Treehugger's editorial team is composed of a diverse group of experts-with advanced degrees, professional experience, publishing books, etc.-their expertise covers every corner of the field of sustainable development.

We are a person who loves our pets. In 2020, Americans spent $103.6 billion on pets. This year, this number is expected to be several billion dollars higher. Our companion animals have done so much for us, is it any wonder we spoil them in return?

Alas, this plan is flawed. The production of all these products will bring many problems to the environment. Many pet toys are made of virgin plastic and/or produced in a way that cannot be recycled. Equipment and other supplies that are not durable will break and go with all other discarded pet supplies in the landfill. Novelty items may be interesting in a minute, but they will be thrown away soon. The raw materials and packaging of food and snacks can be problematic and non-recyclable—not to mention the carbon emissions generated during the production and transportation of all these things. The list goes on.

Fortunately, there are many pet supply companies that prioritize sustainability. Whether it is independent newcomers creating innovative products, or large international brands committing to sound sustainable development initiatives, we are seeing more and more environmental movements in the industry.

It is companies like this and their products that we awarded cats and dogs environmentally friendly products in the Best Green Award.

To select our winners, we partnered with sister site The Spruce Pets to combine Treehugger's authority on sustainability with The Spruce Pets' deep expertise in all pets. We solicited nominations from readers, writers, staff, and external experts, and then carefully reviewed each nominee according to a specific set of criteria​​. To help us highlight the winners, we set up a panel of experts to test and/or review products.

Melissa Shapiro: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Melissa Shapiro is a veterinarian and a lifelong animal welfare advocate. She is also the mother of a deaf-mute pink puppy Piglet. Since bringing Piggy home in 2017, she has been using his social media platform to educate, advocate and inspire others to adopt pets with special needs. Her new book "Little Pig: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family" can be bought wherever books are sold.

Mary Jo DiLonardo: writer and puppy foster parent Mary Jo DiLonardo is a writer and editor who specializes in pets and wild animals. She is a dedicated adoptive parent and has raised more than 40 puppies, many of which appear in her works.

Hilary Aver: The editor of The Spruce Pets Hilary Aver is the editor of The Spruce Pets. She has also held positions at The Cut, Vanity Fair and ELLE.com. She is the proud owner of a mixed-breed dog named George.

Judy Duhr: Founder and director, go ahead! St. Louis Judy Duhr is the founder and director of Speak! St. Louis, a rescue mainly for dogs with special needs that are blind, deaf, or both. After more than 20 years of rescue work, she is interested in products that are as environmentally healthy as pets.

Melissa Breyer: Treehugger editorial director Melissa Breyer is the editorial director of Treehugger. She is a sustainability expert and an enthusiastic animal lover who saves pets and wild animals. Over the years, she has raised hamsters, rabbits, horses, birds, fish, cats and dogs; her current pet roster includes two giant domestic cats. 

Treehugger / Catherine Song's photo illustration / retailer below

Note: When choosing a dog collar, quality is very important. You want something that can stand up to years of hard work, and we know that the Neo dog collar is the winner-it even ranks among the best in the "heavy" category in our list of the best eco-friendly dog ​​collars. For every item purchased, Max & Neo donates a piece of equipment to dog rescue organizations across the country. 

Why we chose it: Judy Duhr, the founder and director of Speak! The company's commitment to charity work left a deep impression on St. Louis. "Max & Neo gives back to the society by donating a box of products to the rescue. They also provide very generous discounts for the rescue. This is an incredible company and their products are exactly what we need for the rescue. The collar is very It’s sturdy and has great reflective lighting at night. The collar can be placed in the washing machine and can be used permanently."

Note: Ruffwear provides some serious equipment for dogs and their owners who like outdoor activities. They like to do more than just walking around. The Flagline harness is a height-adjustable, lightweight and comfortable dog harness. It is equipped with handles, front and rear clips, handles and chest/abdominal load spreaders, allowing you to easily help lift your dog at any time. need help. This feature is also very convenient for older or rehabilitation dogs who may need to be promoted.

