We live in an increasingly eco-conscious world where consumers make more environmentally friendly purchasing decisions than ever.[1] But there's one area of modern life that many people in the United States fail to realize contributes to their overall carbon footprint: Pet ownership.

Estimates suggest that dogs and cats alone are responsible for a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions related to animal agriculture.[2] The impact is more significant than most realize, adding tens of millions of tons of greenhouse emissions every year.

While science is still divided about the true effect of owning cats and dogs on climate change, there's no denying that caring for an animal substantially increases one's carbon footprint in many ways.

Furthermore, things will get worse before they get better. Pet ownership is rising, and more people are adding canine and feline companions to their families.[3] As a result, carbon dioxide emissions from dog and cat ownership will continue to increase in 2024 and beyond.

But just how big is the carbon footprint of cats and dogs?

Expected emissions from pet ownership by state in 2024 at a glance

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Related to Dog and Cat Ownership in 2024

The carbon footprint of individual pet owners can vary. However, research and surveys give us more insight into how pet ownership collectively produces more greenhouse gas emissions.

Below is a list of every state in the continental United States and the number of metric tons of CO2 cat and dog owners will play a part in producing in 2024. We've organized the list from highest to lowest, showing the states with the highest CO2 emissions first.

The list uses data from several sources, including surveys from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).[4] It does not include data from states and jurisdictions excluded from relevant studies, such as Alaska, Hawaii and the District of Columbia (D.C.).

16. Missouri

• Number of Households in 2024: 2,513,418

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 45.1%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,813,683

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 1,269,579 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 28.6%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.9

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 1,365,792

• Total Emissions from Cats: 423,396 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Missouri: 1,692,974 metric tons of CO2

17. Alabama

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,945,159

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 46.9%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.9

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,733,332

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 1,213,333 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 26.1%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.7

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 863,068

• Total Emissions from Cats: 267,552 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Alabama: 1,480,883 metric tons of CO2

18. Colorado

• Number of Households in 2024: 2,201,524

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 47.2%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 16,62,591

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 1,163,814 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 27.1%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 954,581

• Total Emissions from Cats: 295,921 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Colorado: 1,459,734 metric tons of CO2

19. Kentucky

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,800,495

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 46.5%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.9

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,590,738

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 1,113,517 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 32.2%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 1,043,567

• Total Emissions from Cats: 323,506 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Kentucky: 1,437,022 metric tons of CO2

20. South Carolina

• Number of Households in 2024: 2,020,325

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 45.3%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,464,332

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 1,025,033 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 25.2%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 814,596

• Total Emissions from Cats: 252,525 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in South Carolina: 1,277,557 metric tons of CO2

21. Wisconsin

• Number of Households in 2024: 2,449,273

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 33.6%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.4

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,152,139

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 806,498 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 32.4%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.9

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 1,507,773

• Total Emissions from Cats: 467,410 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Wisconsin: 1,273,907 metric tons of CO2

22. New Jersey

• Number of Households in 2024: 3,370,216

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 29.1%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.3

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,274,953

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 892,468 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 18.9%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 1,019,154

• Total Emissions from Cats: 315,938 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in New Jersey: 1,208,405 metric tons of CO2

23. Oklahoma

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,538,376

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 47.7%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,320,850

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 924,595 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 28.4%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 786,418

• Total Emissions from Cats: 243,790 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Oklahoma: 1,168,385 metric tons of CO2

24. Minnesota

• Number of Households in 2024: 2274228

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 35.5%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.4

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,130,292

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 791,205 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 26.5%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.9

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 1,145,074

• Total Emissions from Cats: 354,973 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Minnesota: 1,146,177 metric tons of CO2

25. Massachusetts

• Number of Households in 2024: 2,725,359

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 28.9%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.4

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,102,681

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 771,877 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 23.5%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 1,024,735

• Total Emissions from Cats: 3176,68 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Massachusetts: 1,089,545 metric tons of CO2

26. Mississippi

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,150,148

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 51%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 2.1

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,231,809

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 862,267 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 29.1%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 2

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 669,387

• Total Emissions from Cats: 207,510 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Mississippi: 1,069,776 metric tons of CO2

27. Arkansas

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,205,660

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 51.6%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,119,818

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 783,873 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 34.8%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 2.1

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 881,097

• Total Emissions from Cats: 273,141 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Arkansas: 1,057,013 metric tons of CO2

28. Oregon

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,691,856

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 37.8%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,023,235

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 716,265 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 30%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 812,091

• Total Emissions from Cats: 251,749 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Oregon: 968,013 metric tons of CO2

29. Louisiana

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,804,515

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 38.3%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 1,105,807

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 774,065 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 19%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.7

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 582,859

• Total Emissions from Cats: 180,687 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Louisiana: 954,751 metric tons of CO2

