Family pets bring so much joy to the mother and father and especially the children! Dogs and cats are very precious members of the family and bring lots of joy and laughter to family life. Pet owners can do their part to help conserve the environment by making intelligent, informed and environmentally friendly decisions regarding their pet care.

For pet owners desiring to make their fun-loving dog or calming cat more green, read the following suggestions.

(1) If you and your family do not already own a pet, strongly consider adopting a sweet dog or cat from an animal shelter or humane society. You will be saving the animal’s life and they will be eternally grateful for it. There are thousands of homeless dogs and cats in your country who desperately need caring and loving people to rescue them. These adorable dogs and cats are usually free to a good home.

If you and your family have your heart set on finding a purebred dog or cat from a breeder, research any potential pet breeder very carefully. Find out how the breeders raise their puppies or kittens. Find out how much space they receive to live, play and exercise, how much exercise they receive, what food they eat and what veterinary care and vaccines they have received.

(2) Neuter or spay your cat or dog.
There is a troubling problem where animals are not being spayed or neutered and thousands of homeless dogs and cats are left to fend for themselves. When you neuter or spay your dog or cat, your animal will live a healthier and longer life and have a reduced risk of developing ovarian and uterine cancer in females and testicular cancer and prostate disease in males.

(3) Purchase good quality organic food for your dog or cat.
Many typical brands of pet foods contain alarming ingredients, including animal by-products, animal wastes, and ingredients that come from diseased or dying animals. Make sure that the pet food that you buy your cat or dog contains meat that is FDA-certified and good quality.

Support your cat or dog’s proper nutrition by purchasing quality food. Think about buying pet food that is organic and natural. Certified organic pet food must meet high quality standards and must not contain any pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, artificial ingredients or genetically modified ingredients.

(4) Utilize natural pet care products and cleaning products.

Avoid using any pet shampoo or grooming product that contains toxic chemicals. Use natural pet care products instead, that are environmentally-friendly and chemical free.

Avoid using pet cleaning products and overall household cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients. Green pet supply companies are now manufacturing cleaning products to use when your pet has an accident that are healthy for the environment.

(5) Purchase environmentally-friendly, organic pet toys and gifts.

a) Choose toys made from organic cotton or hemp, which are chemical-free.

b) Buy your cat or dog a new, natural hemp collar, which is biodegradable.

c) Purchase a comfortable doggie or kitty bed that is designed with organic materials and is free of toxic chemicals. Find one that has an easy-to-wash cover.