Why we chose it: Mary Jo DiLonardo, pet writer and puppy adoptive parent, said that this seat belt is perfect for adventurous outings. "Hikers love Ruffwear gear. There is a lift and assist handle to help your pet cross creeks and cracks, and there are several places where you can tie a leash. This fabric is very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. There are also various A great color."

Note: The webbing on the colorful eco-safe cat collar is made of 100% recycled plastic. Since Lupin Pet was founded in 1990, these collars have been made in the same workshop in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The ring has a detachable safety buckle, if it senses more than 5 pounds of pressure, it will release to prevent your cat from being entangled in branches or other interesting things. You can order collars with or without bells. 

Why we chose it: DiLonardo likes that these collars are made from recycled plastic bottles. She said: "Lupin collars are soft and durable. I have a lupin dog collar that has been used for many years. It looks and feels great. These eco-friendly collars come in six soft earth colors and provide "even when chewed." Lifetime guarantee.” This means that the company will replace any pet equipment accidentally damaged during normal pet-related activities, including chewing or scratching.

Note: Kitty leather case has a clever "inevitable" design, you can easily put the cat in and out. It is made of 100% cotton in the United States (with undyed cotton lining to help prevent skin reactions), breathable and without rough nylon webbing, thin shoulder straps or plastic clips, which may cause discomfort or skin to your pet Bruises.

Why we chose it: "We usually consider seat belts for dogs, but they also apply to cats," said Melissa Breyer, editorial director of Treehugger. "Especially because cats are not so good at coming when they are called," she added. Breyer explained that the Kitty holster can be used to take the cat to the vet when traveling, especially when walking outdoors. "I particularly like this model because it is 100% cotton, and the comfort of the cat was taken into account in the design."

Note: This alpine reflective belt is made of upgraded climbing rope to ensure toughness. Four reflective tapes are woven in the rope to increase safety when visibility is low. The leash has a lockable carabiner to ensure that your dog will not be loosened. Because it is made of climbing rope and carabiner, it can be tied in a variety of ways to achieve different purposes, such as hands-free, making couplers for two dogs, creating a short traffic handle, and so on. 

Why choose it: "When I took my dog ​​to hike where I live in Maine, my first concern was that she would be easy to spot, especially if there were hunters in the area or it was dark," Sheila Said Lee Ivor, editor of The Spruce Pets. "This reflective leash is a great way to keep your puppy hikers safe." We also like the fact that all Wilderdog leashes are made in the United States and provide a lifetime quality guarantee.

Treehugger / Catherine Song's photo illustration / retailer below

Note: It may not be a satisfactory bed, but it is equivalent to your pet. The extremely comfortable natural pet bed is made of American wool and organic cotton. It is an ideal sleeping place for dogs of all sizes, ages and abilities, using natural materials that are breathable and waterproof. Washable lid with zipper for easy cleaning. As the manufacturer puts it, "This bed is almost indestructible and more durable than synthetic pet beds for many years!" 

Why we choose it: DiLonardo likes this ecological bed because it has two organic cotton coverings filled with a filling made of 100% natural wool, which is humanely and sustainably harvested. "The pet's nap plan will never have any downtime," she added. "The outer cover can be easily machine-washed, while the inner cover allows your pet to have a place to nap." In addition, this bed is handmade in the United States

Note: If you install it in the corner of your home, it will definitely become your cat's favorite place to hide, sleep and play. It will also become an automatic conversation starter for anyone who sees it. The Water Gem Cardboard Cat House is a unique interpretation of the traditional polyester cat bed. Made of 100% recyclable and compostable cardboard, its striking pyramid shape makes this cat house look good in any room. Cats will love the fact that it provides a roof, an elevated entrance and a comfortable cradle on their heads. 

Why we chose it: "No one says cats can only be hung on cabinets or their special cat towers," Aver said. "This Water Gem cat house is in perfect shape; it doesn't take up much space, and your cat will feel safe when wandering there!" A plus point for the fact that the cardboard structure will be completely biodegradable in 2-3 months. 

Note: Molly Mutt Bed is a DIY pet bed. You fill up a pile of old clothes with 100% cotton canvas duvet covers-you will throw away these things anyway-and look, your dog has a soft and comfortable bed that smells like the best thing in the world (to him or She said), at least), this is you! This ingenious design prevents textile waste from entering the landfill and avoids the production of more synthetic fillers. The outer material of the bed is durable, washable, pre-shrinkable and durable.

