5 Ways to Become a More Sustainable Pet Parent

Protecting the health of our planet benefits us and our furry friends alike, not only because our pets are more likely to thrive in environments that are litter and pollution-free, but it can be an important element of a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Happily, choosing a more sustainable lifestyle for your pet doesn’t mean compromising the quality or their favorite items, and in fact may promote better health and happier pets for years to come.

If you’re interested in becoming a more sustainable pet parent, the great news is that simple daily changes and product swaps can help make a big impact. Here are five easy ways you can jumpstart a more earth-friendly routine with your pet!

Trash has many environmental and health impacts, including polluting water sources and harming wildlife. Nearly 25% of the world’s plastic waste is littered or not disposed of properly, and one-quarter of that makes its way into the environment, often in our own communities.

While not everyone has time to volunteer for a trash pick-up day, collecting some can become part of your daily routine with your pet. When you take your furry friend out on their walk, bring an extra bag and collect trash to dispose of properly at the end. It may seem like a small effort, but you’d be surprised by how much this can add up to over time!

Lastly, consider using biobased waste bags made from renewable sources in place of ones made up of single-use virgin plastic. So Phresh waste bags contain USDA certified biobased and renewable materials and are a great alternative to what you might be using today.

Cat owners are frequently changing litter, and traditional litter options can add up to a lot of waste over time. Thankfully, Petco stocks biodegradable kitty litter options so you can feel better about your cat’s impact on the earth.

These cassava and corn-based litter formulas are dry, fast-forming and produce minimal dust, so choosing a more sustainable alternative doesn’t mean compromising quality. Another option is a flushable litter, such as one made from whole-kernel corn. Proven safe for septic and sewer systems, verified flushable options can even make for easier cleanup.

For our smallest furry companions, So Phresh small animal recycled crumple paper bedding is a great option that’s organic, biodegradable and made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

Our in-store treat buffet is a perfect way to show your pup a little extra love on any occasion. Just like bulk bins at your local grocer, buying pet treats in bulk minimizes the need for packaging and the number of trips you’ll need to take each month.

Not only is this option better for the planet, but your dog can try many options to find their favorite. Choose from sweet or savory options or create your own mix-and-match bag. This is a great alternative for picky dogs that have often left you with barely touched bags of treats! From chicken-flavored joint support hearts to sandwich crème cookies, you’re sure to find treats your dog will love.

We also provide a refillable cat litter station for our cat parents in all Petco stores. This minimizes the need for excess packaging since we provide a bucket for purchase that can be brought back to Petco every time you need to buy litter. It’s not only better for the planet, but it’s a more cost-effective option too!

Sustainable Pet Products at Petco: What to Look For (and Why It Matters)

Making more sustainable choices for your pet doesn't mean sacrificing quality — and Petco has made it easier to find products that are better for the planet without compromising on what your pet actually needs. Our online sustainable product shop carries more than 1,000 items that meet Petco's criteria for "Petco sustainable," and that number keeps growing as we expand our assortment across every pet category.

Here's a closer look at the sustainable product lines you'll find — and how each one makes a difference:

Started as a Bottle — Recycled Plastic, Reimagined

Petco's Started as a Bottle line turns post-consumer recycled plastic bottles into toys and apparel for cats and dogs. That colorful chew toy or cozy dog hoodie? It was a plastic bottle in a former life. The line includes items like butterfly cat toys and stylish dog hoodies — and you'd never guess their origin from looking at them.

Why it matters: Diverting plastic bottles from landfills and waterways is one of the most direct ways a pet product purchase can reduce environmental impact. When you're browsing toys or apparel, look for the Started as a Bottle logo to make that swap effortlessly.

Reddy — Trend-Right Gear Made with Recycled Content

The Reddy brand offers a curated selection of dog accessories — including collars — made from recycled content. Reddy's designs are modern and durable, so choosing a more sustainable lead doesn't mean settling for something that looks or performs like a compromise.

Plant-Based and Alternative Protein Dog Food

For pet parents looking to reduce their dog's environmental pawprint through diet, Petco carries plant-based and alternative protein dog food options formulated to deliver the nutrients dogs need. Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can thrive on well-formulated diets that draw protein from non-traditional sources — look for options that meet AAFCO nutritional standards to confirm they're complete and balanced https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/. As always, talk with your veterinarian before making a significant switch in your dog's diet, especially if he or she has any underlying health conditions.