30. Maryland

• Number of Households in 2024: 2,297,443

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 30.2%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.4

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 971,359

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 679,952 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 18.6%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.7

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 726,452

• Total Emissions from Cats: 225,201 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Maryland: 905,151 metric tons of CO2

31. Iowa

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,312,159

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 36.3%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 2

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 857,365

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 600,156 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 35.6%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 934,258

• Total Emissions from Cats: 289,620 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Iowa: 889,775 metric tons of CO2

32. Kansas

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,176,245

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 43.1%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 811,139

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 567,798 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 32.4%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 2.1

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 800,318

• Total Emissions from Cats: 248,099 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Kansas: 815,896 metric tons of CO2

33. Nebraska

• Number of Households in 2024: 789,663

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 47.1%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 669,477

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 468,634 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 30.9%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 2.3

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 561,214

• Total Emissions from Cats: 173,977 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Nebraska: 642,610 metric tons of CO2

34. West Virginia

• Number of Households in 2024: 756,262

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 49.6%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.7

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 637,681

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 446,377 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 37.7%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 2.1

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 598,733

• Total Emissions from Cats: 185,608 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in West Virginia: 631,984 metric tons of CO2

35. Nevada

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,163,911

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 36%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 670,413

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 469,290 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 23.1%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.7

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 457,068

• Total Emissions from Cats: 141,692 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Nevada: 610,980 metric tons of CO2

36. Idaho

• Number of Households in 2024: 668,778

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 58.3%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.7

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 662,826

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 463,979 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 33.3%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 2

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 445,407

• Total Emissions from Cats: 138,077 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Idaho: 602,054 metric tons of CO2

37. Utah

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,033,445

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 36.2%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.6

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 598,572

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 419,001 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 24.7%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.9

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 484,996

• Total Emissions from Cats: 150,349 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Utah: 569,349 metric tons of CO2

38. New Mexico

• Number of Households in 2024: 816,538

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 39.4%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 2

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 643,432

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 450,403 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 25.2%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 370,382

• Total Emissions from Cats: 114,819 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in New Mexico: 565,221 metric tons of CO2

39. Connecticut

• Number of Households in 2024: 1,427,001

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 24%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.4

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 479,473

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 335,632 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 26.7%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.9

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 723,918

• Total Emissions from Cats: 224,415 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Connecticut: 560,046 metric tons of CO2

40. Montana

• Number of Households in 2024: 449,129

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 51.9%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 2.1

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 489,506

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 342,655 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 22.8%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 184,323

• Total Emissions from Cats: 57,141 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Montana: 399,794 metric tons of CO2

41. Maine

• Number of Households in 2024: 586,638

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 35.9%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.5

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 315,905

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 221,134 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 43.6%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.9

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 485,971

• Total Emissions from Cats: 150,652 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Maine: 371,785 metric tons of CO2

42. Delaware

• Number of Households in 2024: 382,082

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 42.2%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 290,230

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 203,161 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 24.1%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 165,748

• Total Emissions from Cats: 513,82 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Delaware: 254,543metric tons of CO2

43. North Dakota

• Number of Households in 2024: 330,499

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 44.3%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.5

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 219,617

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 153,732 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 24.8%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 229,499

• Total Emissions from Cats: 71,145 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in North Dakota: 224,877 tons of CO2

44. New Hampshire

• Number of Households in 2024: 555,289

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 23.7%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.4

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 184,245

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 128,972 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 36.4%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.5

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 303,188

• Total Emissions from Cats: 93,989 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in New Hampshire: 222,960 tons of CO2

45. Rhode Island

• Number of Households in 2024: 427,172

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 25.8%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.4

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 154,295

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 108,007 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 16.7%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 2

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 142,676

• Total Emissions from Cats: 44,230 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Rhode Island: 152,236 tons of CO2

46. South Dakota

• Number of Households in 2024: 358,314

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 32.1%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.3

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 149,525

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 104,668 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 26.6%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.4

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 133,437

• Total Emissions from Cats: 41,366 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in South Dakota: 146,033 tons of CO2

47. Wyoming

• Number of Households in 2024: 240,228

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 36%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.7

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 147,020

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 102,914 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 30%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.8

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 129,724

• Total Emissions from Cats: 40,215 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Wyoming: 143,128 tons of CO2

48. Vermont

• Number of Households in 2024: 270,738

• Percentage of Dog-Owning Households: 28.3%

• Average Number of Dogs Per Household: 1.3

• Total Estimated Dog Population: 99,605

• Total Emissions from Dogs: 69,724 metric tons of CO2

• Percentage of Cat-Owning Households: 44.6%

• Average Number of Cats Per Household: 1.3

• Total Estimated Cat Population: 156,974

• Total Emissions from Cats: 48,662 metric tons of CO2

• Total Emissions Caused by Dogs and Cats Combined in Vermont: 118,385 tons of CO2

What Contributes to a Pet's Carbon Footprint?