Why we chose it: If your dog spends a lot of time relaxing in bed, then you want the space to be comfortable. This sustainable option provides comfort and a variety of outstanding designs that can be integrated with your other home furnishings. We like the fact that this bed reuses old clothes in an ingenious and effective way-an underutilized resource. 

Note: The feel and shape of the cardboard used in this Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge will make your cat happy. It provides a place to scratch, exercise, relieve stress, and sleep and rest. This toy is an attractive addition to any room in your home, helping to protect your furniture, while also providing your cat with the stimulation he or she desires.

Why we chose it: Breyer said, "My cat loves this lounge. They use it to play hide and seek, scratch it and sleep on it. We played with two cats for six years and it still looks great." This It is some heavy use and an impressive longevity, so we know that the product is durable. We also like that it is made of recycled cardboard and non-toxic corn starch glue, which means it will be completely biodegradable when it is scratched more than redemption. 

Treehugger / Catherine Song's photo illustration / retailer below

Note: Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated dog food is an editorial selection in Treehugger’s best dog food review. It has a super clean and ethical ingredient list that is even comparable to human food in terms of quality. The food does not contain all artificial preservatives, by-products and fillers, and is low in sodium and phosphorus. There are grain-free and whole grain versions. Because the product is dehydrated, the amount of food you can eat is four times the weight you bought; this box weighs only 10 pounds, but it can make 40 pounds of fresh dog food. When serving, add warm water and wait for three minutes.

Why we choose it: About a third of Honest Kitchen's ingredients are certified organic and contain humanely raised free-range chicken and marine stewardship certified fish and other proteins. They do not use preservatives, fillers or genetically modified organisms. The company has made an impressive commitment to protecting biodiversity and using solar energy, and is working to include renewable materials in its packaging.

Note: You may find the idea of ​​chewing crickets disgusting, but your dog likes them, especially Jiminy's chewy cricket snacks. Crickets are good for dogs with sensitive stomachs and help build and support a diverse microbiome in the intestines. They are nutritious and raised without the chemical and resource inputs required for meat production. They are arguably one of the most ethical forms of protein. They are also very environmentally friendly and use much less water than ordinary snacks.

Why we chose it: "Every dog ​​and puppy that has tested these snacks loves them!" Di Ronardo explained. "These snacks feature crickets and grubs as well as plant-based ingredients that reduce the carbon footprint of pets. They are also very soft and smelly, which makes them ideal for training and entertaining." These carbon savings are real. Jiminy's says that compared to a 5-ounce bag of traditional dog treats, cricket snacks can save 220 gallons of water.

Note: If you are buying a new dog bowl in the market, check out this Bamboo Bowl by Beco Pets, the company has won awards for its outstanding ethics and corporate social responsibility. The Classic Bamboo Dog Bowl is made from a blend of renewable bamboo, rice husk, corn starch and PLA resin. (PLA is a plant-based material.)

Why we choose it: These bowls are made of bamboo and rice husk, which are not only sustainable but also very attractive. They are available in five colors and patterns and can be used safely in the dishwasher. They do not contain BPA. We like that Beco Pets is PETA approved and will not be tested on animals. Part of the profits will be donated to charities that help animals around the world.

Note: Wild One’s baked goods contain nine plant ingredients. They all sound delicious, and you may want to take a bite. They are made of 100% organic fruits, vegetables, grains and oils certified by the United States Department of Agriculture, and come in a variety of packaging in three flavors. These snacks do not contain artificial colors, flavors or fillers, and do not contain corn, wheat and soy. 

Why we chose it: "My puppy is fascinated by these foods," Aver said. "The shapes are easy for her to eat in one bite, and I feel good about the ingredients they contain. She didn't know that I was secretly giving her something very healthy for her, so it was a game for both of us. victory."

Note: Cats like to eat raw, and this is no exception. With probiotics and pumpkin seeds added to aid digestion, Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried foods (won the “Best Overall” award in the Spruce Pets review) can be eaten as they are, or they can be added with water to replenish moisture. The company uses all-natural ingredients, responsibly sourced proteins and organic products. Stella & Chewy's food products are made in the United States and contain no grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives or food coloring.

