Why Ethical Pet Care Matters in 2025
Pet ownership in the UK is at an all-time high, with over 11 million dogs bringing joy and companionship to their owners. However, with this surge in pet ownership comes a greater responsibility—not just to our furry friends but to the planet, the community, and the ethical treatment of animals.
In 2025, UK dog owners are more conscious than ever about ethical choices—whether it’s choosing eco-friendly dog products, supporting independent service providers, or ensuring fair treatment of pet carers. This shift is driving demand for responsible, sustainable, and transparent pet care services.
So, how do you ensure you’re making ethical choices when it comes to your dog? In this guide, we’ll explore:
✔ What ethical pet care actually means.
✔ How to choose responsible dog-walking and pet-sitting services.
✔ The importance of supporting local, fairly paid service providers.
✔ Why sustainable pet products & practices matter.
By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make more responsible decisions—ensuring your pet, service providers, and the planet all benefit.
What Is Ethical Pet Care?
Ethical pet care goes beyond just looking after dogs—it involves:
🐾 Ensuring fair wages & working conditions for dog walkers, sitters, and groomers.
🌍 Supporting sustainability by choosing eco-friendly pet products & reducing waste.
🐶 Prioritising responsible pet ownership by ensuring dogs receive proper care & training.
❤️ Advocating for animal welfare by avoiding services that exploit animals.
📌 Did you know? The UK pet industry is worth over £20 billion, yet many pet care workers earn below minimum wage due to high commissions taken by large platforms. Choosing fair-pay services makes a huge difference!
1. How to Choose an Ethical Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Not all pet care services are created equal. Some prioritise profits over fair pay, while others operate with little to no regulation. Here’s what to look for when choosing an ethical dog-walking or pet-sitting service:
✅ Fair Pay & Transparency
- Many large pet service platforms take 20-40% commission, leaving dog walkers with very little income.
- Choose platforms like GoWalkies, where service providers keep 100% of their earnings.
- Ask for transparent pricing—if it seems too cheap, the walker might not be fairly paid.
✅ Proper Insurance & Safety Measures
- Always choose insured service providers to protect both your pet and the walker.
- Ensure they have background checks and ID verification—essential for safety.
- Look for real-time tracking & updates so you know where your pet is at all times.
✅ Positive Reviews & Ethical Practices
- Read Google and app-based reviews to see what other pet owners say.
- Ask about their dog-handling philosophy—a good walker should prioritise dog welfare over speed or efficiency.
- Avoid services that overbook walkers or force them to handle too many dogs at once.
📌 Pro Tip: Using GoWalkies ensures only verified, insured, and fairly paid pet carers are looking after your pet—offering an ethical and community-driven alternative to big corporations.
2. Sustainable Dog Care: How to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Pawprint
Owning a dog comes with environmental responsibilities. From dog food production to plastic waste from toys and poo bags, dogs have a surprisingly large carbon footprint.
How to Make Dog Ownership More Eco-Friendly
🌱 Choose Sustainable Pet Products
- Opt for biodegradable poo bags over plastic.
- Buy recyclable or sustainable dog toys (look for bamboo, hemp, or recycled rubber).
- Invest in organic, UK-made dog treats to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
🥩 Eco-Friendly Dog Food Choices
- Many big-brand dog foods have high carbon footprints due to factory farming & shipping.
- Consider sustainable brands that use locally sourced ingredients & ethical farming.
- Look for high-protein, plant-based, or insect-based alternatives to reduce impact.
🚗 Reduce Transport Emissions in Pet Care
- Walk your dog locally instead of driving to parks where possible.
- Hire local dog walkers & pet sitters instead of using large national agencies.
- Use apps like GoWalkies to find nearby service providers, reducing travel emissions.
📌 Did you know? The pet industry accounts for millions of tons of plastic waste per year. Choosing eco-conscious brands & services makes a huge impact!
3. Supporting Small & Independent Pet Businesses in the UK
Choosing small, independent pet care providers instead of large corporate services has multiple benefits:
🎯 It helps local dog walkers & sitters earn a fair wage.
🎯 It builds stronger, more personalised relationships with pet carers.
🎯 It supports UK-based businesses rather than international companies.
How to Support Local & Ethical Dog Services
✔ Use GoWalkies—where independent service providers earn 100% of their fees.
✔ Buy from local pet businesses instead of large chains.
✔ Choose pet groomers, walkers, and sitters in your neighbourhood instead of big franchises.
📌 Pro Tip: Many independent pet care professionals rely on word-of-mouth & online reviews—so leave a 5-star review if you receive great service!
Final Thoughts: Why Ethical Pet Care Is the Future
As UK pet owners become more conscious consumers, demand for fair, sustainable, and responsible pet care is growing.
By making informed choices, you can:
✅ Ensure your pet receives high-quality, ethical care.
✅ Support fairly paid, insured, and professional dog walkers & sitters.
✅ Reduce waste and environmental harm from pet products.
✅ Strengthen the local pet care community & economy.
📲 Looking for an ethical way to find dog walkers & pet sitters?👉 Join GoWalkies today and book trusted, insured pet carers who keep 100% of their earnings!
