Pets
Table of Contents
Introduction
Humans have enjoyed pets for thousands of years. Pet ownership can have many benefits for humans, but is not always so beneficial to animals themselves. There are also a variety of environmental consequences.
This page is intended to explore which pets have the most impact, and how to reduce our pet-related impact in ways that also consider the animals' wellbeing.
Cats
Population Statistics
"There are an estimated 600 million cats on the planet... experts believe that there are more cats than any other species of mammal, other than humans." - Catster
"Estimates of the number of feral and wild cats in the world vary widely, from anywhere between 30 million and 100 million animals." - Catster
In the USA, "Of the cats entering shelters, approximately 37% are adopted, 41% are euthanized, and less than 5% of cats who came in as strays are returned to their owners." - Community Care College: Pet Facts
Environmental Impact of Cats
Invasive Apex Predators
"Cats are apex predators that can wreak havoc on local biodiversity. Research shows that outdoor cats on islands have already caused or contributed to the extinction of an estimated 33 species. Wild cats pose an outsized threat to birds, which make up half their diet. In Hawaii, known as a bird extinction capital of the world, cats are the most devastating predators of wildlife. “We know that cats are an invasive, environmental threat,” said Lepczyk, who has published papers proposing management policies for outdoor cats." - Wired: Kitten Season Global Warming Cat Breeding
Dogs
Population Statistics
Between 400 million and 900 million dogs in the world, many of which are free-range with around 20% being owned and restrained.
In the USA, "Of the dogs entering shelters, approximately 35% are adopted, 31% are euthanized and 26% of dogs who came in as strays are returned to their owner." - Community Care College: Pet Facts
Eco-Friendly Dog Toys & Equipment
Fish
Population Statistics
Population Statistics
Rabbits
Population Statistics
Pros & Cons of Rabbits As Pets
Diet
Rabbits are vegan by nature, so they have a particularly low-impact diet compared to dogs and cats. Any waste is safe for composting, as are their bedding and droppings!
Exotic Pets
Unfortunately the exotic pet trade fuels global poaching and wild life trafficking which often has ties to other illegal activities including drug and gun smuggling. These all contribute to species decline and even species extinction.
It is generally looked down upon to support the exotic pet trade as this has already led to problematic amount of habitat disturbance and species loss. Exotic birds such as African Parrots, primates including monkeys and chimps, cheetahs, a many tropical fish are frequently killed by poachers accidentally, or later from injuries or improper care and stress from being smuggled and fed improper diets. Even once-common species like hedgehogs are at increased risk of extinction because of the pet trade.
Population Statistics
Ways to Reduce Pet Impact
Pet Waste
When pet waste is not properly handled it can get into waterways, spreading diseases and viruses to wild life.
Dogs Waste
This often happens when dog owners don't pick up after their dogs, and then rains washes the feces along the watershed. This can make streams and rivers unsafe for swimming or other activities.
Cat Waste
The same can happen with cat waste, though cats should be kept indoor to protect wildlife anyway. Kitty litter has a fairly big environmental impact, but flushing cat poop down the toilet is particularly dangerous to certain wildlife, since our sewage system doesn't filter out the parasites that kill otters in particular.
Resources & Guides
International
This Enviro Pet Waste Network: Resources "is a useful all-inclusive resource to help communities and households make informed decisions on how to repurpose pet waste, considering options available in their city or region. Situations differ geographically, and opportunities are continually changing. That’s why an online site will be the best way to find support and share experiences.
Resources available at this site may be used to provide backing for grant requests, obtain community funding or advocate for cycling pet waste back to nature. All of the site's available fact sheets can also be downloaded..."
Organizations
Many animals are in need of forever homes, so if you are planning to have a pet, please consider adoption over buying from pet shops or breeders.
International
The Enviro Pet Waste Network (EPWN) 💩 "connects people and communities that are successfully diverting dog and cat waste from landfills with those who want to learn how to develop similar programs in their own cities and towns. This website will help you find eco-friendly options for managing pet waste.
Want to help reduce the environmental impact of cat waste or of dog poop at your park, beach, trail, home or community? You’ve come to the right place. It is estimated there are about 900 million dogs and 700 million cats worldwide!"
Europe
UK
The Enviro Pet Waste Network: UK (EPWN) 💩 "connects people and communities that are successfully diverting dog and cat waste from landfills with those who want to learn how to develop similar programs in their own cities and towns. This website will help you find eco-friendly options for managing pet waste.
Want to help reduce the environmental impact of cat waste or of dog poop at your park, beach, trail, home or community? You’ve come to the right place. It is estimated there are about 900 million dogs and 700 million cats worldwide!"
North America
Canada
The Enviro Pet Waste Network: Canada (EPWN) 💩 "connects people and communities that are successfully diverting dog and cat waste from landfills with those who want to learn how to develop similar programs in their own cities and towns. This website will help you find eco-friendly options for managing pet waste.
Want to help reduce the environmental impact of cat waste or of dog poop at your park, beach, trail, home or community? You’ve come to the right place. It is estimated there are about 900 million dogs and 700 million cats worldwide!"
USA
The Enviro Pet Waste Network: USA (EPWN) 💩 "connects people and communities that are successfully diverting dog and cat waste from landfills with those who want to learn how to develop similar programs in their own cities and towns. This website will help you find eco-friendly options for managing pet waste.
Want to help reduce the environmental impact of cat waste or of dog poop at your park, beach, trail, home or community? You’ve come to the right place. It is estimated there are about 900 million dogs and 700 million cats worldwide!"
Oceana
Australia
The Enviro Pet Waste Network: Australia (EPWN) 💩 "connects people and communities that are successfully diverting dog and cat waste from landfills with those who want to learn how to develop similar programs in their own cities and towns. This website will help you find eco-friendly options for managing pet waste.
Want to help reduce the environmental impact of cat waste or of dog poop at your park, beach, trail, home or community? You’ve come to the right place. It is estimated there are about 900 million dogs and 700 million cats worldwide!"