Why we choose it: "Cats are notoriously picky eaters, so when my cats decide that they like food that meets my nutrition and sustainability standards, I am excited," Breyer said. "Unlike piles of cans or heavy bags of food, this food is as light as a feather, easy to transport, and comes in bulk," she said. "My cat never sneers at it, it makes everything better."

Treehugger / Catherine Song's photo illustration / retailer below

Note: Dogs also need to clean their teeth! This organic canine toothpaste certified by the United States Department of Agriculture can scrub your pet's teeth and gums, keeping them fresh and clean, thanks to the delicious coconut oil (helps whiten and reduce bacteria) and cinnamon. The toothpaste does not contain xylitol, chemicals, pesticides, genetically modified organisms, gluten, fluoride, parabens, detergents, carrageenan, SLS or any type of compound. Critics say their dog is happy to let the owner brush his teeth because they think it is delicious.

Why we chose it: If anyone knows one or two things about brushing dogs, it is DiLonardo, who has more dogs than us. If she guarantees a certain product, it must be valid. She said, “It’s not always fun to brush teeth for dogs and puppies, so at least make sure that the toothpaste is healthy and delicious. Radius is an organic product certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and does not contain chemicals, fluoride, parabens, Cleanser or any composition. Besides, this is a family business owned and operated by women."

Note: It is frustrating when natural cleaning products are not as effective as synthetic cleaning products, but TriNova does not disappoint. This natural pet stain and odor remover is 100% natural, with professional strength and impressive record, can remove all old and new pet stains and odors. The multifunctional enzyme-powered formula can be used on most surfaces, including bedding, mattresses, cages, kennels, laundry rooms, clothes, hardwoods, trash cans, etc. If for some reason you are dissatisfied (unlike thousands of reviewers with rave reviews), you can get a full refund.

Why we chose it: "I have tried a lot of detergents and odorants over the years, but most of them are disgusting or not really effective at all," Breyer said. In our best green cleaning product award, we awarded Begley's best natural pet stain and odor remover the best pet product, but Breyer stated that this is tied with TriNova. "I really like the taste of TriNova," Breyer said. "Floral but natural; it replaces the smell of pets with subtle, fresh and lovely smells. This is really one of the best smelling products I have ever used."

Note: We are big fans of Treehugger shampoo sticks, because it eliminates unnecessary plastic bottles, so you can imagine our excitement about finding Ewegurt's dog shampoo sticks. This unique formula is made of goat milk yogurt and coconut oil, rich in foam, moisturizes the fur, and rinses off without any residue. It is handmade in small batches in the Midwest. Critics are loyal fans and say this is the best shampoo they have ever used.

Why we choose it: “There are many great natural dog shampoos,” DiLonardo said, “but it’s a sweet sheep-shaped bar handmade in the United States with goat milk yogurt. When you foam, the texture is small It may feel like a good massage for your pet." We like anything that makes it easier for pets and owners to bathe.

Note: Both dogs and cats need to brush their teeth regularly. What better way than using this beautiful bamboo brush? This cute choice from AtEase, an eco-friendly pet product retailer, has soft coated pins that can massage your pet's body while brushing your teeth. This removes dead skin, brings out natural oils, and improves the overall quality of the fur by promoting blood circulation and promoting healthier growth. When you pick up this brush, your animal will expect to be groomed.

Why we choose it: The less plastic we take home, the better. Aver said: "This simple brush is the perfect choice to prevent clumping of pet fur and prevent excessive shedding. If you don't like it, however, you have a money-back guarantee." 

Treehugger / Catherine Song's photo illustration / retailer below

Note: Many puppies like to chew-although this is good for their teeth, it may mean that damaged household items or toys will soon be wiped out. Enter the Rowdies plush toy of West Paw, designed for the roughest dog games. The super-durable fabric and 100% recycled plastic filling enable the toy to withstand the most lively games of dogs. These are handmade in Bozeman, Montana, and if your dog manages to make the most of it, replacement is guaranteed. West Paw has a strong sustainability policy and has many toys made from recycled and recyclable materials.

