Your First Pet: Ethical Considerations and a Practical Guide for New Owners

Have you ever considered getting a pet? If so, then have you considered also going to the local pet store and getting it? Well, that seems fair enough and a typical move. The truth about the local pet stores is that they do not source their pets ethically. It is widely cited by animal welfare organizations that 90% of dogs from pet stores are from puppy mills. Many rodents, such as puppies and hamsters, come from similar mill facilities. Here are the harsh conditions of those mills. 

• Filthy, overcrowded, stacked wire cages

• Dogs breed until they are exhausted and then are often killed. 

• Denied healthy food, clean water, and basic vet care

Additionally, it is important to consider the type of breed you are buying. If it is a hybrid breed, then chances are it is being bred irresponsibly. Although they may appear cute, designer breeds often have inherent genetic health issues. For example, teacup puppies, which are bred to be extremely tiny and come with a variety of health issues. 

Nonetheless, scientific research demonstrates that pets significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. Having a pet companion can greatly increase happiness and is good to consider. 

Where to get pets from?

The best place to get pets is at your local shelter or adoption centre. Many adoption shelters are available in your local city, and with every pet adopted, you help fight against breeding mills. 

What Pet Food to Avoid?

Once you get a pet, you have an ample supply of pet food. Here are pet food brands owned by the largest corporations, Nestle and Mars, which are known to have faced lawsuits for child slavery. Best to avoid these brands.

Mars, Inc. owns major brands like Pedigree, Royal Canin, Whiskas, IAMS, Cesar, Nutro, and Temptations. Nestlé Purina owns brands including Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Friskies, Fancy Feast, Beneful, Alpo, and Merrick. 

What Pet Foods to Get?

Here are some ethical, very decent, locally made brands.

FirstMate

• Made in Canada with GMO-free, locally sourced ingredients

• Uses humanely raised poultry and sustainably caught fish

• Owned and manufactured by FirstMate itself

Open Farms

• Traceable, responsible sourcing and transparency 

• Affordable, sustainable pet food

• Healthier than regular pet food, grain-free, paired with non-GMO veggies

• Uses ethically raised meat and partnerships with trusted farms

What Toys to Get? 

Not all pet toys are made equal; some are hazardous and potentially will block your pet's intestines. Here are some brands that will equip you with the proper toys that are pet-friendly and safe to consume.

Kong

• Classic rubber toys (great for chewing & stuffing with treats)

• Very durable, can last through heavy bites

• Good for: medium to strong chewers

Now with this guide, you are almost ready to own your first pet with all the right information. Staying mindful of the best pet practices is sure to be good for both you and the animals. Your first pet is more than a purchase, it’s a promise. Make it a promise of care, compassion, and ethical choices.