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'Complex': Is it possible to have a pet and be sustainable?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sat, 20 Sept 2025, 12:18pm
Photo / Getty Images
Photo / Getty Images

'Complex': Is it possible to have a pet and be sustainable?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sat, 20 Sept 2025, 12:18pm

It can be difficult for people to live sustainably – but what about animals? Is it possible to own a pet and still be sustainable?  

Kate Hall tackles the question, offering up a few pieces of advice for pet care that takes sustainability into question. 

  • Choosing pet food: consider brands using by-products or sustainable protein sources (like Feed My Fur Baby). 
  • Compostable poo bags (plus a reusable system I used to have for my dog that involves a little glass jar!) or training cats with eco-friendly/paper litter.  
  • Buy second-hand pet gear where possible (toys, beds, crates). There is SO much out there.  
  • Think about your pet’s impact on local wildlife (especially cats and dogs around native species).  
  • Considering if you truly have a lifestyle that will mean the animal will thrive - most people have apartment spaces, so a dog share situation could work better.  
  • Pets bring joy and small choices in how we care for them can make a big difference. 

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