Why we chose it: Treehugger's content quality and visual editor Lindsey Reynolds guarantees this toy. "My pitties can tear open pillows or stuffed toys in less than 60 seconds. Not only are these Rowdies strong enough to withstand tough games, but they are also made with environmentally friendly IntelliLoft filling (made from recycled plastic bottles) . It’s worth spending a bit more to buy a chewable toy instead of always replacing it with cheap landfill items. If your dog is an additional toy destroyer, the company will also replace it or refund it."

Note: This award-winning catnip toy will make your cat go crazy-in a great way! The cotton shell is filled with carefully selected 100% organic catnip. As the company pointed out, “We sample each harvested catnip and select the highest quality products based on freshness, color and aroma. No chemicals or pesticides are used in the cultivation process. We like to use only leaves Planting with the top of the flower. Only Yeowww!! Catnip has a mixture of this world."

Why we choose it: "Catnip is a great way to keep your cat entertained and calm," Aver said, "and this organically grown catnip is stuffed in durable toys to prevent messing up! For yours Cats win, you win." We like the fact that catnip and toys are also grown/manufactured in the United States.

Note: "This is a soft and soft carpet that cats and kittens like!" Ripple Rug is a unique cat toy-a large 35" x 47" play mat that allows your fur baby to explore, scratch, and hide , Sleep and dig holes for fun. The carpet is strong, non-toxic, non-fading and resistant to mildew. It is easy to clean locally with soap and water, but it can also be machine washed. 

Why we chose it: It is called "the most creative cat toy in the world" for good reasons. Cats love it, and we love the fact that each one is made from 24 recycled plastic water bottles in the United States. To date, the manufacturer Snuggly Cat has reused approximately 3 million bottles. The company also donated Ripple Rugs to shelters and rescue organizations.

Tips: The cute giraffe Jerry is hand-tied with a naturally dyed rope, so that your puppies can chew very safely. When he or she chews, it wears out and acts as a puppy floss. When severe wear occurs, you can also trim or remove the debris. 

Why we chose it: Aver pointed out that these toys are dyed with natural plant dyes, "So you will feel that your dog treats it as their favorite toy to play with tugboats, because it will be!" We also like Jerry the Giraffe completely The fact that it is biodegradable and compostable means that once it is chewed and cannot be used, you don't have to worry about it clogging the landfill.

Treehugger / Catherine Song's photo illustration / retailer below

Tips: Appropriately named as the best cat litter in the world, it stands out with its unique formula, made from whole grain corn. Cat litter made from corn is made from finely ground whole corn kernels or ground corn cobs. Corn on the cob is more environmentally friendly because the waste is given new uses. This bedding is dust-free and highly absorbent; it will quickly agglomerate to completely absorb odors and biodegrade. It is manufactured in Iowa by a company that returns part of the proceeds to organizations that support rescue cats.

Why we chose it: "Cat litter has always been the elephant in the room of a cat owner with a sense of sustainability, that's why I am so happy to find the best litter in the world," Breyer said. "I am worried that natural cat litter is not performing well, but this is a superstar! We use lavender fragrance; our home does not smell like lavender perfume, but it does not smell like cat litter." 

Note: Dooloop is a small and simple gadget, it will make your daily dog ​​walking activities very different. Attach it to your belt, and you will immediately have a convenient place to hang the poop bag, free your hands and let you walk easily. This is a cleaner world, where there are no shit bags left on both sides of roads and trails (not that we thought you would do this)!

Why we chose it: DiLonardo said, “I saw a lot of pet products, and this is my favorite this year. There is no reason to leave a poo bag: just hang it on this gadget and it’s easy to carry. It’s in Maine The state is made of BPA-free, recyclable and recyclable plastic, and uses zero-waste packaging. Plus it looks cute! I was stopped by someone asking about this while walking the dog."

Note: If you are willing to be open to handling dog poop, this is an ingenious product that helps reduce plastic waste. Pooch Paper is made in the United States. It is a recyclable, non-chlorine bleached, oil-proof square paper that you can use to scoop your dog's deposits. Whenever you have a chance, you just need to tighten it and throw it in the trash can. These boards are 100% biodegradable, compostable, and manufactured using renewable energy. 

