Get Ethical With Your Pet Products

The thing about the word "ethical" on some pet product labels is it means about as much as "all natural" did in the '90s when everyone was suddenly obsessed with Crystal Pepsi. If a label reads like a novel but says nothing concrete, just ease on down the road, my friend. Real ethical products consider the entire supply chain, from how materials are sourced to how workers are treated to whether the factory is dumping chemicals into a river somewhere.

A good leash should survive rain, snow and the occasional squirrel-fueled sprint. The best ethical leashes are made from recycled materials, organic cotton or hemp, which has made quite the comeback after decades of being associated with questionable fashion choices. Avoid cheap nylon options that shed microplastics with every walk, because those end up in oceans where fish definitely didn't order a side of dog accessories with their algae.

Ethical pet beds are filled with recycled materials or natural fibers like organic cotton, wool or kapok instead of petroleum-based polyester that'll outlive us all in a landfill (bonus points for companies that offer repairs or refills!). It also helps when the covers are removable and machine washable because we all know that Fluffy is going to throw up on it within the first week. Check whether the dyes used are non-toxic and low-impact, since your pet's face is going to be smushed into this thing for 16 hours a day.

The toy aisle is where greenwashing goes to party, so you'll need your Sherlock hat for this one. Truly ethical toys are made from natural rubber, organic cotton, recycled materials or sustainably harvested wood that hasn't destroyed the rainforest. Avoid anything with “mystery squeakers” or excessive plastic parts that turn into confetti across your living room and linger in the environment longer than that weird second cousin who “just needs a place to crash” and is suddenly reorganizing your pantry.

Clean pets should not come at the cost of irritated skin or polluted water. Ethical grooming products skip parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances and other chemicals that sound like they belong in a science experiment rather than on your pet's skin. And don’t forget the packaging. Look for brands using recycled or recyclable materials instead of single-use plastic that outlives every trend and good intention.

Let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the chihuahua in the sweater. Pet clothes often get eye rolls, but some animals genuinely need protection from the weather, and if we're dressing them anyway, we might as well do it responsibly. Avoid the fast fashion trap and look for ethical pet clothing made from organic or recycled fabrics with non-toxic dyes, because obviously.