Pet Owners are Twice as Likely to Choose a Sustainable Product that is Good for their Pets and the Planet
The demand for sustainable products is transforming every corner of retail—from personal care to healthcare, and now, pet care. As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, a standout trend is emerging: pet owners are more than twice as likely to purchase sustainable pet accessories than non-pet owners are to buy eco-friendly goods in other categories.
This shift isn’t just about pampering pets—it’s about aligning all aspects of our lives with environmental values. Let’s explore why pet parents are at the forefront of the green movement, how sustainability is reshaping the pet care industry, and what brands can do to stay ahead.
Pet owners are more than twice as likely to purchase sustainable pet accessories than non-pet owners are to buy eco-friendly goods in other categories.
🌍 Pet Ownership Meets Planet Protection
Pet ownership in itself has an environmental footprint. According to Earth.org, companion animals are responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions due to meat-heavy diets, waste production, and packaging from pet products. In fact:
Dogs and cats in the U.S. alone account for 30% of the environmental impact associated with domestic meat consumption.
Pet waste generates millions of tons of methane-producing organic material per year.
The majority of pet accessories are still made from plastic, leather, or other non-renewable materials.
Yet, awareness of these impacts is driving change. Pet parents are taking responsibility—and action.
📊 Pet Consumers Have a Sustainability Mindset
According to a global survey by Pet Food Industry, up to 80% of global pet food buyers say sustainability is important in their purchasing decisions. More strikingly:
Over 50% are actively looking for pet products that are sustainably sourced, ethically manufactured, or have compostable/recyclable packaging.
Pet owners are twice as likely to support new, innovative brands if sustainability is a core part of the value proposition.
Millennials and Gen Z pet owners, who make up the largest share of new pet adopters, are driving demand for products that are good for their pets and the planet.
🛍️ From Eco-Collars to Plant-Based Packaging
A growing number of consumers are choosing leashes made from recycled ocean plastics, compostable poop bags, bamboo food bowls, and organic grooming supplies. As Earth911 notes, simple changes can drastically reduce a pet’s carbon pawprint:
Switching to sustainable toys and accessories
Choosing plant-based or responsibly sourced food
Buying refillable or zero-waste packaging
This isn't just good for the environment—it’s smart business. Sustainability-marketed pet products are seeing accelerated growth, mirroring trends in human healthcare and CPG. The key difference? Pet owners often spend more on their pets than themselves.
💚 An Emotional Equation: Pet Owners + Go Green
So why are pet owners more likely to embrace sustainable products? The answer lies at the intersection of emotional care and planetary stewardship:
Love for animals = love for nature
People who cherish animals often care deeply about protecting their habitats. Eco-consciousness becomes an extension of pet care.Social identity and signaling
Sustainability in pet parenting is a growing part of lifestyle branding—shared via social media and reinforced through community values.Doing the right thing, guilt-free
Green purchases allow owners to care for pets without contributing to environmental degradation, offering emotional validation.Long-term thinking
Pet owners, especially those with young families, are more future-focused—investing in products that support the planet their children and pets will grow up in.
🔄 How Pet Brands Can Capitalize on Going Green
Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic advantage. Here’s how pet brands can lead:
Adopt circular packaging models
Offer refill stations, compostable packaging, or return-to-recycle programs.Tell your sustainability story boldly
Make eco-claims clear, measurable, and prominent—pet owners care.Use certifications and transparency
Highlight organic, cruelty-free, or carbon-neutral certifications.Design for durability and repair
Reusable and long-lasting products reduce waste and build loyalty.Support pet-focused environmental causes
Partnerships with shelters or eco-nonprofits resonate with buyers’ values.
🐕 Final Thought: Sustainability Is Going to the Dogs (and Cats)
The green revolution has arrived in the pet aisle—and it’s not going anywhere. With pet owners more than twice as likely to seek sustainable options, the opportunity is enormous for brands ready to meet this demand authentically.
Eco-friendly pet products aren’t just a niche. They’re the future. The brands that embrace that future will win not only market share but lifelong customers—on both ends of the leash.
Sources:
Pet Food Industry: https://www.petfoodindustry.com/blogs-columns/adventures-in-pet-food/blog/15679518/how-pet-food-consumers-globally-view-sustainability and
Earth 911: https://earth911.com/home-garden/guest-idea-12-high-impact-changes-to-reduce-your-pets-carbon-footprint/