Why we chose it: "Using a paper spatula requires some learning curve," DiLonardo said, "but these papers are made of 100% biodegradable, recyclable, plastic and PFAS-free paper. Just scoop and twist. And deposits. The sheets can be easily folded in your back pocket until you are ready to use them." You will get the hang of it soon, and you may wonder why you don’t switch earlier.

Note: Training a puppy requires a lot of mess, which is why it is a good idea to have a washable absorbent pad. Use this Pee Pad by Max & Neo to skip disposable items, and it has received numerous five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It is designed to handle various sizes of debris, with a quick-drying top layer, absorbent core layer and non-stick bottom coating barrier to protect the surface from liquids. At Treehugger, reusability is always a successful concept, so we are big fans.

Why we chose it: Duhr described it as "another great product from Max and Neo." She went on to say, "These are great, and it saves money and our planet than using disposable sanitary napkins. In addition, for disposable items, puppies often chew them. Disposable pads will not stay in place, but these pads can They are very suitable for older dogs and dogs receiving medical care, such as recovering from surgery. If you put these cushions on the dog bed, it will keep the dog bed clean and dry. After taking your dog for a swim, they are in your It also works well in your car. I like the big size."

Note: iPrimio Ultimate stainless steel cat box is an excellent choice for litter box because it is durable. The top of this particular box is open, many cats like it, and it is very large, very comfortable to use-almost two feet long and 15 inches wide. Its sides are smooth, there are no sharp edges, and the bottom has rubber feet to prevent sliding. It won the "Best Overall" in the early Treehugger Collection.

Why we choose it: If your cat does not need privacy in the bathroom, this open stainless steel litter box is a good choice. Breyer likes this box because it is stainless steel and will not rust, absorb odors or stain. "It's very easy to clean," Breyer said. "After using a plastic trash can for a lifetime, I like this idea that can be used for decades."

Treehugger / Catherine Song's photo illustration / retailer below

Note: More than 70 million dogs in the United States are extremely anxious due to incidents such as thunderstorms and fireworks. For many of these pets, there is a very simple repair method-a close-fitting jacket that can produce slight pressure to calm the animals. In 80% of cases, ThunderShirt can help anxious dogs and can be used without any training. Lightweight, breathable, and machine washable, these clever "shirts" are also useful for separation anxiety and travel.

Why we choose it: "For dogs with anxiety, especially during storms, fireworks or other stressful times, ThunderShirt is a very effective tool," Duhr explained. "It's a good choice, and it's worth a try instead of turning to medication in the first place."

Note: Rescue Remedy Pet is a bottle of liquid drops that can provide natural, non-drowsy relief for pets who feel uncomfortable or dissatisfied during travel, noise, and other stressful situations. This 80-year-old homeopathic formula uses a famous combination of five natural flower essences carefully selected by Dr. Edward Bach from his original garden in the UK; including cistus, impatiens, clematis, and star of Bethlehem And cherry plum.

Why we choose it: We like that this formula is suitable for pets of all shapes and sizes. Aver loves cats and points out that sometimes even sending anxious kittens to the vet can be a challenge. She said: "This homeopathic remedy for stress relief may help prevent your cat from trying to escape its carrier... and make things easier for you." (As always, trying new ones for your pet Please consult your veterinarian before taking supplements.)

Important: Animals respond differently to sound frequencies, which is why the sounds your pet hears are important-and affect his or her mood and behavior. The recordings created by Pet Acoustics are called Pet Tunes and can be played through a dedicated speaker to help your pet calm down, whether it's a cat, dog, horse or bird. From the website: "[This is] a natural and profound method to minimize health stress, clinically proven and repeatable."

Why we choose it: "This kind of music is better than just watching TV for your pet when you go out. It is specially created for the hearing range of animals and can calm and soothe them," DiLonardo said. "It's really relaxing, beautiful music-even for people!"

Note: For centuries, essential oils have been used in many cultures to treat various health problems. This mixture from ThunderEssence (the manufacturer of ThunderShirt) is tailor-made for dogs and comes in spray or drop form. As Treehugger reported, this spray is effective when traveling in a car or when spraying around a pet's room.

