) and Anipal. Consider ethically produced pet food too such as Scratch or insect derived protein in treats such as the ones you can get from our friends over at Anipal and social enterprises in the pet space like Paws for a Purpose.
Respect your Pet’s Natural Behaviour and Psychological Needs
Generally pets don’t like or need to be dressed up in clothing! And many dogs seriously dislike attending social dog-friendly events with lots of other dogs. Don’t make a “cheese and wine bar” type of dog go to a canine night club equivalent!
Think Twice about Gifting someone with a New Pet
Too many people receive pets they are not prepared for, nor do they want! A pet is forever and needs to be selected carefully, considering needs and capabilities of the human. Make sure that when buying a pet for someone that they actually are wanting one and ensure that they are more than capable and have the capacity to look after and be responsible for their new companion.
Consider Adopting and Do your Research
If you want to get a puppy or kitten, do your research and find an ethical breeder, such as those listed on Perfect Pets. Please also consider adopting a dog. We have an unprecedented number of pets in shelters seeking forever homes. Be part of the solution and don’t add to the problems facing pets in our communities! Check out Pet Rescue.
Consider Donating
Consider making a donation to pet charities such as our Cherished Pets Foundation or Vets for Climate Action. A special Christmas gift like this will go a long way to help improve the lives of all our animals.
These are just some of the ways you can ensure an ethical pet Christmas and new year for all. Remember to consider your pawprints and enjoy your time with your humans and pets!
Merry Christmas!
The Cherished Pets Team