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.

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

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.).

Expected emissions from pet ownership by state in 2024

Expected emissions from pet ownership by state in 2024 (diagram)

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 700kg 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.

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.

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