Why we choose it: Some people use certain essential oils to successfully calm the anxiety of their pets. This blend is a blend of essential oils from lavender, chamomile and Egyptian geranium. It can be sprayed on bedding, in cars, or on collars or headscarves worn by your dog to help create a calmer and less anxious atmosphere.

Treehugger / Catherine Song's photo illustration / the non-profit organization below

Note: The Best Friend Animal Association is the leader of the national non-killing movement. It operates the largest animal sanctuary of its kind in Utah. The sanctuary was established in 1984 and currently has more than 1,600 animals that require lifelong care. It has a network of 3,100 additional shelters in 50 states, making it one of the most accessible pet rescue organizations. 

Why we chose it: "Best friend is an animal sanctuary and adoption center based on friendliness, tolerance, and accessibility to all pets and those who adopt them," said veterinarian Melissa Shapiro. "Through community involvement, meetings and fundraising activities, Best Friends brings together the animal welfare community in a unique and very effective way." Judy Duhr added that when the animal law changes, the organization will issue a Ministry more detailed information, which is very helpful. "They provide many training programs and tours to help everyone involved in saving animals."

Note: Snooty Giggles is a rescue organization that specializes in pets with various special needs. It has no restrictions on breed, size or age, and strives to help any dog ​​that may be injured by a serious accident, birth defect or disease. Some people can't see or hear; others need a lot of surgery and medical care. Some are extreme elderly people who only need a home where they can spend their last days with love and support.

Why we chose it: DiLonardo explained that the focus of this rescue in Tennessee is to find homes for pets with special needs—such as those with neurological problems that are often overlooked. "This is the first time I raised a blind and deaf puppy, and realized how these pets have'super powers', and they are very special."

Note: Cats Safe at Home is a cooperative organization based in Portland, Oregon, committed to humanely reducing the number of outdoor cats through outreach and education. The event aims to help wild animals and wild birds (in the United States, as many as 2.4 billion wild cats are killed by outdoor cats each year), but also to help cats, whether they are stray cats, wild cats or free-roaming cats. Cats Safe at Home is one of the best resources we have encountered, catio. This wonderful enclosure allows cats to enjoy outdoor time without endangering wild animals or themselves. 

Why we chose it: "After leaving the cat to the coyote and the car, I fully support the concept of catio," said Breyer, who also volunteered for Audubon during the bird migration. "Catios are a wonderful way to protect birds (and other creatures) from cats, while also protecting cats from cars, predators, and diseases. It's a good situation for everyone." Breyer pointed out that Cats Safe at Home will provide local cat tours to help promote and provide a variety of other information for interested cat owners. (For some major catio inspirations, check out the spectacular tour in Treehugger's Instagram story.)

Note: With the help of Wings of Rescue, volunteer pilots transport pets from crowded shelters to adoption centers, where they are more likely to find family members. The charity was established in 2012 to move shelter pets in danger from disaster areas to safe havens for empty kennels. When these imported pets arrived, no other pets were displaced from their shelters. In the past ten years, 57,000 pets have been sent to safety. These animals will soon find their families: the average time pets stay in the shelter before adoption is only 3.5 days. 

Why we chose it: Duhr said, “These types of programs and pilots are very important to the rescue community. Finding transportation for dogs that are often forced to euthanize in exchange for space in areas where homeless dogs are flooded can be difficult. Those who spend time and planes driving these dogs to rescue are lifeguards!"

Note: Petfinder is not an animal shelter or rescue organization; instead, it promotes the adoption of thousands of animal rescue organizations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Updated daily, its database displays a list of nearly 11,000 rescue organizations and shelters to help future owners establish contact with their pets. You can search by breed, age, size, and location, and set up email alerts to be notified when there is a potential perfect match. It is considered one of the best and most comprehensive pet search tools. 

Why we chose it: Shapiro said, “PetFinder’s user-friendly website lists more than 250,000 adopted pets, making it the most well-known source of adoptable pets. Targeting location, species, breed combination, size, age, and special The filter of needs, as well as other resources on the site, optimize the likelihood of a good match and the chances of success for the adopter and his new pet!"

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