Natural-Material and Certified Sustainable Toys

Not every sustainable swap involves recycled synthetics. Petco also carries certified B-Corp and recycled rubber toys — a meaningful distinction, since B-Corp certification holds companies to verified standards of social and environmental performance. These toys are a straightforward swap for conventional rubber or plastic options.

Shameless Pets Treats — Upcycled Ingredients, No Waste

Shameless Pets treats are made with ingredients like apple peels, squash and other nutritious food scraps that would otherwise go to waste. Upcycled ingredients reduce food waste at the production level, and these treats are formulated to be a nutritious part of your dog's routine — just remember that treats of any kind should make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily diet https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/.

Quick-Reference: Sustainable Product Swaps at Petco

Browsing the full sustainable shop is the easiest way to find these items all in one place — and every purchase in that category is a small, concrete step toward a lighter footprint for you and your pet.

How often have you heard not to let the water run while brushing your teeth? Conserve water by turning off the tap when lathering up your pup. You can also turn your dog’s bath into a mini pamper session by opting for a soothing, cruelty-free shampoo, like Well & Good Oatmeal Dog Shampoo, which is Leaping Bunny certified. IAnd if you prefer to have someone else handle the bath, we have in-store grooming salons featuring products that are free from parabens, phthalates, and chemical dyes.

Petco is here to help you on your sustainable pet parent journey. As we continue to explore environmentally friendly products, you’ll be sure to find more ways to make more planet-friendly decisions for you and your pet.

A sustainable lifestyle for you and your pet is about more than simply choosing planet-friendly products while you’re shopping. It’s about preserving the health of the planet and its ability to support all people and animals for generations to come. Thank you for doing your part in helping our beautiful planet!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sustainable pet care actually better for my pet's health, or is it just better for the planet? Both, in many cases. Reducing your pet's exposure to plastic waste and chemical-heavy products can support a cleaner living environment, and many plant-based or alternative-protein foods are formulated to meet complete nutritional standards — though you should always confirm any food meets AAFCO nutritional adequacy guidelines before switching. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ Consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet's diet.

Are biodegradable or plant-based cat litters safe for cats? Most plant-based litters — including those made from corn, cassava or recycled paper — are considered safe for everyday use, but every cat is different. If your cat has a history of ingesting litter or has respiratory sensitivities, talk with your veterinarian before switching formulas. The FDA notes that pet food and related products should be evaluated for both safety and suitability for the individual animal. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-foods-feeds/pet-food

How do I know if a "sustainable" pet food is nutritionally complete? Look for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label — this confirms the food meets established nutrient profiles for your pet's life stage. The statement will appear on the packaging and indicate whether the food was formulated to meet a nutrient profile or validated through a feeding trial. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ When in doubt, your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can review the label with you.

Can flushable cat litter be used with a septic system? Some flushable litters — such as those made from whole-kernel corn — are marketed as verified safe for septic and sewer systems, but local municipal guidelines vary. Always check with your local water authority before flushing any litter, and note that the CDC advises against flushing cat waste if your cat goes outdoors, due to the risk of Toxoplasma gondii in waterways. When uncertain, disposing of litter in a sealed bag remains a reliable option.

Are recycled-material pet toys and apparel safe for pets to use? Reputable recycled-content products — such as toys made from post-consumer plastic bottles — go through standard safety testing before reaching store shelves. Look for products from brands that disclose their materials and manufacturing standards. If a toy shows significant wear, fraying or broken pieces, remove it promptly to prevent ingestion. Your veterinarian can advise on signs of gastrointestinal distress if you suspect your pet has swallowed a foreign object. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

What is the single easiest first step toward a more sustainable routine with my pet? Swapping single-use plastic waste bags for biobased alternatives and picking up litter during your daily walk are two of the lowest-effort, highest-impact changes you can make right away — no new habits or major purchases required. From there, exploring bulk treat stations and refillable litter programs at your local Petco store can reduce packaging waste significantly over time, while often saving money as well.

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.