Cats and dogs contribute to emissions in many ways, including manufacturing processes for every item they use. The biggest offender is a pet's diet.

Commercial dog and cat food is among the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Cats and dogs eat an estimated 20 percent of the world's meat and fish.[5] One study found that cats and dogs alone are responsible for 30 percent of the total environmental impact of meat consumption in the United States.[6]

For perspective, the manufacturing process for dry commercial food produces approximately 4.25kg of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for just 1,000 kilocalories (kcals) of product. Wet food is even worse, producing 33.46kg of emissions per 1,000 kcals.[7]

Researchers found that dog and cat food production releases about 64 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually, which is similar to the impact of 13.6 million cars on the road.

An average-sized dog is responsible for roughly 700kg of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions yearly. Cats are responsible for about 310kg.

The Average Carbon Footprint of a Dog

An average-sized dog is responsible for roughly 70kg of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions yearly. Of course, sizes and diets vary based on breed. Smaller pups are responsible for much less. However, large-breed canines can play a part in producing up to a staggering 2,500kg!

The Average Carbon Footprint of a Cat

Cats are responsible for far fewer emissions than dogs, but the impact is still significant. The average cat will contribute around 310kg of emissions yearly.

Ways to Minimize Your Pet's Carbon Footprint

Pets will increase your carbon footprint. But that doesn't mean pet owners must give up the love and companionship pets provide! The key to minimizing a pet's impact is to make smarter and more eco-friendly purchasing choices.

Re-Evaluate Your Pet's Food

Commercial pet food manufacturing is the biggest issue that increases a cat or dog's footprint. However, dogs and cats must still eat a healthy and balanced diet of meat and protein.

Consider switching to a more sustainable brand. Sustainability in food manufacturing is a tall order, but many brands are working hard to reduce emissions. Do your homework and find brands that prioritize carbon-neutral processes.

Don't focus entirely on ingredients. Those matter, but a huge contributor to total emissions falls outside the manufacturing process. Transporting raw ingredients to facilities is a major problem. The same goes for post-manufacturing transportation of finished products to stores. It's also important to consider the materials used for packaging and how they impact sustainability and emissions.

To minimize your pet's carbon footprint, reconsider the types of food you provide and work with your vet for a better alternative.

Try transitioning your cat or dog away from emission-heavy meat ingredients like beef and lamb. Instead, opt for meat-based formulas that contain proteins with a lower greenhouse gas footprint, such as chicken, fish, turkey, duck or rabbit. Newer, innovative brands even use insects as a protein source, significantly lowering your pet's impact.

Pay Attention to Toys and Supplies

While food is the biggest factor in a pet's carbon footprint, other products you purchase can be problematic, too.

Plastic toys, waste bags, cat litter, and more are awful for the environment. Like food, manufacturing processes result in substantial emissions. Instead of buying cheap plastic products, spring for greener alternatives.

For example, toys made of natural materials like jute can make a difference. The same applies to sustainable leashes, harnesses, bedding, cat litter, etc.

You can also consider sticking to the essentials to avoid over-buying.

Offsetting Your Pet's Carbon Footprint

It's impossible to zero out your pet's carbon footprint entirely. The pet industry isn't at that point just yet. However, you can offset your pet's impact by investing in environmental projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere.

There's no shortage of projects to support, and many platforms allow you to invest with one-time donations or ongoing monthly subscriptions. They can help you achieve net-zero pet ownership.

Understanding a Pet's Impact

Despite all the progress we're seeing in the United States, there's a long way to go in reducing emissions as a country. Understanding your pet's impact is the first step in making positive changes. Pet ownership has a bigger effect on the environment than most realize, but that doesn't mean you can't welcome pets into your life. The key is to make smarter purchasing decisions while taking steps to minimize and offset your pet's footprint as much as possible.

RESOURCES:

[1] https://execsintheknow.com/magazines/july-2023-issue/the-rise-of-environmentally-conscious-consumers-cx-reimagined-for-sustainability/

[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2017/08/02/whats-your-dogs-carbon-pawprint/?sh=5494e3a613a6

[3] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-ownership-statistics/

[4] https://www.avma.org/

[5] https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/would-you-feed-your-dog-insects-to-help-the-planet_uk_5c371958e4b045f676890c63

[6] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/21/throw-a-dog-a-bean-how-to-reduce-the-carbon-footprint-of-your-pets#:

[7] https://www.ed.ac.uk/global-agriculture-food-systems/gaafs-news/blogs/behind-the-environmental-impacts-of-pet-foods