Practical ways to make pet ownership more sustainable

Few things match the quiet joy of a pet, and the companionship, comfort and routine that becomes part of daily life.

Across the Asia-Pacific region, that connection is driving more households to own pets, along with growing spending on premium food, health care and accessories. But some items come with a hidden climate cost.

Pet food and the planet

Most pet diets rely heavily on animal-based ingredients, which are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. A study in Global Environmental Change estimates that the dry pet food industry produces between 56 and 151 megatonnes of carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions every year.

Eco-friendly alternatives are slowly entering the market. Vegan, ethically sourced and insect-based diets are becoming more common. Some brands are now using black soldier fly protein and lab-cultivated meat in pet food, both of which require far less land and water than traditional meat sources.

Portion size matters too. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 37 per cent of dog owners and 43 per cent of cat owners describe their pets as above their ideal weight. Feeding pets the right amount also helps reduce waste and pressure on resources.

Greener pet care

Pet care creates waste far beyond food. Plastic waste bags, synthetic toys, grooming products and packaging quickly pile up. The pet industry uses more than 300 million pounds of plastic packaging each year, according to the Pet Sustainability Coalition. Around 91 per cent ends up in landfill, oceans or the natural environment.

Consumer habits, however, are shifting. More than 63.3 per cent of pet owners across several countries are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, according to survey findings published in Pets International magazine.

Biodegradable waste bags, recycled-material toys and compostable packaging are also becoming easier to find. Reusable grooming tools are another simple swap that cuts down on disposable products.

Clean up responsibly

Pet waste is not just a routine part of daily walks — it has an environmental impact too. Research from the New South Wales Government finds that dog waste washed into stormwater systems is a source of urban water pollution. Picking up waste promptly and using biodegradable bags can lower the pollutants that enter waterways.

Cat litter brings its own problems. Conventional clay litter is produced through strip mining, which impacts ecosystems and can leave lasting damage on landscapes. It also does not break down in landfill.

Switching to plant-based litter made from paper, wood or corn offers cat owners a more sustainable alternative. It breaks down more easily after disposal and cuts down reliance on mined materials.