Be Good to Your Pets and The Earth: An Eco-Friendly Pet Care Guide
We here at Sparky Steps proudly consider ourselves “dog walkers with a social mission.” We firmly believe that our beloved quadrupeds deserve the absolute best that life has to offer, just like us bipeds! But providing the best for our pets shouldn't come at the expense of the environment.
The pet industry has a massive carbon footprint, from plastic toys that end up in landfills to the heavy environmental toll of commercial meat processing. Fortunately, a wave of incredibly sustainable, eco-conscious pet brands has emerged to help us spoil our dogs responsibly.
This means we do our very best to research and bring the best products and information directly to you. We’ve compiled a list of fantastic, reliable websites and local Chicago brick-and-mortar shops that boast a myriad of eco-friendly products you can confidently check off Fluffy’s wish list.
1. Zero-Waste, Sustainable Toys
If your buddy loves soft plushies, rubbery bouncy balls, or thick ropes for an aggressive game of tug-of-war, it's time to ditch the BPA-laden plastics.
You’ll find a plethora of safe, sustainable choices at West Paw. They are a certified B-Corp that manufactures their toys in the USA using proprietary "Zogoflex" material, which is 100% non-toxic, incredibly durable, and completely recyclable. In fact, if your dog destroys a toy, you can send it back to them to be melted down into a brand new one!
Beco Pets is another phenomenal choice for eco-friendly playtime. They offer a fantastic range of durable dog toys made from natural, ethically sourced rubber and rough-and-tumble plushies made entirely from recycled ocean plastics.
2. Eco-Friendly Apparel for Chilly Days
We humans do our utmost to protect ourselves from the freezing Chicago winds, putting on woolen socks and winter coats to keep our core temperatures up. Our furry friends need the exact same help to stave off the chill—especially smaller breeds or dogs with single-layer coats.
Keep them warm without the massive carbon footprint by checking out Gold Paw Series. They are a family-run business that crafts incredibly soft, buttery dog fleeces right here in the USA. Their "Eco-Fleece" line is made entirely from recycled polyester, meaning every sweater you buy keeps plastic water bottles out of the landfill.
3. Earth-Conscious & Sustainable Treats
When it comes to training rewards and stocking stuffers, it's time to think outside the traditional meat processing box. Look no further than Jiminy’s.
Jiminy's is revolutionizing the pet industry by making delicious, highly-motivating dog treats using sustainable cricket protein. It might sound crazy, but dogs love the taste, and farming crickets uses exponentially less land and water than traditional beef or chicken! Swapping to a sustainable treat like this saves thousands of gallons of water a year and is fantastic for dogs with food allergies.
4. The Daily Duty: Compostable Poop Bags
We can't talk about environmental pet care without talking about waste! The average dog produces over 270 pounds of waste a year, and picking it up with single-use plastic grocery bags means that waste will sit in a landfill for centuries.
Make the easiest eco-friendly switch today by investing in 100% compostable, plant-based poop bags from Earth Rated. Be sure to look specifically for their white compostable line, which breaks down naturally over time!
5. Shop Local in Chicago ("Paws on the Ground")
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to skip the massive shipping boxes and shop locally! If you are a “paws on the ground” type of shopper, check out Kriser’s Natural Pet and Bentley’s Pet Stuff for high-quality natural foods, treats, accessories, and toys. They both have several convenient store locations spanning across the Chicagoland area and specialize in food that is all-natural and free from harmful by-products.
Good luck navigating the wonderful world of sustainable pet care, and “Dog Speed!”
Want to further reduce your carbon footprint? Skip the drive to the dog park! Book a neighborhood stroll with the local Chicago dog walkers at Sparky Steps to give your dog the exercise they need right from your front door. Contact us today!
Original author: Lilly Schmall
Edited by the Sparky Steps Team (Last Updated: May 25, 2026)
