Guilt-free Giving

A guide to sustainable pet shopping

By Ana Poe

We all know how to be responsible food consumers: buy organic, buy local, and bring your own bag. But do you apply these same sustainable shopping rules to other goods, including pet supplies?

I have the feeling a few pets out there are going to be receiving presents during the holiday season. That's great, but shop wisely. Haphazardly running into your local pet superstore and picking up the first impulse buy you see carries considerable ramifications.

Many pet items are produced in other countries where environmental and labor laws are questionable and quality control standards are low. Such products often contain hazards in their material and design. Grab a collar off the shelf and it was most likely constructed by workers in poor conditions out of eco-unfriendly materials. That cute little bone-shaped treat may be full of preservatives or made from substandard ingredients.

You can easily set off a chain of serious consequences while buying presents for your pooch. Before you throw up you hands, wondering aloud what the heck it's okay to buy anymore, refer to the following simple guidelines:

1. Buy local. It saves untold resources when we spend our dollars in our own communities. While there is no "Farmers Market" for pet products, you can go into your local boutique and ask which products are produced locally. When you can't buy local, at least buy American-made.
   
   
2. Buy things that last. Look for sturdy, well-constructed products that won't fall apart or break within weeks. My dog loves to kill toys, so I buy sturdy, American-made ones, like Kongs, not cheap foreign knock-offs.
   
   
3. Don't trash the planet. Is the product made of recycled and/or biodegradable materials? Many synthetic materials - notably most plastics -- will spend forever in a landfill. Natural materials, like leather and hemp, don't waste resources during manufacture and break down more quickly once discarded.
   
   
4. Who else will benefit? Before you make a purchase, check out the philanthropic policies of the people that made the product. Lots of companies give back part of their proceeds to non-profit groups. When your gift to a beloved dog is also a gift to the local rescue group, for instance, your purchase has made a meaningful difference.

You don't have to be perfect in your shopping habits, just prudent. If the choice comes down to two nearly identical products, select the one that is best for the community and for the planet, as well as for the dogs on your gift list. Read labels, research companies, check online reviews, and cast a vote for sustainability every time you shop. Thankfully, there is a lot of awareness these days about the environmental and political ramifications of our consumer choices, so sustainable products are widely available. This means it's entirely possible to shop guilt-free while still bringing maximum enjoyment to your animal friends. Happy holidays!

Ana Poe founded Paco Collars in 2002 with the intention of creating a socially responsible company capable of delivering quality goods that look good, to boot. The company donates a portion of its profits to various grassroots rescue organizations, most notably BADRAP. Ana is owned by Paco, a seven-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier, and Pirate, a three-year-old Siamese cat.

Good Gifts for Great Dogs

What do you give the dog (or dog person) who has everything? It can be tough to sniff out the perfect pooch-y present, so we asked some Bay Woof friends in the retail trade to offer their recommendations.
Prices shown are approximate.

Recommended by Ruth Villasenor and Diane Pfile, Proprietors
Paws & Claws, 2023 MacArthur Blvd.
(2 blocks west of Fruitvale), Oakland
510-336-0105; www.pawsnclawsoakland.com

Simply Fido Organic Pet Toys, $14-$20
Made of organic, unbleached, and unprocessed fibers, these high-quality soft toys are 100% environmentally friendly.

Premier Fido Fleece Coats, $21-$50
These durable, easy-on and easy-off coats with collar-to-tail Velcro closures protect your dog's underside. Available in a variety of festive colors and patterns. Not just for small dogs; big dogs love them too!

Recommended by Sean Le Deit, Proprietor
Osso & Co. (two locations)
501 Broderick St., SF (415) 447-8543
1232 9th Ave., SF (415) 661-6113
www.mariosworldpetproducts.com

Canine Genius Leo Toy, $14-$22
On its own, Leo is a great bouncing, fetching, tugging, and challenging treat-dispensing toy. You can also link multiple Leo toys together to create a more difficult canine challenge. Made in the USA from durable and irresistibly chewy space-age material.

Orbee-Tuff® Mint, $11
Retro candy meets nouveau drool. Willy Wonka would love this buoyant, bouncy, and minty canine confection. A great gift for adventurous buddies of all shapes and sizes. Made in the USA.

Recommended by Elizabeth Pinkerton, Proprietor
Dog Bone Alley (two locations)
1342 Park Street, Alameda, (510) 521-5800
730 Camino Ramon, Danville, (925) 552-0410

Wooden Dog Puzzles by Nina Ottosson, $55-$60
The Dog Tornado is a multi-level puzzle that makes your dog move the layers to retrieve treats hidden inside. It's great for the smart dog who needs a job to stay happy. Other Ottosson designs are equally fun.

Doog Walkie Belt from Australia, $45
This slim-profile waist belt for dog people has pockets for everything from treats to poop bags to car keys. Available in fun colors and patterns, it is much more attractive than a fanny pack.

Recommended by Walt Bell, Proprietor
Black Nose Trading Company
342 Divisadero Street, San Francisco
(415) 503-1004; www.blacknosetrading.com

Meteor Light L.E.D. Dog Balls, $12
Throw these waterproof polyurethane balls that glow in the dark using a Chuck-It or with your bare hands - either way, you'll be delighted that the ball stays lit when your pet or you have to retrieve it!

Bake-at-Home Buddy Biscuits, $12
Delight your dogs with super-fresh cookies by baking them at home. These biscuit mixes are made with wholesome ingredients and contain no artificial flavors or colors.

Recommended by Heidi Hill, Proprietor
Holistic Hound
1050 Walnut Street, Berkeley
(510) 843-2133; www.holistichound.com

Animal Essentials Herbal Multi-Vitamin, $28
This dietary supplement contains high-quality, human-grade herbs, vitamins, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and chelated minerals in a balanced formula. Used in conjunction with a good diet and exercise, it will support your pet's immune system, increase vigor, and ensure the nutritional diversity needed to keep him healthy and happy.

Rescue Remedy for Pets, $11
This five-flower essence from Bach will help calm you and your animal companion during the stress holiday travel, boarding, visitors, etc. Flower essences can be added to water or food, massaged into ears and body, and sprayed onto crates and bedding.